Putting It All on the Line: Why public figures cheat.

Still married

Divorced

On way to divorce

Scandal in the public sector is nothing new. It seems we can’t go a week without another politician, celebrity or pro-athlete cheating or dancing dangerously close to the line. While I was in college, this topic arose more than once in my political science classes. The question everyone wants an answer to is always the same. Why do they cheat? It’s the same question everyday people ask if the same situation happens in their lives. Seriously though- what convinces these public figures to risk their careers, family and reputation? They put everything on the line for a little sex or exchanging racy photos and messages.

Every political analyst has a different view or explanation for this question. I’m going to give you my personal opinion as a political science degree holder. No, I’m not expert on cheating, but I am entitled to my two cents. Celebrities and athletes all have one thing in common. They are constantly surrounded by the public and often away from their families. We glorify them as above the average human, and they take this viewpoint and run with it. They have the power to actually make a difference, which makes them feel powerful in their personal lives too. This power makes them feel invincible, almost as if they are above the law and not just criminal laws but also ethical ones. Even for “normal” people, the whole idea of ‘till death do us part has become something as a joke in society. I feel cheating is wrong at every level of a relationship, but I can’t seem to grasp how public figures are willing to risk so much.

Another thing that baffles me is the fact many actually “cheat down.” They have gorgeous wives that most men would kill for, but they cheat with someone who is nowhere near as attractive as their spouse. Here again, it is a power thing. These women hold significantly less power than the men; therefore, when a public figure shows interest they shower the man with gratitude. The woman can be needy, which gives the public figure a savior complex. They are giving this woman a better life than she could have ever imagined, although in her dream the man probably wasn’t married!

You might have noticed I didn’t mention woman in the public figure cheating. Yes, women cheat too but in far fewer numbers. My only thought on this is that women consider the consequences more seriously. They have already had to fight tooth and nail for their success, especially female politicians; therefore, they aren’t willing to sacrifice all their hard work for a little sex.

There you go. You may not agree with my points, but I would love to hear others’ views on this topic.