For better or for worse, Americans are no strangers to sex scandals. Many notable politicians have recently been exposed as having extramarital affairs and have not only been lampooned by comedians and fellow politicians alike, but have had their careers suffer as a result. This is the type of result one might expect from engaging in inappropriate behavior. Yet interestingly enough, the latest scandal has not been subject to the same consequences. David Letterman, host of the "Late Show", has recently acknowledged that he has had several affairs with interns and staffers. Yet the public outrage to this situation is nothing like the response to other scandals.
Certainly, there have been those who are calling for Letterman to resign, that his behavior sets a bad example. But what about the majority of the population? An article by Stuart Elliot in The New York Times mentions that none of Letterman's advertisers appear disturbed by his behavior. His viewers are still standing by him, as well. Where, exactly, is the fallout from Letterman's rash, irresponsible behavior?
The problem is with the kind of message this sends to society. When you are a generally well-liked comedian, as opposed to a politician, does it make having inappropriate relationships acceptable? Any relationship that comes from a power inequality needs to be questioned and cannot simply be brushed aside. Not to mention the fact that this was an affair.
Then there is the hypocrisy of Letterman himself. As stated by Frazier Moore in an article for the Associated Press, Letterman said during the Spitzer scandal, "I mean, can you imagine…if this happened to me how fast they'd have my … (backside) out of here?" Once Spitzer's affair was disclosed, he was expected to resign. Even though Letterman's affairs have been unearthed, he is still holding onto his job. David Letterman should not be an exception to the rule. His behavior was wrong and he ought to feel the true consequences of his actions.
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