C) What is marriage? Why marry? Marriage is “the chief vehicle for the perpetuation of the oppression of women; it is through the role of wife that that subjugation of women is maintained.” — Marlene Dixon That’s a quick review of the historical concept of Woman. So how was marriage viewed? If it’s the cornerstone…
B) What is Woman? So, keeping that in mind, let’s examine the next stumbling block we find when reviewing the possible cornerstones of past civilizations: the passage of time. We’re talking here about approximately three millennia of cultural changes. Even within one particular culture there is a huge amount of change, as can be shown…
3. ‘One male-one female’ marriage is the historical cornerstone of civilization Uhm, again, no. We’re a far, far more imaginative and flexible species than this argument would imply. However, for the sake of fun discussion let’s take a look at the civilizations from which the US classically traces its inspiration. I do this for two…
2. The Bible says homosexuality is a sin Lordy, I’m tired of this one. Why religious zealots feel they can pick and choose the parts of the Bible they think best support their own secular desires — and ignore the rest — is beyond me. Add to that the raging debates still on-going as to…
List of Arguments So what are the arguments against gay marriage I’ve heard? These are the ones I’ve got so far, although if you know of others I’d be interested in hearing them as well. We’re a christian nation The Bible says homosexuality is a sin ‘One male-one female’ marriage is the historical cornerstone of…
Originally posted May 2004 Credits: Thanks to Bob, clear-sighted as always, as well as to George for kindness, and Ian for perspective. Also, if this subject interests you, I recommend my “Firestarter” titled Tolerance FAQ, take II. I’ve been watching the joy and euphoria spreading through San Francisco and parts of the Bay Area as…
Truth is a slippery concept. The only thing slipperier I can think of, at this exceedingly late hour, is contested memory fought over to define truth. It’s funny the things that stick in your mind. Think of something incredibly meaningful to you as a small child, then ask a parent about it. Odds are they…
Originally written in the late 1990’s for a “Popular Culture” Anthropology class. In her book Reading the Romance: Women, Patriarchy, and Popular Literature, Janice A. Radway explores the apparent fascination of romantic fiction to many women, and examines the needs this literary genre fulfills for its readers. Our required reading was the Introduction and the…
Continuing from yesterday… Kakou Korakos I certainly agree with you that women are often societally trained to be too passive. Myself, I believe the answer is to quit training them to do that, rather than just nudging “nice guys” to be more assertive. I also agree that being the major decision-maker in a relationship is…
Continuing from yesterday… Replies Erin (Brace yourself, Erin: I’m going to gush a little. *coughcough* Ahem. ;) ) Thank goodness for folks like you, who don’t just think things through before acting — but try their best to pass that on to friends and children! Heh. All gushing aside, I’ve really enjoyed reading your calmly…