Frontpage FeedSavagely Exploding Monogamy
I meant to quote this Dan Savage comment when he first wrote it on his blog in response to the Mark Sanford and Jon and Kate scandals, and then he ended up putting it in his column, so I missed out on the timeliness factor, but it's still quite good and relevant:
A new euphemism: When someone cheats on a spouse, that should be known as "hiking the Appalachian Trail" in honor of South Carolina governor Mark Sanford.
But I have to say that Adultery Confessional Theater is getting tired. Can our culture start to deflate the drama on extramarital affairs a little? Bill Clinton, Eliot Spitzer, Larry Craig, Jon and Kate, John Ensign, Mark Sanford: Yes, it sucks if kids are involved and it often leads to divorce. But I wonder if setting the panic bar a bit lower wouldn't save more marriages. Maybe we should embrace the fact that few of us will remain monogamous over the long life of a marriage.
Anne In NJ
I'm with you, AINJ: At the bottom of all these sex scandals—Sanford, Ensign, Spitzer, et al.—is our unnatural fixation on monogamy. Human beings, male or female, aren't wired to be sexually monogamous, and the feigned shock with which we're required to greet each new revelation of infidelity on the part of an elected official, a reality-show star, or a sports figure would be comical if the costs weren't so great. Elevating monogamy over all else—insisting that it, and it alone, is the sole measure of love and devotion—destroys countless marriages, families, and careers.
Which is not to say that people shouldn't honor their commitments or that there aren't folks out there capable of remaining monogamous over the five-decade course of a marriage or that the hypocrisy of assholes like Sanford—who called on President Clinton to resign during Monicagate—isn't worthy of censure. But think of all the people who've cheated and gotten caught. Now think about all the people who've cheated and gotten away with it. Our idealized notions about sex—within marriage and without—are at war with who and what we are. Sex is powerful; relationships are fragile. Why on earth do we insist on pitting them against each other?
The only part I'd push back against is his claim that humans aren't wired to be sexually monogamous. I have no idea how we are wired, if we are all wired the same, or if there are a significant number of outliers (and if these outliers are the consistently monogamous ones or the polyamorous ones), but there is clearly something wrong with the social expectation of life-long monogamy. It is totally unrealistic to the point of being laughable, and seems to lead to more frustration and family disintegration than if the expectation didn't exist at all. I understand some people have trouble dealing with their petty jealousies, but maybe they should try a little Don't Ask, Don't Tell instead of the nuclear option?
On Wiring
The best evidence suggests that humans, like most other vertebrates, are not exclusive in their sexual relationships. But there's also good reason to believe that, despite our sexual infidelity, we're "wired" to act otherwise. So for those who are inclined to cite our biological underpinnings, it's important to consider more than just one aspect. We benefit from being sexually liberal while appearing sexually conservative.
As I said, I don't know
As I said, I don't know enough about our biological underpinnings to conclude either way, but I am very skeptical of claims that start off with a description of how we evolved a long time ego in societies very different from our own that somehow end up determining how we must or should behave today. Whatever constraints our biological underpinnings may create for us, as enlightened beings we might want to strive for honesty over deceit. Deceit seems pretty unhealthy.
Perhaps we are wired to be
Perhaps we are wired to be unfaithful ourselves, but demand fidelity from others.
It is a commonplace that "ought implies is", or one should not demand the impossible. I think fighting against the current is often futile, so best just to channel imperfections in the least destructive manner. Making it infeasible to maintain deceit through the expansion of common knowledge may be one way.
Re: Perhaps we are wired to be
To your first point, I think that's true, but we are also attempting to appear faithful, so as not to invoke the wrath of those who demand it from us. So being deceitful is, in fact, to our (evolutionary) advantage.
To your second point, I wouldn't even attempt to derive an ought from any of this. It is what it is. My earlier post was just an attempt to explain why it is that people are so hung up on politicians sex lives. I think it's largely due to our biological double-standard, not because we're simply a prudish culture. Though I'm sure culture plays a role.
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Whatever constraints our biological underpinnings may create for us, as enlightened beings we might want to strive for honesty over deceit. Deceit seems pretty unhealthy.Dental implants
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This is something of immense
This is something of immense relevance in the present context of current life style of the people following western culture. Most of the wedding invitations are done nicely but not life. Monogamy was the only concept appreciated ever in the history of the western culture though now as it turns out a paradigm shift has occurred all through the 21st century and people have turned into insensitive, zeal and horny animal that cheats on their spouse. Its high-time that we people changes our attitude. Hopping to see a change soon.
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I wouldn't even attempt to
I wouldn't even attempt to derive an ought from any of this. It is what it is. My earlier post was just an attempt to explain why it is that people are so hung up on politicians sex lives. I think it's largely due to our biological double-standard, not because we're simply a prudish culture. Though I'm sure culture plays a demotivational role.
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Re: As I said, I don't know
Sure, and there is nothing prescriptive about biological history. I would be more than skeptical of anyone who derives normative values from what they think about evolution. I would just politely dismiss them.
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These are not mutually
These are not mutually exclusive:
a) We are not "wired" to be with one person
b) Marriage and monogamous relationships are beneficial
I'm sorry to say that all the fantastic information I've read about this I've seem to have forgotten, but I may stumble upon here at some point. I just did a cursory search and came up short.
I think even Pinker has commented that in early Tribal societies it was the most beneficial for a Man to mate with as many taken Women as possible. The man can spread his genes, and he doesn't have to take care of the children.
But any explanation about "a" and "b" will need some fine explanation. The devil is in the details and the details avoid me.
Furthermore there are many facts (as far as we know) about Human Nature that seems to be quite contradictory, but true. I won't give examples, but I'm sure 1,000 can be found without much trouble on the whims of mortals.
Infidelity and US Culture
One might wish to add that this concern about infidelity in powerful men is much more pronounced in the US and the English speaking world than it is elsewhere. European politicians often have mistresses and not much is made of it. Look at Silvio Berlusconi. Also, previously the media protected people like JFK and even Eisenhower so there is something else going on here aside from whatever biological drives are in play.
I believe this is a mild form of character asassination. In Roman times they killed you. Now they just ruin your reputation.
Berlusconi's latest fling
Berlusconi's latest fling was a huge scandal. That may be because the woman was/is a prostitute, though.
Veronica Berlusconi is in no
Veronica Berlusconi is in no place to complain.
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Vid 2
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That clown making faces at Pinker in Video 2 (the above) is an embarrassment.
Keep watching as you see fit. Sorry for not "properly" linking - in a hurry.
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I have to say that is an
I have to say that is an interesting excerpt and subject. In a way I kind of agree that a lot of people may not be into the monogamy thing but I don't think that is because the way us humans are "made".
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Savagely Exploding Monogamy
Two observations:
1. A male can mate with multiple females within a short timeframe, thereby maximizing his offspring. A female cannot do the same; a female can only spread her genes once every nine months. Thus, from an evolutionary perspective, it is more reasonable for a male to have multiple female lovers than vice versa.
2. Long-term relationships are kind of a hit-or-miss ordeal. A child only needs to be raised by both father and mother for a few years. After a certain point, the mother can fend for herself and her child just fine without the father. Thus, there really is no point in continued romantic involvement between the father and the mother unless more offspring are produced.
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I have to say that i
I have to say that is an interesting excerpt and subject. In a way I kind of agree that a lot of people may not be into the monogamy thing but I don't think that is because the way us humans are "made".
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_________
john somerville from senseo
Monogamy
Monogamy is a respect for both women and men. I think its really necessary to keep this rule.
both Monagamy
I think monogamy is a request both for man and women. Respect comes from both aspect.
women loves men more?
should women love their husband more? and monagamy is a request for only one aspect?
Savagely Exploding Monogamy
I agree with you that humans aren't wired to be sexually monogamous, but I see where they are coming from and it makes sense. -Issa Asad
Monogamy is a respect for
Monogamy is a respect for both women and men. I think its really necessary to keep this rule.
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The question takes no place
Yes of course the only way is keeping faithfull. Otherwise is not possible
_________
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Well is a complicated field,
Well is a complicated field, I mean, is supposed monogamy is not possible at all? I think we can´t generalize, we can´t say "humans aren't wired to be sexually monogamous"
There are monogamus and there are polyamorous, period.
At least that´s what I think
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