I really like the previous post's assertion. I think that
it has to be emphasized that the concept of "arranged marriages" is not necessarily
wrong. The concept of "arranged" marriages is very similar to practices in the West and
in "love marriage" settings, to be addressed later. Individuals believe that marriages
should be predicated upon love, and this is certainly valid. However, the concept of an
arranged marriage is one where individuals place their faith in some other force
(parents, divine intervention) and hope beyond hope that love, devotion, and loyalty
will be present. When we think of any marriage, isn't this what lies at the base of
everyone's hopes and expectations? Don't both "love marriage" and "arranged marriage"
people pray that love will be there, honor will be present, and undying loyalty from
their spouse will emerge? Both sets of couples embark on a voyage that is far from
certain. When two people in love agreed to get married because they love one another,
going to the altar or the justice of the peace or some flower filled meadow is only the
beginning. As Kris Kristofferson said, "It' ain't the loving, it's the living." The
first response's idea fits in perfectly here in that the idea that "love marriages" or
"love" in general is a far guarantees from perfection. I could be cliched and throw in
the high divorce count in nations where the majority of marriages are "love marriages."
Again, it's not that one is better than another. Yet, the premise that arranged
marriages are done without the premise of love as being a part of the equation is
something that is slightly faulty. In the end, when two people agreed to be married,
there are more prayers, hopes, and aspirations that love will be fostered, develop, and
be kindled as a struggling fire in the cold of night.
The
other point to be made here is the idea of "arranged." In other parts of the world, the
arrangement is done by marriage broker or by parents. Yet, even in nations where "love
marriages" dominate, there is still some level of arrangement. Whenever one person says
to another, "I found someone for you- the'yre perfect" or "I have someone you should
meet," this is the premise of "an arrangement." Would one even argue that eharmony or
match.com is the modern version of the old world matchmaker hooked up to a screaming
internet connection?
No comments:
Post a Comment