TL;DR Summary:
The documentary "Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln," explores lesser-known aspects of Lincoln's life, focusing on his close relationships with men, particularly Joshua Speed, with whom he shared a bed for four years. The film suggests that Lincoln may have been gay or bisexual, using letters, interviews with scholars, and historical evidence to support this claim. It also delves into Lincoln's deep depression following Speed's departure, describing it as a period of "suicidal depression." The documentary aims to shed light on Lincoln's personal struggles and the broader context of 19th-century sexual mores. "Lover of Men" is in select theaters starting September 6.
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Analysis:
The premise of the documentary "Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln" suggests that Abraham Lincoln may have been gay or bisexual, based on his close relationships with men, particularly his friendship with Joshua Speed, with whom he shared a bed for four years. To analyze this premise, it is important to consider historical norms, customs, and facts from the 19th century:
Link: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/abraham-lincoln-shared-bed-man-143127707.html
You decide. ...or don't.
The documentary "Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln," explores lesser-known aspects of Lincoln's life, focusing on his close relationships with men, particularly Joshua Speed, with whom he shared a bed for four years. The film suggests that Lincoln may have been gay or bisexual, using letters, interviews with scholars, and historical evidence to support this claim. It also delves into Lincoln's deep depression following Speed's departure, describing it as a period of "suicidal depression." The documentary aims to shed light on Lincoln's personal struggles and the broader context of 19th-century sexual mores. "Lover of Men" is in select theaters starting September 6.
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Analysis:
The premise of the documentary "Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln" suggests that Abraham Lincoln may have been gay or bisexual, based on his close relationships with men, particularly his friendship with Joshua Speed, with whom he shared a bed for four years. To analyze this premise, it is important to consider historical norms, customs, and facts from the 19th century:
1. Historical Context of Male Friendships:
- In the 19th century, it was not uncommon for men to share beds or live closely together, particularly in frontier settings or where accommodations were scarce. This practice did not necessarily imply a sexual relationship. Close male friendships, known as "romantic friendships," were often characterized by deep emotional bonds, shared letters, and even expressions of affection that today might be interpreted as romantic or sexual. These relationships were generally accepted within the social norms of the time.
2. Social Mores and Privacy:
- During Lincoln's era, privacy norms were different. It was typical for men to express affection for each other openly without it being seen through a modern lens of sexuality. The concepts of "gay" or "bisexual" as identities did not exist as they do today. Intimate friendships between men were often documented, and societal judgment was less focused on sexual orientation than on behavior that was explicitly sexual in nature.
3. Lincoln and Joshua Speed’s Relationship:
- Lincoln's friendship with Joshua Speed is well-documented, and they were very close. The two men did share a bed while living together in Springfield, Illinois, from 1837 to 1841, which was not unusual for the period. While the documentary suggests this could indicate a romantic or sexual relationship, historical evidence is limited. Most historians agree that their relationship could have been a deep, platonic friendship, which was typical of the era's male friendships.
4. Depression and Emotional Intensity:
- Lincoln’s letters and documented episodes of depression, including the one following Speed’s departure, demonstrate his intense emotional life. However, his depressive state after Speed left can be attributed to a range of factors, including Lincoln's well-known struggles with mental health, his melancholic disposition, and the stress of his personal and professional life, rather than necessarily implying a romantic relationship with Speed.
5. Marriage and Public Life:
- Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842 and had four children with her. His marriage and public life were consistent with the norms of his time. While this does not necessarily preclude him from having had other kinds of relationships, there is no definitive historical evidence that directly supports the idea that Lincoln was gay or bisexual. It is important to separate speculation from documented historical facts.
6. Evolving Interpretations of Historical Figures:
- Modern interpretations of historical figures often revisit their lives through contemporary understandings of sexuality. While it is valuable to explore these perspectives, they must be balanced with an awareness of historical context. The documentary appears to interpret Lincoln's life through a modern lens, which can offer new insights but might also impose contemporary views on past events.
Conclusion:
The premise of "Lover of Men" is intriguing but speculative, relying heavily on interpreting 19th-century relationships through a 21st-century perspective. While the documentary raises valid questions about Lincoln's personal life and emotional experiences, its conclusions about his sexuality are not definitively supported by historical evidence. The social norms and customs of Lincoln's time allowed for close, intimate male friendships without the modern implications of sexual identity. Therefore, while the film contributes to the discussion of historical figures' personal lives, its conclusions should be viewed critically, understanding the complexities of historical interpretation.Link: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/abraham-lincoln-shared-bed-man-143127707.html
You decide. ...or don't.
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