Perspectives on Marriage

I think that the ideals that I hold about marriage are much different than those my grandparents held about their marriages. However, I do think that we share some marriage ideals. For example, my grandfather expected my grandmother to cook, clean, take care of the children, and be nice to him all the time. He had a typical 50s mentality that I definitely do not share. On the other hand, my grandma was idealistic about finding true love and a good husband to take care of her. I think that I am also a little bit idealistic about wedded bliss, just like my grandma was.

Having just read The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant, I have given much thought to the practice of marriage in ancient cultures, specifically the ancient Jewish culture. While I obviously don't like the brutality and oppression women suffered during those times, I do think there is a kind of beauty in their marriage structure. Men and women lived in separate spheres, and each sex ruled their sphere supremely. Women went unchallenged on issues like cooking and weaving, while men were left to control the farms and herds. This system recognizes the differences between men and women, and I like that.