When I read the letters on Today about polygamy, I wanted to laugh. It came across to me as some guy ready to get himself shot by suggesting that polygamy is feasible, and may even resolve some family conflicts. But still I gave it some thoughts and even had a discussion with my girlfriend.
On the first look at the matter, polygamy is highly impossible in Singapore. Firstly, this is a lawful land, and the law prohibits that. I don't think a few letters will ruffle the feathers of the lawmakers in changing or even rethinking about this law. Tho' eight white elephants may be more useful (at least the minister is reacting to them). Secondly, even if the law says its okay, it is something which the society will frown upon. Not socially accepted. But wait, there may be some sort of hope, afterall our citizens are lawfully obedient and if the law says its okay, we will probably think it is ok too. Thirdly, there is the idea of "男女平等" (Women have equal rights as men), that will make polygamy highly infeasible. The first two reasons are quite clear. Well, the third needs some explanation and I hope I don't get shoot for doing so.
The notion of "women having equal rights as men" probably became popular with the Women's Rights Movement started in 1948. More than 40 years later, the status of women has changed drastically (at least for the developed nations). I'm sure almost everyone in Singapore will feel that it is only right that women deserves equal rights as men (with exception of certain MCP who discriminates women at work, etc.). Do women in Singapore still need to push for such notion, and use this phrase frequently? Perhaps it is to always use this phrase to their advantage to get things they want, or maybe they are feeling inferior to begin with for feeling they are not treated equally (Oh no, I better stop straying away before I get shoot for questioning too much)? Following the principle of "equal rights for men and women", women should be allowed multiple husbands if men are allowed to have multiple wives. Assuming it is also a socially acceptable practice, by doing so, things will be a whole lot more complicated. Imagine a family of multiple husbands and wives. Or another further, the husbands and wives of these men and women with another set of husbands and wives. Who will play what role? How do you define a "family"?
In fact, it will only be possible if one gender is dominant. Either only men or women will be allowed to have multiple spouses.
In the modern day when most people are self-sufficient, being able to support all your spouses may no longer be one of the criteria for polygamy. One is capable of love for more than one. But one will never be able to say for sure he/she can give his love equally among them. I think what is important is he/she can love them all to his/her best extend. Not even a parent can love his/her children equally. If that person is really nice and the spouses can see eye to eye, why can't a few share him/her?
If we can set aside the legal and social acceptance issues, we just need to decide who will have the rights to take more than one. Maybe our men in white can help their obedient citizens decide and pass the legislation. BUT, I must admit, I will find it very difficult to accept being one of the many spouses of my wife (there you go, please take account of my lil' opinion Sir).
P.S. By no means I'm or this entry implies that I'm, unfaithful. Please refrain from commenting so.
On the first look at the matter, polygamy is highly impossible in Singapore. Firstly, this is a lawful land, and the law prohibits that. I don't think a few letters will ruffle the feathers of the lawmakers in changing or even rethinking about this law. Tho' eight white elephants may be more useful (at least the minister is reacting to them). Secondly, even if the law says its okay, it is something which the society will frown upon. Not socially accepted. But wait, there may be some sort of hope, afterall our citizens are lawfully obedient and if the law says its okay, we will probably think it is ok too. Thirdly, there is the idea of "男女平等" (Women have equal rights as men), that will make polygamy highly infeasible. The first two reasons are quite clear. Well, the third needs some explanation and I hope I don't get shoot for doing so.
The notion of "women having equal rights as men" probably became popular with the Women's Rights Movement started in 1948. More than 40 years later, the status of women has changed drastically (at least for the developed nations). I'm sure almost everyone in Singapore will feel that it is only right that women deserves equal rights as men (with exception of certain MCP who discriminates women at work, etc.). Do women in Singapore still need to push for such notion, and use this phrase frequently? Perhaps it is to always use this phrase to their advantage to get things they want, or maybe they are feeling inferior to begin with for feeling they are not treated equally (Oh no, I better stop straying away before I get shoot for questioning too much)? Following the principle of "equal rights for men and women", women should be allowed multiple husbands if men are allowed to have multiple wives. Assuming it is also a socially acceptable practice, by doing so, things will be a whole lot more complicated. Imagine a family of multiple husbands and wives. Or another further, the husbands and wives of these men and women with another set of husbands and wives. Who will play what role? How do you define a "family"?
In fact, it will only be possible if one gender is dominant. Either only men or women will be allowed to have multiple spouses.
In the modern day when most people are self-sufficient, being able to support all your spouses may no longer be one of the criteria for polygamy. One is capable of love for more than one. But one will never be able to say for sure he/she can give his love equally among them. I think what is important is he/she can love them all to his/her best extend. Not even a parent can love his/her children equally. If that person is really nice and the spouses can see eye to eye, why can't a few share him/her?
If we can set aside the legal and social acceptance issues, we just need to decide who will have the rights to take more than one. Maybe our men in white can help their obedient citizens decide and pass the legislation. BUT, I must admit, I will find it very difficult to accept being one of the many spouses of my wife (there you go, please take account of my lil' opinion Sir).
P.S. By no means I'm or this entry implies that I'm, unfaithful. Please refrain from commenting so.
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