All these codes… the man code, girl code, girlfriend code, baby code, even the traditional zip and area codes. Last week this parent of teenagers unexpectedly stumbled against THE BRO CODE. Do a little colloquial research. This so-called “code” is a loosely unwritten, relational guide as to how manly young men are to interact with one another.
For example, “Bros do not make eye contact at urinals“… or… “a Bro doesn’t date another’s sloppy second” (note: “a sloppy second” is the former girl of another)… “Bros never wear a Fanny Pack”… or my personal favorite… “when a Bro wants to do something stupid, first you try to talk the Bro out of it; if they still want to do it, you film it.”
Last week a situation existed in which one of my boy’s “Bro’s” had made a poor — albeit fairly minor — decision. Interestingly, while my relationships with both son and “Bro” are solid, my son refused to divulge any more detailed information. “You just don’t do that. No true Bro snitches on another.” Ah… THE BRO CODE.
And then it dawned on me…
When one Bro snitches on another Bro, the snitched-on Bro is then technically allowed to escape any questioning concerning their decision-making because they have now been wronged. They become seemingly rightfully indignant. They are then masterfully able to deflect attention from their behavior to the other’s snitching, thereby never having to wrestle with the appropriateness of what was actually snitched upon.
Notice last week’s arguably most newsworthy event…
Former CIA contractor, Edward Snowden, revealed confidential secrets about the US government’s spying programs. Having fled to Hong Kong, Snowden revealed the classified information via interviews with the British press. Among the revelations — and directly contradicting previous, recent CIA congressional testimony — Snowden shared that the American government is spying on its own people; they are collecting our phone records and monitoring our online activity.
To some, Snowden is an incredibly brave hero, selflessly willing to salvage himself for the sake of the greater good; to others he is a narcissistic traitor, threatening American security by now making enemy targeting easier. Fascinatingly, Snowden has profoundly bridged the partisan divide, as claims of traitor or hero hail from both parties.
The US is saying little. As increased reports detail the depth of the spying, we hear little denial; we do hear, however, that they intend to track down Edward Snowden. Why? Because Snowden snitched. No true Bro snitches on another.
The Intramuralist still doesn’t have a clear cut conclusion in regard to the appropriateness of this so-called whistle-blowing. I can conclude, no less, that when one snitches on another, the snitched-upon American government is now masterfully attempting to deflect attention from their behavior to Snowden’s snitching, thereby never having to wrestle with the appropriateness of what was actually snitched upon.
Sounds like the federal government should study other aspects of THE BRO CODE… for example… “A Bro never leaves a Bro behind”… and… “When a Bro is in doubt, he shall consider the actions of Chuck Norris before making a decision.”
We could use a little more Chuck Norris in government. He wouldn’t be a snitch. He’d be tough but compassionate. He’d mean what he says and say what he means. He also wouldn’t deflect attention elsewhere.
Respectfully,
AR