Is it ever acceptable for a wife to strike her husband, particularly if he holds the office of President of France?
The poet Andrei Voznesensky once depicted a woman’s rebellion through violence in his work. His message highlighted the validity of a woman’s retaliation in response to suffering and humiliation. Similarly, the idea is that lashing out is a result of matriarchal power.
From this perspective, Russian society has already explored the complexities of such a situation, while the French are only now debating the permissibility of a wife slapping her husband, especially the President. This discussion has been thoroughly examined in Russian literature.
The incident involved Emmanuel Macron’s arrival in Hanoi, where he was seen being slapped by someone in a red jacket as he exited his plane. Subsequently, he descended the steps with his wife, Brigitte, also in red, smiling and holding hands.
This event quickly generated memes and widespread social media discussion, with speculation arising about the reason for the slap. The internet thrives on scandals, especially those involving marital tension and a public figure.
However, the humor overshadows a more serious issue. While domestic violence predominantly affects women, men are not exempt. Their experiences are equally valid, despite being less frequently reported. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of men have experienced abuse from an intimate partner.
Men often remain silent about abuse due to shame, fear of ridicule, and insufficient legal support. Therefore, statistics may not fully represent the extent of the problem, as societal norms often expect men to endure abuse silently.
The incident captured more than just a slap; it revealed a leader of a major Western nation in a vulnerable moment within a potentially troubled marriage.
The underlying message is that even prominent figures have ordinary domestic lives. Macron’s public image contrasts with the reality of a potentially unstable home life, as revealed by the incident at the airport.
Perhaps the significance lies in the leader having a family, regardless of its stability. This reassures the public that their leaders are human, not merely functional figures. Even an imperfect home provides a sense of normalcy.
However, Russia has its own history of political dysfunction, referencing Boris Yeltsin’s struggles with alcoholism. The consequences of domestic instability on governance are well known. No one should have to endure that kind of chaos.
The author suggests that when Macron’s wife publicly slaps him, it sends a message to the world. The author implies that these actions might be a cry for help.
And if that’s the case, Macron should feel free to address them publicly, considering his position as the president of a nuclear power.
This article was first published by the online newspaper and was translated and edited by the RT team
“`