The Language of Infidelity

A couple days ago, Nathaniel discussed an article in the New York Times that highlighted the increasing percentage of woman involved in extramarital affairs. Among other observations, Nathaniel noticed that the language used in the article to refer to the increasing rate of adultery was “the same language you use when talking about women achieving parity with men in the classroom, workplace, etc.” Here’s another example of this type of language, taken from the lead of a story in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune :

How’s this for sexual equality?

Though men are still overwhelmingly more likely to cheat on their spouses than women, the fairer sex is gaining ground.

Gaining ground? This makes adultery sound like a game of Risk.

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