What I don't understand is

[serafina20]

Oliver Stone is not the first person ever to say Alexander loved men (as well as/instead of women). He's not just pulling it out of thin air. My sister took World History last year and they were watching a historically based documentary on Alexander. Although they referred to Hephastion the entire time as "Alexander's best friend" the moment he died, Alexander was suddenly, "depressed by the death of his lover." "Fire From Heaven" has a lot about their love, and, from what I understand, "The Persian Boy" deals laregely with his love affair with that eunch. I haven't watched the HIstory Channel's most recent documentary (is it a documentary or just a historical exploration?) but I'm willing to bet it's mentioned.

What I'm saying is, even if it's not historically *proven* (i.e. there's no torrid pictures or accounts of Alexander and Hephastions hot man-love), it seems to be a fairly well accepted interpretation/theory/extrapolation, especially in light of the value system of the time (it seems like it would be less accurate to portray Alexander as not having indulged, don't ya thing?). I think the law suit is friviolous and stupid and the movie shoudl definetely *not* have the words "entirely fictional" emblazoned across the front. I would, however, accept something to the effect of, "one interpretation of the times and facts" or whatever, however grudgingly.

People are stupid.

Oh, and apparetly my coworke had never heard that Alexander was bi. What rock is she living under?

Comments

[phinjay.livejournal.com]

The article I read about the protests said that this isn't the first time that this has happened. About two years ago someone presented a paper about Alexander's homosexuality, and the people from Macedonia were just outraged. They stormed the symposium.

What's interesting is the fact that they have a problem with his homosexuality, but if I'm not mistaken by the end of his life, Alexander thought he was a God. Isn't that worse?!

[firesignwriter.livejournal.com]

I saw an early bit of the History channel thing. It said quite blatantly that historical consensus agrees Hephaestion was his lover. There was also mention that Alexander's pop, concerned that his boy was (despite inarguable martial skills and brilliance) too feminine in manner as a youth, brought in a bunch of female prostitutes or such to encourage more masculine behavior from Alexander.

Meant to watch the whole thing, but had to run out. I might try to record it if it comes on again...

We live in such a bigoted world. Sigh.

[sabershadowkat.livejournal.com]

Hesphasian was called "Philalexandros", which, if you translate it literally means "Love of Alexander". Philo means "Having a strong affinity or preference for; loving" e.g. Philosophy = love of wisdom, Philogyny = love of women, etc. So even the written words of the time point to Alexander and Hes having a relationship.

[nebt-het.livejournal.com]

I don't think it is a matter of accuracy so much as taboo in the times we are in now. Much of the reason there is not much historical data that claims he had lovers was because it was a common practice then.
Now it is a taboo and people don't want to deal with a subject they have problems with in a mainstream movie.

I heard that Stone had to fight for the scenes he does have and that they are mostly context. So it is todays attitudes that are the real problem! What I'm curious to see is the reaction to the Heath Ledger/ Jake Gyllenhal movie that is supposed to be more blatant.

[pallas-athena6.livejournal.com]

But I was under the impression that not all countries shared America's homophobic and bigioted attitudes. I wouldn't be all that surprised if it was lawyers from America or somthing (especially in light of the stink over Kinsey), I'm just a little taken aback that people from Greece who supposedly know their own history, care.

(Sera, who's signed into her teaching journal)

[nasrani.livejournal.com]

That is absolutely true.

Funny that people don't know about it eventhough they do know about the nature of Greek aristocrates having affairs with their male slaves. I'm pretty sure they were more class conscious than gender conscious when it came to relationships then. So, Alexander bi? No big deal.

I've read so much about Alexander/Hephastion and now I feel like I just imegained the whole damned thing because no one seems to want to admit it or know anything about it.

Will the movie actually show that relationship?

[serafina20.livejournal.com]

Will the movie actually show that relationship?

From what I've heard, not really. Apparently, the furtherst they go is "longing glances" between A. and H. and some "admiring glances" between A. and "androgyonous looking" men. So, not only are people being stupid over it, but we're not even getting the good stuff to make it all worthwhile. *sigh*