Sex and Power, Part 4, My Editorial and the French Response

This is part four of a four-part blog.   It was prompted by the feature story in the May 30, 2011 issue of Time Magazine entitled Men Behaving Badly ~ What is it About Power that Make Men Crazy?  Part one is abuse of power.  Part two is our public response to that abuse.  Part three asks if it matters that we hold people to a standard of accountability and morality toward each other.  This fourth installment is my editorial and a response from the French.

First, my editorial ~

The mantra prevalent in our current culture is do-your-own-thing-as-long-as-you-don't-step-on-my-toes.  Great, except how do I do that since I don't live in a vacuum?  And even if I could successfully execute a completely self-centered, selfish lifestyle, I know that it's really not to my benefit.  And heaven knows, I can't possibly call someone on their inappropriate behavior if I'm engaging in my own. 

 There has to be a moral standard by which we all live~ an accountability and consequences ~  otherwise there is anarchy, chaos and lawlessness.   It goes beyond mere prudence or prudishness.  It comes down to the very human nature we are fighting against and the lofty standard to which we were created for, and yes, even called to.  Each of us is responsible for our own actions AND for holding society to a standard that honors and respects everyone without regard to rank, wealth, power or privilege.

Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?"  (Prov 20:9)

All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.  (Prov 21:2)

Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.  (Prov 22:4) 

# # #

And now the French response (as written in the same magazine)  to one of their own high-profile, high-powered men caught in the act ~

"(In) France, ...powerful men have traditionally treated sex as a right and used it as a weapon...but...some French women have begun to speak out about an atmosphere that condones sexual conduct that crosses the line and may even be criminal...The French tend to blur the line between what is acceptable ~ and even desirable...French women...have used seduction as a weapon to defend themselves against the machismo of men...(but) activists are calling for the taboo on the discussion of rape to be lifted, and feminists are demanding training in how to handle sexual harassment in the workplace.

'This affair might not change laws, but it may change attitudes...To hear all these men saying,'Ah, he is so seductive and he just loves women...Give me a break....We are not pieces of chocolate.' "