Cowboys

Homosexuality is not the only thing that makes this movie controversial. There are a lot of movies and shows that feature homosexual relationships that aren’t as controversial as Brokeback Mountain, like Will & Grace and Rent. What makes Brokeback Mountain different?

A lot of the controversy comes from the fact that the two main characters are cowboys. Cowboys are supposed to be tough, real manly men. They are the quintessential manly men that are rough, burly, and strong. People idolize cowboys and look up to them as heroes. People don’t expect cowboys to be gay; it throws their preconceived notions out of the window. It is so unexpected and unanticipated that people freak out and overreact about it. Cowboys are supposed to represent an American ideal, and when this movie challenges that ideal, it makes people mad.

Movies like Rent and TV shows like Will & Grace are more excepted because they are about metropolitan, big city urbanites, not down-on-the-farm, all-American men. As a rule, city people are more liberal and more accepting of alternative lifestyles. People assume that city people have wild, crazy lifestyles. They are expected to be bohemian and unconventional. Being a cowboy calls for being old-fashioned and traditional in your beliefs and values.

This movie is not just about homosexuality; it is testing an American ideal.