'A Wink For Those In High Places’ (Press, 10 January 1976)

In a piece published on 10 January 1976, journalist Tim Weigel of the "Chicago Daily News" critiques the media's treatment of former President John F. Kennedy's alleged extramarital affairs. The article highlights how major publications like "Time" and "Newsweek" are indulging in sensationalist reporting about Kennedy's romantic liaisons, suggesting he was involved with various women, including stenographers, stewardesses, and even Hollywood figures. Weigel expresses concern over the public's indifference to these revelations compared to the outrage generated by a recent series on homosexuality in sports. He notes that while Kennedy's indiscretions seem to attract less public backlash, the discussion surrounding homosexuality among athletes has resulted in numerous complaints and societal discomfort. Weigel articulates his discomfort with the lack of journalistic integrity in covering Kennedy's personal life, arguing that such investigations seem more focused on boosting sales than providing meaningful insight. The piece further explores the historical context of male promiscuity in American politics, referencing Grover Cleveland's admission of fathering a child out of wedlock and contrasting this with the repercussions faced by athletes who reveal their sexual orientation, such as Dave Kopay. Weigel suggests there is a societal double standard regarding the treatment of male athletes versus politicians, noting that the public is more accepting of misconduct by powerful males in positions of authority. He acknowledges that the sensitivity around the topic of homosexuality in sports is indicative of broader societal attitudes. Many people struggle to reconcile their admiration for athletes with the possibility of them having non-traditional sexual identities, reflecting an ingrained resistance to confronting such issues. Weigel points out that the sports world, historically replete with sexual bravado, now finds itself under scrutiny. The article also mentions the marketing strategies used by sports stars to cultivate their public personas, using names like Joe Namath and Muhammad Ali as examples of athletes who leveraged their sex appeal for commercial gain. Weigel argues against exploiting personal lives for sales purposes, lamenting a cultural shift that has led to a breakdown in privacy, especially concerning intimate matters. He concludes with a quote from Professor Arthur Mann of the University of Chicago, who laments the loss of privacy and the public's increasing discomfort with the once-private nature of sex. Overall, Weigel disapproves of the media's focus on scandal as a means of selling stories, questioning the morality of prying into the personal lives of any individual, regardless of their public status.

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