NYT: Monogamy 'Destroys More Lives Than It Saves'

July 1st, 2011 10:30 AM

It's Fourth of July weekend - how about cheating on your spouse?

For those not thinking about it, a piece to be published in the New York Times Magazine this Sunday marvelously titled "Married, With Infidelities" is recommending it:

In Savage Love, his weekly column, [Dan Savage, America’s leading sex-advice columnist] inveighs against the American obsession with strict fidelity. In its place he proposes a sensibility that we might call American Gay Male, after that community’s tolerance for pornography, fetishes and a variety of partnered arrangements, from strict monogamy to wide openness.

Savage believes monogamy is right for many couples. But he believes that our discourse about it, and about sexuality more generally, is dishonest. Some people need more than one partner, he writes, just as some people need flirting, others need to be whipped, others need lovers of both sexes. We can’t help our urges, and we should not lie to our partners about them. In some marriages, talking honestly about our needs will forestall or obviate affairs; in other marriages, the conversation may lead to an affair, but with permission. In both cases, honesty is the best policy.

Yes, honesty is the best policy - even when cheating on your spouse. Isn't that exactly you want - or want your beloved! - to read this weekend?

But author Mark Oppenheimer wasn't done promoting the wonder of infidelity:

Savage says a more flexible attitude within marriage may be just what the straight community needs. Treating monogamy, rather than honesty or joy or humor, as the main indicator of a successful marriage gives people unrealistic expectations of themselves and their partners. And that, Savage says, destroys more families than it saves.

Staying faithful "destroys more families than it saves."

And this is what the Times thinks is acceptable fare on Sunday.

I'm glad my children don't subscribe to this trash - how 'bout you?

Readers are advised to review other NewsBusters articles about Mr. Savage.

(H/T Hot Air)