Cultures

The CS recalls the funeral of the French president a few years ago. Now this guy didnt "go" suddenly, and he had a long stint on this good earth. One of the interesting things, however, was his funeral. Of course you had the grieving family, the dignitaries and other heads of state. But there was also a woman in the procession that was unfamiliar to those who were not either part of the French media or political elite. Who was she? Well...it was Mr. President's mistress...taking on her accepted role in the funeral. The family of course knew her and the child she shared with the Pres.

In other parts of Europe, especially eastern Europe, while there isnt a complete acceptance of infidelity, there does appear to be a heightened acceptance of the "boys will be boys" mentality. (Unfortunately for women, it seems as though even these cultures retain the double standard that its ok for men but not for women).

You can see these diffenet cultural attitudes in play in the political context. For example, in Britain, a sex scandal is the worst thing for a political candidate. In France its apparently the best thing you can do, and in the U.S. its a mixed bag at best.

Now the CS isnt trying to sell a point of view here, just trying to stir discussion. But the question is...when it comes to monogamy, have we even reached a true consensus among ourselves(and our cultures)as to its necessity and feasibility? If not, is it that shocking or surprising that people are engaging in the cheating ways?