We are a diverse bunch here, so some may see this topic as an emotional hotbutton, and for others, it may be something they've never really considered a subject of debate.
But globally, it's talked about quite a lot, and people have plenty to say on both sides!
In my view, it always comes down to the question of what marriage means to you. If you're a hardliner for the traditional-modern western view of marriage as the union of two people based on romantic love, with the goal being lifelong personal happiness, you will approach the question differently from someone who sees marriage as being about the larger extended family, tribal group, community, etc.
Thus, the arguments in favor of arranged marriage tend to be very family-oriented, one's duty to one's parents, including the duty to produce the next generation!
Also, advocates will cite the benefits of having one's spouse chosen by the people who know you best and love you most, have your best interests at heart, have your back like nobody else does, and also have the experience and wisdom to make a better choice than you can. In addition, you will be able to count on plenty of family support to help you with the challenges all young married couples face.
Some may consider a "love marriage" to be both foolish and selfish, based on personal emotions, and sought for purely personal considerations.
To love marriage proponents, on the other hand, the idea of having one's life partner chosen by someone else, even one's parents, is absurd to the point of bizarre, though many will concede that it is no easy cheese, especially at a young age, to be sure that you have found The One, and may be strongly in favor of marrying at a later age, giving both parties plenty of time to sow wild oats, and learn a bit about who they are, amass a respectable pile of discarded Wrong Ones, which process, they will argue, goes a long way toward making it easier to recognize the Right One. Parents who love them will want their happiness, and will accept their choice because that is the person that makes their beloved child happy!
Far from considering seeking that happiness to be selfish, Team Love is likely to make the argument that people who are happy in their personal lives are much better able to reflect that joy back, and have more to give back, to family and community.
And so it goes, ping pong balls back and forth.
What do you think?
What IS marriage, in your opinion? Is it about personal happiness, or family obligation?
In the Xtreme Cage Battle of Arranged Marriage vs Love Match, which team are you on?
But globally, it's talked about quite a lot, and people have plenty to say on both sides!
In my view, it always comes down to the question of what marriage means to you. If you're a hardliner for the traditional-modern western view of marriage as the union of two people based on romantic love, with the goal being lifelong personal happiness, you will approach the question differently from someone who sees marriage as being about the larger extended family, tribal group, community, etc.
Thus, the arguments in favor of arranged marriage tend to be very family-oriented, one's duty to one's parents, including the duty to produce the next generation!
Also, advocates will cite the benefits of having one's spouse chosen by the people who know you best and love you most, have your best interests at heart, have your back like nobody else does, and also have the experience and wisdom to make a better choice than you can. In addition, you will be able to count on plenty of family support to help you with the challenges all young married couples face.
Some may consider a "love marriage" to be both foolish and selfish, based on personal emotions, and sought for purely personal considerations.
To love marriage proponents, on the other hand, the idea of having one's life partner chosen by someone else, even one's parents, is absurd to the point of bizarre, though many will concede that it is no easy cheese, especially at a young age, to be sure that you have found The One, and may be strongly in favor of marrying at a later age, giving both parties plenty of time to sow wild oats, and learn a bit about who they are, amass a respectable pile of discarded Wrong Ones, which process, they will argue, goes a long way toward making it easier to recognize the Right One. Parents who love them will want their happiness, and will accept their choice because that is the person that makes their beloved child happy!
Far from considering seeking that happiness to be selfish, Team Love is likely to make the argument that people who are happy in their personal lives are much better able to reflect that joy back, and have more to give back, to family and community.
And so it goes, ping pong balls back and forth.
What do you think?
What IS marriage, in your opinion? Is it about personal happiness, or family obligation?
In the Xtreme Cage Battle of Arranged Marriage vs Love Match, which team are you on?
Some people seem to have a talent for picking the absolute wrong person for themselves. 
