Infidelity and the fall of the modern male

The biggest challenge faced by men in the world today, is sexual integrity. No force has proven to be as powerful as a man’s desire for uninhibited fulfillment of the sexual appetite, with no consequences or shame. Infidelity is running rampant, as divorce rates continue to climb and the nuclear family becomes obsolete. On parallel and interrelated tracks, pornography sales continue to skyrocket and women are used as sexual objects in the media. The connection is rarely made, as there is too much money to be made from men who simply haven’t learned, or been taught, how to control their inborn lustful desires. As we carry on with our daily routines, provocative imagery is shoved down our throats, strategically placed to catch our eye, whether consciously or not.

Our shallow society has us brainwashed. We believe that we deserve to have it all, whether it’s good for us or not. Money, material possessions and women are the crown jewels of our culture. If you have them, you’re on top and have nothing left to prove. Like pornography, materialism is rooted in selfishness. We create a false sense of reality, and believe that hollow and meaningless things can provide happiness. Again, the parallels with declining sexual integrity are profound, and should not be ignored.

What better proof of the connection between selfish motives and infidelity than the recent scandals involving Governors Elliot Spitzer and Mark Sanford, to name a few. These are men who appear to have it all: recognition, power, money and respect, but who have succumbed to the evil desires lurking within their hearts. On the surface, the recent string of political figures mired in marital infidelity scandals may seem shocking. However, a close look at the behavioral patterns, expectations and stereotypes of men, reveals that many are only doing what our society teaches them to do.  The culture among wealthy politicians is that of extramarital affairs and escort services, which was made public in the high-profile DC Madam scandal. Within this circle, it has been deemed not only excusable, but necessary to partake in debaucherous activities. The “good ole’ boy” mystique carries on with much intensity, and sexism and degradation of women continues to burn a hole in the heart of man.

How much have we truly evolved as a culture? Sure, women can vote and are given equal rights in the work place, but until women are respected on all levels, our age of enlightenment is light years ahead.