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The true measure of whether plural marriage is going mainstream will be when we see acceptance of women having more than one husband. I don't see that happening any time soon, if ever.
That will never happen because a woman can only birth one child per year. It is impractical. A man can sire dozens in a year which is why he can fulfill that aspect of a marriage with multiple women. A woman cannot do that for to physical and biological reasons. Your true measure falls flat, sorry.
"Alternative" relationship-types are receiving more attention and spotlight, and they're not all that uncommon in certain demographics (many would be surprised to find seemingly "mainstream" looking folks are not so mainstream at all); however, I don't foresee them becoming "mainstream" any time soon. Perhaps in a few decades it will become more acceptable, but I don't see that happening in the nearer future.
I've been in an open marriage, and I have quite a few friends and acquaintances that are/were in open or polyamorous relationships and marriages. I prefer to be in a monogamous relationship, but I am a supporter of consensual, ethical non-monogamy.
First we had "Sister Wives." Now we have "My Five Wives." (FWIW, I'll never again be able to listen to David Bowie's "Modern Love" and not think of polygamy. )
Our culture has taken a softer stance against gay marriage. As recently as the late 1990s it was still considered incomprehensible that gay marriage would reach mainstream. Now it is not only becoming mainstream, but it almost seems like you're not allowed to oppose it anymore for any reason. If you do oppose it, keep your opinion to yourself or be branded a hate-mongerer.
I think then it is fair to wonder if other, shall we call them "non-traditional" marriage alignments, are not far from the mainstream as well. With shows like those above paving the way, our culture may be slowly normalizing to the idea of plural marriage. Right now, plural marriage is dismissed as something practiced only by a few whack-job extremists from cults. But I think change may be on the horizon.
For example, the Browns (of "Sister Wives") are presented as a highly functional family. If you watch the show, it is inevitable that you will begin to like Cody, all four of his wives, and their kids. They dress and look like normal people. This is significant because a lot of people think of girls dress like they're on the set of "Little House on the Prairie" when they think of polygamy. And while the cameras cannot possibly capture every emotional struggle, they do bring to light some critical thinking points that can lead viewers to ask themselves "what if?"
Furthermore, the network would not be introducing another polygamy show if there was not some sort of demand signal from the viewing public. This tells me curiosity is aroused. And with it, perhaps a spirit of acceptance toward polygamists is on the horizon?
What say you? I mentioned two reality TV shows as my basis for public interest in this topic. Perhaps someone here is aware of some other source or movement to propel this idea forward? For example, some Muslims practice polygamy and it existed in early Judaism as well. Perhaps we would see a "Preachers and bootleggers" sort of alliance in the coming years?
NOTE: This post is not a values judgment on the subject of gay marriage or polygamy. It is simply a question based on observation.
That will never happen because a woman can only birth one child per year. It is impractical. A man can sire dozens in a year which is why he can fulfill that aspect of a marriage with multiple women. A woman cannot do that for to physical and biological reasons. Your true measure falls flat, sorry.
That's not what motivates women to have more than one man, though. Nor does it play a role in the men's choice to share a woman. Most men in our society aren't interested in having as many children as they can. Some don't want any. As a legal matter, if the law were to allow plural marriage, it would not be able to discriminate between men or women choosing to have multiple mates. Because of that, it won't be accepted anytime soon.
I think it's wishful thinking on the part of some fringe Mormons that the public would come to accept polygamy (a term which includes polyandry). Just because they got their marriage customs featured on TV doesn't mean the public accepts it or that public opinion towards it is changing.
Last edited by Ruth4Truth; 03-04-2014 at 05:23 PM..
Reality shows? Shows that are conceivably a representation of the real lives of those featured in the show? I didn't think so. I don't believe "reality TV" is unscripted. But shows like "Sister Wives" are closer to reality for those in the show than shows like "Twilight."
Reality shows? Shows that are conceivably a representation of the real lives of those featured in the show? I didn't think so. I don't believe "reality TV" is unscripted. But shows like "Sister Wives" are closer to reality for those in the show than shows like "Twilight."
Maybe for a very small handfull of men, most men in the USA are more desperate than most women. I could see polygamy working much better in other countries that have a greater female to male ratio.
03-04-2014, 05:56 PM
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A man taking two wives when I can't even find one better be prepared to die for his choice...because I'm willing to kill for it.
lol! The divorce prospects alone in that scenario are mind-boggling!
You would have to get out of the country in a really shady way (ie private plane) and have a sponsor on the other side to get your paperwork in order in a nation with no extradition to the USA. The financial implications of such a divorce would be so staggering that I would be in fear for my life (ie not having enough finanical resoruces to live or do what I needed to do).
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