Abolish Marriage

I think it's time we did away with marriage. It's been the main enemy of the struggle for gender equality since time began. It is an antequated and authoritarian institution that is heirarchial in nature and a relic of dark times that we should be proud to have left. I am not arguing against love, monogamy, or inter-personal relationships, just marriage. You may give me examples of good marriages, perhaps your own. Before you do, read this. Imagine if there was a totalitarian government headed by a moral and benevolent dictator. He was a good person who harmed nobody; however, his righteousness would not give any merit to totalitarianism. Totalitarianism would still be wrong.

Yes, some marriages are not authoritarian and heirarchial, but they are the exception and not the rule, and are not fulfilling what marriage was meant to do, as in, create a gender-based heirarchy. Abolish marriage now.

single are you?

PloKoon wrote: single are you?

Yes I am, and if you're trying to use that to question the credibility of my argument, I'll remind you that you have never been a slave, yet I am sure you condemn slavery. One need not have experienced something bad to condemn it.

Nope... just a guess... Enjoy the Temple anynoymous Guest.

I think we just have to understand that in modern times marriage is serving a different purpose from what it used to. Admittedly a long time ago it did used to be more about men having ownership of women, but now it’s a public declaration of commitment to someone you love, whilst also serving legal purposes that can make life as a couple or family much easier. Of course, high divorce rates help to make a case for those who are anti-marriage, but we just have to accept that marriage is not quite the same institution that it once was. However, there is nothing wrong with change, and so just because marriage is now serving different purposes, this does not necessarily make it any less of a good thing, or any less of a right that people should be allowed to enjoy if they so choose.

V-Tog wrote: I think we just have to understand that in modern times marriage is serving a different purpose from what it used to. Admittedly a long time ago it did used to be more about men having ownership of women, but now it’s a public declaration of commitment to someone you love, whilst also serving legal purposes that can make life as a couple or family much easier. Of course, high divorce rates help to make a case for those who are anti-marriage, but we just have to accept that marriage is not quite the same institution that it once was. However, there is nothing wrong with change, and so just because marriage is now serving different purposes, this does not necessarily make it any less of a good thing, or any less of a right that people should be allowed to enjoy if they so choose.

I forgot to mention that marriage facilitates reproduction, which is bad...

No, marriage is definitely useless... and its evil. Not only that but its very unhealthy! The whole idea of a ceremony toward committing one's self to another person, as well as having some completely unnecessary legal recognition as a couple is just... well... ridiculous! People who want to choose on their own free will to do such a thing are utterly retarded. In fact, the whole "family" trend... that's just dumb too. As someone who believes in love, peace, and harmony, as well as learning to have an open mind toward all cultures and walks of life, I suddenly cannot accept such a thing to exist... it simply must be abolished! WHO'S WITH ME!!!!
</satire>

I AM!!! (just kidding)

Yeah, totally! Let's take this pure evil institution down and crush anyone who doesn't agree!. </sarcasm>

Please gentlemen. Star Forge is a rather "unique" individual, but he brings interesting debates to the table. The kind of debates for which you have no other choice but step outside the box. I would like all of you to step outside that box and reconsider the validity of marriage.



1st of all. Marriage laws and traditions are different around the world. In some places, there is no divorce. Not so long ago western society's marriage was neither legal or religious. All "married" couples were in fact "common law" married, a private matter that required no witnesses, priests or government officials. In other places there is polygamous marriage, etc.

2nd of all. In today's society, marriage has quite a different meaning. It does not necessarily involve forming a new family. It is highly regulated. It puts men at an incredible disadvantage in case of a divorce. (some) People have many expectations from it too, placing it quite far away from the old privately spoken statement, in the process endangering the relationship.

My short conclusion: Modern marriage has cheapened the "promise" (to stay together for ever) by wanting to make such a big deal out of it. Now its about dresses, parties, ceremonies, approval of the family, etc. Marriage and divorce are so complex that going through it, or the fear of going through it, can put an end to what could have been life long relationships. Not everyone can get married. The people who can't have been conditionned to think that they are not capable of making a life long promise (and therefore don't make one). I say bring back the life long commitment and abolish all the useless and harmful rest.

Yes, some marriages are not authoritarian and heirarchial, but they are the exception and not the rule, and are not fulfilling what marriage was meant to do, as in, create a gender-based heirarchy.

Dude you're crazy. Most of us don't live in the middle east. mArriage was never meant to create a gender-based hierarchy, and gender-based hierarchy existed long before marriage, and can still be seen in nature through strong and weaker genders. For some males, sex means death (devoured by their partner).