Why Cheaters are the Worst and Why They Always Seem To Win
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Movies And TV Shows Love To Romanticize Cheating And It Is Ruining Real People's Perceptions

Has the media really made us forget so easily that the adulterer isn't supposed to get the happy ending?

2050
https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-business-close-up-friendship-433495/
NBC

Cheating on someone is one of the lowest forms of complete disregard for other human beings. That statement may seem a bit over-dramatic but being cheated on can have drastic effects on someone's mental, emotional, and even physical state. It's safe to say that almost everyone either has been cheated on or is close to someone who has been cheated on and thus knows the effects that follow, so why do we keep romanticizing cheaters and cheating?

Let's look at movies, shall we?... "Love Actually," "The Loft," "John Tucker Must Die," "Brokeback Mountain," "The Girl On the Train," the list could go on and on.

Now on to television shows… "Sex and The City," "Scandal," "The Affair," "Mad Men," "Gossip Girl," "Game of Thrones," "Friends." Again, the list could go on for days. Oh, and let's not forget just about every reality TV show out there that has even one couple in the cast, because there's bound to be some cheating going on there.

Ok, so some of these don't entirely romanticize adultery, but let's be honest, we are pulled into the drama and the sleuthing and the eventual pinnacle of the affair within the plot, and that alone romanticizes cheating in our world. However, there are way too many movies and shows out there that paint the cheater as a good person, or one that made instant repentance and still "gets the girl (or guy)" in the end.

In "John Tucker Must Die," sure, JT was tormented by the girls he cheated on, but he still got the girl in the end and even became friends with the girls he cheated on! In "Friends," Kathy cheated on Joey with Chandler, but Kathy and Chandler wound up together (albeit not permanently). And don't even get me started on the whole Ross and Rachel situation. Ross hardly deserved a second chance, and he definitely shouldn't have been given a second chance that would alter Rachel's career path.

"Love, Actually" is probably the worst offender out there for romanticizing cheating. A man is in love with his best friend's wife and he thinks it's ok to profess his love to her? And she thinks its ok to return the favor by kissing him on the stoop of her home, which she shares with her husband? And, to top it all off, we all find it incredibly romantic somehow??

Why and how do these plots with unfaithful and repulsive people draw us in and keep our attention? As with many cruel and vile acts, we as a collective people have been desensitized to realities of our world through the so-called entertainment funneled into our homes. From simple adultery being viewed as exciting and even somehow wrapping up in a grand, romantic gesture to a gruesome murder being displayed in any given detective show or horror film, the desensitization of our populations is startling and unsettling.

But how do we move beyond the desensitization that has been instilled in so many for so long? By exposing the truth. Gone should be the days of the cheater finding a happy ending with the person whose heart was broken by none other than that cheater themselves. Wake up, people! Cheating and adultery are not exciting, or sexy, or invigorating, at least not for the vast majority. And almost anyone who has been cheated on can attest to the fact that being cheated on certainly is neither invigorating nor exciting, but upsetting, hurtful, and damaging.

There are four branches of cheating that can affect a person, those being… 1. Being cheated on. 2. Knowing someone who has cheated. 3. Knowing someone who has been cheated on. 4. Cheating on someone.

Having been affected by the first three of those four in the past, I can say with a great deal of certainty that very rarely does anyone come away from an unfaithful relationship, whatever their role in said relationship, unscathed. With that said, let's shed a light on the inhumanity and disrespect that is cheating so we can lessen the heartbreak among us.

No good can come from disrespecting a person and their trust so deeply and so hurtfully, and the happily ever after that is all too often depicted in movies and TV shows is rare. However, the number of hurt and exhausted romantics will only grow if cheating and adultery continue to be romanticized throughout the media. Through an end to the desensitization of cheating and adultery, to the heartbreak and anguish that follow, a happier, kinder, and more loving generation and population can flourish and set a good and wholesome example for future generations.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71239
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133354
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments