Between a disgraced Eliot Spitzer ($80K on sex), a boastful David Paterson (affairs and drug use from decades past), the powers that be in our state-capital of Albany are losing sight of what matters the most; effective legislature for its residents. And in light of the various budgets and contracts that are up for renewal – yet are being ignored (including the one that regulates funds for our public schools and paychecks for civil servants like myself), the only person the media seems to be blaming is…Ashley Alezandra Dupre/DiPietro/Youmans, aka ‘Kristin.’
Though I won’t bother to detail the sordid scandal, because that’s what nytimes.com is for, I will state that I was baffled that a recent article provided a link to Dupre’s myspace.com profile. Now, being the owner of a facebook account myself, I more than understand the use of social networking sites as tools of narcissistic exposure, (be it for professional and personal reasons), given today’s Generation Me mentality. And realistically, no one ever grows up and dreams of becoming a prostitute; even Dupre’s page acknowledges her desire to break into the music business. But for whatever reasons, she found herself working as ‘Kristin’ at the Emperors Club VIP. Though she has subsequently been subpoenaed to testify in a Grand Jury investigation of Spitzer, luckily, she’s been granted immunity from being charged herself.
Now maybe I’m just the textbook definition of a bleeding heart liberal, but my heart truly goes out to this girl. She’s been quoted as to have said, “I just don’t want to be thought of as a monster,” and frankly, I think that’s a valid concern. It’s clear that she unwittingly became involved with something that is much larger than her own indiscretions. However, whenever a heterosexual political scandal surfaces, political analysts in the media (like said article) tend to unnecessarily focus on the female counterpart, i.e.; Monica Lewinsky’s blue dress, Anita Hill’s hairstyle, and in this case, Dupre’s de facto profession versus her desired one.
So my question is this; if a 22 year old woman from New Jersey was single-handedly able to bring down the State of New York, an international economic stronghold, then what does this say about the value that we place on adultery? Better yet, is this scandal even about that, or are we more upset by the possible misuse of state funds? And most importantly (to me) who, besides her attorney, is in Dupre’s corner?
-Anairo
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Those are some very good ending questions for thought.
Its hard to really say what “our”, meaning, “americans” values are on adultery because as with all things, we are getting this information by way of the media and we all know that when it comes to media you may get bits and pieces placed together to make a particular point, as was the case with the whole Obama and his pastor thing or you may get a story that is one sided, which seems to be where the “Kristin” story is headed.
These days, reports of those holding political offices having affairs surface very frequently. When people have certain levels of power they often abuse that power simply because they can. Bill Clinton said that he did what he did simply because he could, he had the opportunity and he acted on it.
And yes, the woman is always placed in the spot light. Both the woman who engaged in the activity with the man and the wife of the man. This is just a reflection on how our society is structure around the socially constructed “place” of women. I agree that “Kristin” should not be crucified because of this situation and more attention needs to be given to how it will be made possible for people in office to spend more time serving the people and less time being serviced.
as much as i have a problem with the women being vilified, my bigger problem is that men are ok the end. everyone still loves bill. spitzer will be ok (i’m sure). and if paterson would shut his mouth for one second, he too will be ok and hailed for being the first black governor and the affairs (and drug use… maybe) will be all but forgotten.
whomp.
e.
I think the men remain ok because at the end of the day this is still a patriarchal society that we are living in.
Somehow, still, the men are giving a slap on the wrist, forgiven and the women live their lives with tarnished names.