Last week, the CEO of Astronomer and their HR director were publicly exposed for having an affair during the Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, sparking major buzz across social media. But as outrage (and memes) spread, it really got me thinking: Is infidelity always seen as the ultimate betrayal? Turns out, the answer depends a lot on where you are and what your culture values.
What counts as “cheating,” and how much it matters, varies widely across different societies:
Expected
In cultures like France, Brazil, and Japan, discreet extramarital relationships, especially among men, can often be considered normal or even expected. The focus is usually on maintaining social harmony and privacy, rather than strict adherence to monogamy.
Acceptable (but frowned upon)
In places like Italy, Argentina, and parts of Russia, infidelity may be common and acknowledged, though it’s not glorified. These cultures tend to treat it as a personal flaw, not necessarily a scandalous story.
Strictly Forbidden
In more conservative societies, such as many parts of the United States, the Philippines, and several Middle Eastern countries, cheating is typically viewed as a severe moral violation. It carries deep social stigma and can trigger public outrage, reputation damage, and even legal fallout.
In short: Cheating isn’t judged by a global standard, it’s filtered through cultural norms, religious beliefs, and social expectations. That Coldplay concert scandal? It might be a career-ender in one place and a scandalous headline in another.