I do?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5HLsvwLPpQ

Arranged marriages (discursive technologies) have always been interesting to me in their complexity and uniqueness. Having Western upbringing and understanding of marriage, arranged marriage can be difficult to understand. In the western society marriage is typically thought of as two individuals in love that have decided to tie the knot and be together for the rest of their lives. Obviously, this is not always the case but it is still the theory behind marriage. As result, the two individuals have both agreed to the terms of marriage and both parties are not forced, made or pressured to do so.

To westerners, marriage that is not based on this theory is looked upon as alien and unorthodox. However, in societies where arranged marriage is practiced this is not the case for the simple reason that it has been done this way for thousands of years. Arranged marriages are normally agreed by the elders (parents or grandparents) of either the bride or the groom. In a lot of the cases, the arranged marriage is established at very young age. Arranged marriages are not always based on love, with various economic and political aspects governing why so and so must be wed. One particular family might gain or give out possession as part of the deal of giving their son or daughter to be wed. Families of the same social class sometimes gain certain political power after their child becomes the wife or husband of another.

Just like any other issue, there are both those that criticize and support both arranged marriages and your typical Westernized marriage. The conflict appears in the area of attempting to determine which method is better, but this approach is simply backwards. Understanding and acceptance is needed to put all the differences behind with not only this issue but with others as well. Of course this is easier said than done. To someone in India that will undergo arranged marriage, typical marriage is ridiculous and his argument of high divorce rates in Western nations can probably pull some weight. To someone in the US, not being able to be alone with your partner until the wedding night is unthinkable, and the idea of how can marriage be even possible between two strangers also very realistic.

With increased global interaction among citizens of all countries and the closure of various gaps, individuals understand each other differences more and more. The You Tube video that I have included is funny depiction of arranged marriage in India in which the bride has choice of the type of groom she wants with click of remote control button