Child Brides - Tradition or State Sanctioned Rape?

[EnderD_503]

I think that the way the tradition of child brides over there is viewed is probably divided. While I was living in Europe I remember watching a news programme that was talking about a young girl in India, if I recall correctly, who tried to bring attention to the child bride tradition. Apparently she took part in an Indian tv show where one of the main themes was bringing awareness to the issue, and she apparently spoke out against it on more than one occasion. Apparently since the controversy things went downhill for her, but it does demonstrate that there are some young Indian girls trying to oppose the tradition.

While I obviously have no idea, never having lived in an affected nation, I would imagine, judging from that controversy, that some view it as a valuable cultural tradition, while others view it as an oppressive tradition that sanctions rape, just like that young Indian girl does. I'll see if I can find an article or video clip that talks about her.

Under our definition of rape, it certainly is rape, but when we consider that comparable traditions used to exist in the west (and again realising how words and their meanings change through time and according to tradition) as well it's difficult to slap a label on a tradition that wasn't formed within our time period, or coming from the same perspective that we are today. As wishywashy and subjective as all this sounds, I really do think it depends on which perspective you're coming from. Which doesn't mean that I personally don't see it as sanctioned rape, but I do think that's something to consider. My personal opinion is that it is rape, that it's an infringement upon the sovereignty of the individual and, as such, I am entirely opposed to it and do hope that those fighting to change the laws that allow it win out.

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by EnderD_503

I think that the way the tradition of child brides over there is viewed is probably divided. While I was living in Europe I remember watching a news programme that was talking about a young girl in India, if I recall correctly, who tried to bring attention to the child bride tradition. Apparently she took part in an Indian tv show where one of the main themes was bringing awareness to the issue, and she apparently spoke out against it on more than one occasion. Apparently since the controversy things went downhill for her, but it does demonstrate that there are some young Indian girls trying to oppose the tradition.

While I obviously have no idea, never having lived in an affected nation, I would imagine, judging from that controversy, that some view it as a valuable cultural tradition, while others view it as an oppressive tradition that sanctions rape, just like that young Indian girl does. I'll see if I can find an article or video clip that talks about her.

Under our definition of rape, it certainly is rape, but when we consider that comparable traditions used to exist in the west (and again realising how words and their meanings change through time and according to tradition) as well it's difficult to slap a label on a tradition that wasn't formed within our time period, or coming from the same perspective that we are today. As wishywashy and subjective as all this sounds, I really do think it depends on which perspective you're coming from. Which doesn't mean that I personally don't see it as sanctioned rape, but I do think that's something to consider. My personal opinion is that it is rape, that it's an infringement upon the sovereignty of the individual and, as such, I am entirely opposed to it and do hope that those fighting to change the laws that allow it win out.

I'm glad that you brought up your time living in Europe, Ender! I'd be curious to know what Europeans thought of the LDS issue that was happening over here in America (last summer? or before?). I think I sometimes forget that its not as polar as America v the rest of the world. Damn that American-centrism!

I believe personally that it is rape as well but I also have value for traditions and cultures in other countries. I keep thinking about how very Patriarchal a lot of societies across the world are and how that might give weight to women being seen as "less powerful", as "property", and especially in this discussion, how "child brides" might be considered a "right" for some men.
I know it isnt as simple as pointing at the Patriarchy for everything, especially with religious interweaving.

I'll also have to admit my ignorance on just how widespread or ingrained the child bride industry is across the world. Need to do some reading on this one.

Thanks for the discussion! This stuff feeds my soul

[apretty]

this film by female director Deepah Mehta is stunningly beautiful and completely heart-breaking... and well worth the watch, on the subject of 'child brides' (and child widows!) in 1938 India.




(controversy on filming 'water' which was eventually filmed in Sri Lanka: http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/28/water.php)

more on child-brides/widows: http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/women/widows/

[Lynn]

It's one thing to value and preserve the customs and traditions of a culture. I think it's really important to respect the past and take care not to impose our own ethnocentric values on another culture. At the same time, some things are just abjectly wrong, and can be applied to humanity. In my opinion, I guess I shoud add. I feel that it is kind of a smokescreen to say that this (the degradation and murder of women and children) is "our custom," "our tradition," or even, "our religion." I have a difficult time seeing these abuses as anything other than a deliberate, calculated effort to suppress the strength and power of women. Cloaking it in the guise of religion or tradition confuses the matter and makes it difficult to remedy without increasing the violence. Some things should be preserved and sustained, but not practices which degrade, maim, disempower, or kill women and children.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Personally, I think of child brides as rape victims - it really bothers me, but that is because of my culture, not theirs. It is like the Japanese women who want to be geisha's, and their families hand them over to a "house" for being raised.

I have a very good friend of mine who traveled to Japan after he graduated from Yale. He felt that he needed to be involved with a missionary. In the end he returned back to the states. His involvement was with trying to stop child brides and their tradition of geisha's and training. It failed. It is that culture, and that tradition. Nobody or a group or whatever can intervene and stop something that is cultural or traditional to that area. It is what it is. No matter if we like it or not. Anyway the US is hung up on sex as it is.

[Lynn]

I hear you, Andrew.

I respect your friend's desire to change the system. His failure to do so, however, doesn't mean that he wasn't doing the right thing. Marrying off children, who suffer physically and mentally, is wrong. I think objecting to children having sex with grown men is not a cultural "hang up," but a matter of right vs. wrong.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Lynn,

Yes, I agree. He was and still is quite involved with that mission. He and his wife adopted 2 children from Japan since then. It has been eye-opening as to what he has shared with me. He is a very good man.

[SuperFemme]

I think the biggest misconception about Geisha is that they have sex. They do not. In a country as steeped in tradition as Japan, the Geisha are the Matriarchs.