We’ve arrived at a point in time where the oblique issues surrounding the Anthony Weiner scandal may warrant discussion. One sociological question left unanswered is why did one of the women — Maegan Broussard — sell out Weiner?
Once upon a time “the other woman” (or man) could usually be trusted to remain silent. There was an ironic nobility to this unspoken social contract. “Dropping the dime” on someone was considered, perhaps, the worst offense one could commit. And keeping things discreet had the side benefit of at least being arguably good for families.
Weiner’s electronic messages were consensual and often invited. Sure, he opened the door to this scandal by firing off his accidental Tweet, but why did at least one willing participant choose to come forward with more graphic photos? Is her betrayal not also scummy? Whatever happened to discretion?
The rise of new media is an obvious factor. In the old days, the media covered up for politicians (read The Kennedys), and those who wanted to go public with such information were shut down. Still, I’m guessing this phenomenon isn’t solely due to a technological revolution. I can’t help thinking this may (ironically) say something about our loss of community — and the demise of shame.
Note: I am not blaming the women or exonerating Weiner. This is gender-neutral. We saw a similar thing happen recently when Will Folks, a South Carolina blogger, alleged an affair with then-gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley. Haley denied the affair, and Folks provided no definitive proof. But even if one believes Folks, it still doesn’t answer the question — why did he go public? At the time, I argued that Folks should have kept his mouth shut either way — if for no other reason than out of gratitude. Alas, he did not.
Maegan Broussard, the single mom (does reminding us of this make her seem almost like a folk hero?) who talked to ABC News about the relationship, seems to have been the one to hammer the final nail in Weiner’s political coffin. Ironically, it was she who first reached out to Weiner on Facebook, “liking” one of his videos and posting the word “hot.” Their online relationship was mutual and consensual. She could have quit responding to him. She could have told him to pound sand.
But why go public?
When Fox News’ Sean Hannity asked Broussard this question Tuesday night, she explained:
I came forward because I was approached. And, you know, I’m telling, you know, nobody is going to pull the rug under me before something comes out. I’m going to define me, so that’s why I’m here
… I mean, he did have photos of me, not risky photos, nothing, you know, rated R. But still, anybody can get those photos and leak them, and that’s my life, and my personal life. So, I’m going to take charge of that.
Watching the interview, it was hard for me to believe Broussard made the astute public relations decision to get in front of the story and define herself. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t buy it. Could it be that she thought she was the only “other woman,” and is now angry? Could it be she was offered money? Maybe she wanted to be on TV — or was persuaded by someone else to sell out Weiner? Who knows?
Perhaps the only lesson we can all draw from this is that in the 21st century, that there is no honor among thieves.