Anthony Weiner's weiner

I've decided to start blogging about things.

I think it is ludicrous how much pressure there was for Anthony Weiner to step down after lewd photos of him surfaced on the internet. I don't think these photos have anything to do with how he does his job.

In fact, I think that pretty much most sex scandals have simply nothing to do with how well people can do their jobs. Not only Anthony Weiner, but also two other members of congress this year, as well as Tiger Woods, etc... Some people could argue this is an issue of integrity, but I think someone's sexual life and their career (in most cases) are completely separate things. I think the outcry that is created over these events just goes to show how uncomfortable and intolerant America is with sexuality and sex. There is nothing wrong with sexuality (yes, there is something wrong with adultery, but everyone is human. One in five adults in relationships admit to adultery, and almost half admit to being unfaithful at some point in their life. I'm not saying that it is right, necessarily, but you don't see these stories of people all over the newspapers and tabloids, ruining their careers). Sexuality is one of the most basic human instincts. Additionally, even though these people are public figures and role models, I believe they have the right to privacy, to have their own life away from the public spotlight.

And in the case of Anthony Weiner, his photographs were hardly explicit. Pete Wentz and Venessa Hudgens had more explicit photos but it hardly affected their careers. I believe that Weiner's photo is even comparable to congressman Aaron Schock, who was featured on the cover of Men's Health, baring chest and all (how lewd!). One could argue that the intention and context was different, but I would say that they were both intentionally made to be sexy, and the picture of Schock is much clearer than Weiner's pictures.

Aaron Schock

It is surprising to see America at its most immature. According to Yahoo! News, Weiner "was heckled repeatedly" at his news conference, and his "name, which also doubles as American schoolboy slang for the word penis, only made matters worse".

All in all, yes the photos are embarrassing and they (along with how he first handled the incident) show a lack of character. And yes, it does damage his reputation and how people perceive him. But this in no way calls for his resignation. If anything, this incident shows America's strange attitude towards sex and their strange obsession with famous people's lives.