For me, the Profumo affair symbolizes the evanescence of male government compared to women's cosmic power

For me, the Profumo affair symbolizes the evanescence of male government compared to women's cosmic power

Camille Paglia, a renowned feminist and cultural critic, has often explored the dynamics of power and gender in society. In her work, she has delved into the complexities of male and female relationships, and how they are portrayed in various aspects of culture and history. One event that Paglia has analyzed through a feminist lens is the Profumo affair, a scandal that rocked British politics in the early 1960s.

The Profumo affair involved John Profumo, the Secretary of State for War in the British government, who had an affair with Christine Keeler, a young model who was also involved with a Soviet naval attaché. The scandal not only exposed the personal indiscretions of a high-ranking government official, but also raised questions about national security and the integrity of the British government.

Paglia sees the Profumo affair as a symbol of the evanescence of male government compared to women's cosmic power. In this context, she is referring to the fleeting nature of male authority and the enduring strength of female influence. The scandal revealed the vulnerability of powerful men in positions of authority, as Profumo's career was effectively ended by his involvement with Keeler.

At the same time, the affair highlighted the agency and autonomy of women like Keeler, who were able to wield significant influence over powerful men. Paglia sees this as a reflection of the cosmic power that women possess, which transcends the limitations of male-dominated institutions and structures.