The Other Woman

"The Other Woman" is an archetype that has been around, since, well, the beginning of time! She is feared, hated, seen as a seductress, homewrecker, manipulative witch behind the curtain waiting for the opportunity to ruin an "innocent man" and his family. The media loves it, and human nature brings upon that "Love to Hate" characteristic, with the tabloids often attempting to still pitt Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston against each other over 7 years after the fact, assuming that Jolie was truly The Other Woman.

Marilyn Monroe is an icon of many facets, including that of "The Other Woman" although her overall persona and depression appear to give her that image of redemption. JFK was a great leader, inspirational speaker, Pulitzer-prize winning writer and beloved President- yet, no one can dispute his infidelities. I recently went to a bookstore in Los Angeles in which I found a book entitled, "Are You a Jackie or Marilyn?" and while this book was more of a coffee table / gift book full of style and tips, I felt like it was also insulting because it put together The Wife and The Other Woman next to each other, comparing and contrasting in the same realm. Would they have published such a book if Jackie O. was also alive?

I don't think so.

But it cannot be denied that society has a fascination with The Other Woman, especially when she is involved with a powerful figure. Just what is it about her that helped bring down a mini-political kingdom? Ashley Dupree was known for hooking up with Eliot Spitzer as an escort, and yet she was able to start a writing career, be featured in The New York Post, and hob-knob with famous people such as PR trailblazer Kelly Cutrone. Monica Lewinsky, the former intern of President Bill Clinton, was sometimes sympathized with in the public, with her Club Monaco lipstick flying off shelves after her 20/20 interview and Gap dress becoming notorious.

Maybe it does pay to be The Other Woman.

Maybe Rielle Hunter will let you know that.

This week, news broke out that John Edwards was acquitted on one count while the rest was deemed a mistrial; just today, it has been announced that Rielle Hunter's tell-all book will be released on June 26, just in time to keep the case fresh in the public's mind before it reaches the bookshelves in the 99 Cents Store a year or so later.

It might just be the antidote to Jay McInerny's 1980's novel in which he portrays Hunter as an obnoxious young woman in New York City, the type who would exchange physical favors for some free time in the tanning salon. While the main character's name was changed from Lisa Jo Druck (Hunter's original name) to Alison Poole, Hunter was clearly the direct muse for an unstable, annoying, self-absorbed, yet extremely intriguing young woman.

Intriguing or not, in the end, John Edwards confessed his sins, although it seemed very easy to do given that he is literally freed from prison and fines, but not public scrutiny and embarrassment. 

Why does The Other Woman get most of the blame? It takes two to tango.

May Elizabeth Anania Edwards rest in peace.