So which IS more barbaric? Child marriage or child pregnancy?
Recently, Bhakta Corey posted a bit from a book by Bhakti Vikas Swami about how child marriage is less “barbaric” than child pregnancy. It’s a real hoot, check it out here, if you want to.
Corey gives no commentary except to tell us that it’s a discussion between a devotee named “Rasaraja” and another fellow about how Indian culture is imitating western culture and how that’s a bad thing. Ok, I can see that. I may not agree down to the last drop, but fine.
However, the discussion that follows is a bit… super freaking creepy.
In a conversation between Rasaraja and someone living in the states (assuming it’s an American – and assuming Rasaraja is Indian), Rasaraja explains that his mother was married when she was a young child. The person on the other end of the conversation says that that idea is barbaric.
Rasaraja then counters saying that some girls in America get pregnant at age 11 and asks which is more barbaric.
Alright, I’m going to have to really disagree with Rasaraja’s and Bhakti Vikas Swami’s wacky stance that somehow child pregnancy is more barbaric than a child being forced to marry someone.
Also, while there are relatively few girls in America who have gotten pregnant at age, there are also girls in India who have gotten pregnant at age 11… after being forced to marry some creepy old guy.
So, which is more barbaric?
In America, the teenage pregnancy rate is probably a whole bunch higher than in India. And while I’d love to see that rate do a drastic nose-dive, I’d much rather see teenage pregnancy than forced child-marriages.
In teenage pregnancies, it’s damn near always consensual. Very often both parents are in the child’s life. No, it’s not ideal, far from it. But it’s not condoning child rape like this Rasaraja guy, Bhakti Vikas Swami and Corey seem to be.
I really don’t get the idea that simply because something is from India, it’s better. From food to music to movies to marriage. It’s a different culture and there’s definitely a lot we, as westerners, can learn from it.
However… and please listen, take notes and really get this.
Ok? Why the hell does this even need to be stated?
Oh, and another thing. Want to know who shouldn’t be making comments and offering advice on marriage and male/female relations? Celibate men, that’s who. Celibate men don’t know a damn thing about relationships. Zero. And why should they? – they’re celibate men. So, if a celibate man comes along and tries to tell you who to marry and when or anything about male/female relationships, just run. It will almost always be bad advice. [Edit = Actually, if ANYbody comes along and trieds to tell you who to marry and when, just run. However, if they're celibate men, run faster.]
And Corey, perhaps you should share with us some enlivening sankirtan nectar in your “Sankirtan Diary” and try to stay off condoning child rape. Ok?
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Here’s an article on child marriage in India. Might want to read it.
