Ban Stupidity!
Thursday, July 07, 2005Before I begin, I reiterate the sentiment of my post below. I was convinced that terrorist a-holes should not keep us from bloggy goodness. So yeah.
Anyway, I was reading up of on Trashy Snakefood's site, Shnookaland. She had ripped off this guy Justin's post about the absolutely idiotic reality show "The Neighborhood" that someone at ABC realized was a stupid idea just barely before they aired it.
Anyway, part of the premise of the show was families of way different backgrounds living in the same neighborhood. The focus was on one extremely religious (and apparently homophobic) family and a couple gay guys.
The wonderfully insightful Becki made a great comment about how the religious right calls Gay marriage a travesty, while the media makes it a joke.
That got me thinking, which we all know can be a bad thing, and also talking to Trashy, which can be a worse thing ;O)
Why Ban Gay marriage? Really? Yeah, I know the whole church argument about it not being God's way and not being natural. So spare me that lecture.
Here's my plan: Ban Celebrity Marriage.
Seriously! What's worse? Adam and Steve who love each other wanting to get married and be committed for life, or any of the following: Bennifer, TomKat, or anything Britney. You want to talk about ruining the sanctity of marriage? Letting idiots like the last three get married basically as publicity stunts does WAY more damage to the right of marriage than two loving people. And come one, we all know Tom Cruise is gay, why isn't the religious right up in arms? Hell, there's even talk about a "No sex" contract. How is that even a real marriage??? Why the hell else would anyone marry Katie Holmes?
Becki's way correct about the media making marriage out to be a joke. How many shows have jokes about someone going on their 5th marriage? Or like the line in Coyote Ugly "I think he make a great first husband." (or something like that)
People nowadays have the mindset "Well, let's get married, if it doesn't work out we can always get divorced." BULL! THAT is ruining the sanctity of marriage. It used to be I think that person is nice, let's go out. Then, I really like this person, let's Date. Then, I really do love this person, let's get married. No toughts of possible divorce. Now it's more like, I like that person, lets date. I think I might be in love, let's get married and find out.
I don't see the anyone getting up-in-arms about banning Idiot marriage. Where's the bills against that?
Maybe we should just ban marriage altogether. Yeah, the divorce lawyers would take a hit, but make then get a real job like everyone else! Hell, as I said to Trashy, it would make tax law a heck of a lot easier and the Jewlers can make up a holiday just like the candy companies did (though they did mask it well with a veil of friendliness to orphans) to make up for their loss in sales of wedding rings.
Marriage needs to be a big deal again. Instead of just being the "next level of dating" it needs to be a serious commitment again. Maybe ban all but covenant marriages (basically no divorce possible) or something.
But then that might make the extreme right happy... *shiver*
Oh well, can't beat em join em, look for the Slacker-Snakefood wedding any day now. ;O)
posted by Chief Slacker @ 3:11 PM,
25 Comments:
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At Thu Jul 07, 04:12:00 PM,
Becki said...
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I got married very young. I never thought that I would end up divorced, let alone so quickly. Of course, I never thought my then-husband would take up speed, try to lay the smack down on me (in front of Aurora! Stupid boy!), get arrested and give me reason to need a restraining order. But he did.
And even though I know it wasn't my best decision (indeed it was quite stupid) I don't think I would take it back if I could. I got a beautiful daughter out of the deal and I know a lot more about myself now than I did going into the marriage.
Even though I've been divorced I still believe that marriage is a HUGE deal. But I don't think that banning divorce is the answer either. There should be a test or something.
But if someone didn't pass the test and couldn't get married, couldn't they claim that to be discriminatory, the same way banning same sex marriages is?
*Sigh*
I dunno... But this?.....
"look for the Slacker-Snakefood wedding any day now"
I am DEFINITELY attending that wedding! -
At Thu Jul 07, 04:19:00 PM,
Chief Slacker said...
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See, now THAT'S a reason to get divorced. I'm not sure but even in a covenant marraige I think that would defintiely be grounds.
And you're right, people would sue over being discriminated against, but these are the stupid ones anyway, what are the chances they'd win? -
At Thu Jul 07, 04:56:00 PM,
Becki said...
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They probably wouldn't win, they'd just be annoying. We'd have to hire someone to take them out for us.
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At Thu Jul 07, 05:11:00 PM,
Chief Slacker said...
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How much does Minion charge?
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At Thu Jul 07, 05:19:00 PM,
said...
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Marriage is a hellish trap.
Oops. Thinking aloud again. ;) -
At Thu Jul 07, 05:26:00 PM,
Becki said...
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She works for free, but I'm pretty sure it's a personal thing between the two of us. She's still bitter that I wouldn't let her on my couch.
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At Thu Jul 07, 05:44:00 PM,
Marie said...
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Good post! Yeah, I agree that there are way too many people who enter into marriage lightly without much thought and heavy consideration. And even then, sometimes weird shit comes out like in Becki's case...I don't blame you for divorcing that man.
I don't know...sometimes I think that I'd like to get married if it was with my ideal match. But who the hell is that? And does it exist? I dunno.
Please include me on your invite list to your and Snakefood's wedding. ;) -
At Thu Jul 07, 06:03:00 PM,
Becki said...
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Slacker and ChefMattMatt are gonna have to duke it out over Aurora.
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At Thu Jul 07, 06:09:00 PM,
Becki said...
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Slacker is from the home of cheese. And let's face it, that's a recipe for a life-long commitment right there. Snakefood + Cheese = lifetime of bliss.
Minion is available on a contract basis and works for liver bits. Which is why we get along so well. She will make it her life's work to lick your face though so be prepared. -
At Thu Jul 07, 06:25:00 PM,
Carrie said...
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good post.
I of course am on the marriage train... but that's because I waited to find myself before finding the guy who would be right for that self I found.
I do agree that celebrities are a joke... their marriages are nothing more than another series on TV to entertain us. BAH!!! don't get me started!!!
anyways... I believe in love, marriage, and life-long commitments to the right person. I believe that sometimes things happen that makes things not work out, and I don't believe that a couple that has an abusive (physical, mental or emotional)relationship should ever stay together for 'the sake of the kids'.
but I DO think people should trying thinking BEFORE they do something. novel concept, but hey... I'm an old-school cranky bitch. -
At Thu Jul 07, 06:43:00 PM,
Paulius said...
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I agree with everything you said. Who cares if gays get married...and celebs really do take the piss out of marriage.
On the other hand, make divorce impossible?
What if someone gets married, and it turns out their husband is a wife beater, or a cheater?
Oh wait...Becki pointed that out.
Please ignore this comment -
At Thu Jul 07, 07:44:00 PM,
HeavensLilDevyl said...
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Marriage before the age of 30 should be illegal. Or you should be FORCED to attend classes or something. Celebrities make me wanna puke. Doesn't everyone know that marriage fucks up the sex?? LOL. Great Post.
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At Thu Jul 07, 08:14:00 PM,
Jezzy said...
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Getting married was really scary. Of course, I wasn't scared until after the event when I thought "holy shit! I'm married! Shit!" but it's fantastic, it really is. And you're right - too many people don't value it or think it's just like dating where you can pull out when the road gets rough. You're in it for the good times and bad.
Of course, when you get a story like Becki's then you know you've got to leave. But for a lot of people these days, it doesn't seem that special anymore - just an excuse to wear a cool dress and get pressies. -
At Fri Jul 08, 11:35:00 AM,
Amber said...
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Excellent post, Chief. Sadly, marriage has turned from sanctity to a revolving door for people afraid to be alone. Do I want to be married? Hell yeah. But I'm not about to marry the first guy I think I'm in love with just so that I can stop the awfulness that is dating.
I'm so lucky to have had a great example of what marriage should be like in my parents -- they've been married for 32 years and it's still really evident that not only do they love each other, but that they truly like spending time together. I want that with someone, and even though dating is like the worst thing ever, if it will eventually get me there, I'll keep doing it. -
At Fri Jul 08, 02:02:00 PM,
said...
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What an absolutely brilliant idea! I salute you, Slacker!
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At Fri Jul 08, 03:42:00 PM,
Tamanna said...
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What I don't understand, is how people can have the daring to ask someone out. Fear of rejection is my all time worry.
Everyone's always telling me that what you get out of the relationship is great, but I have to admit my mind does wander to what happens if it doesn't work out. And not just for relationships in the boy/girl sense, but plain ordinary friends in general.
My present solution is celibacy. Less pain for everyone. -
At Sat Jul 09, 05:56:00 PM,
Sunny said...
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I used to think that raising the age of consent formarriage to 30 was the answer......but now I can't say that.
Ban celebrity marriages- absolutely...Ban gay marriage- maybe- if two people love each other- On the other hand,who am I to say it's wrong?I honestly think
Celebs just do it for the publicity.
Marriage is hard enough in the best of circumstances- let alone with any controversy - such as celeb or gay- added to it. -
At Mon Jul 11, 02:37:00 AM,
-E said...
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preach it like you mean it. i agree, people treating marriage casually with the easy fix of legally ending it is what ruins the "sanctity" and not who is getting married.
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At Mon Jul 11, 11:24:00 AM,
Leesa said...
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I agree,marriage is taken way to lightly these days. Who cares if two gay people want to get married and spend the rest of their lives together?? Who's right is it to tell them no? Church? Don't even get me started on how corrupt some churches are!!
I was married once before and he was a cheater. You don't know that going in, AND we waited 4 years!! I must have had blinders on.
I believe marriage is a good thing, but maybe there should be a waiting list like when you buy guns?? -
At Mon Jul 11, 09:27:00 PM,
Laura said...
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Hmmm. Very thought provoking. I'm trying to remain optimistic about the subject.
~L. -
At Tue Jul 12, 09:57:00 AM,
Chief Slacker said...
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Cap B - You're not alone in that thought!
Becki - Tell Minion my futon is free ;O)
Marie - Yes, there definitely ARE some very good reasons for getting a divorce, unfurtunately there are too many bad ones. You'll be on the list!
Becki - ChefMattMatt can't handle the power of the Cheese ;O)
Aurora - I finally found the key... who knew it was cheese all along! And it's a curse... chicks like to lick me ;O)
Carrie - Long live Old-School Cranky Bitches :O) You hit the nail on the head. THINK people think.
Paulius - Divorce shouldn't be impossible, just a LOT harder. People need to respect the idea again.
L.A. I'm not sure about the whole 30 age limit... maybe 25 though...
Jezzy - It SHOULD be scary. It SHOULD be a huge decision. I'm glad you found it to be worth it :O)
Iris - The post wasn't about you, but I hope it helps you in your decisions.
Gimpy - Thanks for sharing the story! I don't mind long comments :O) It's rare to find anyone who is easily manipulated, people are always smarter than you think. And I agree, take the controversy out of marriage, make it serious again.
Amber - My parents have been married for 28 years, they have their bad days, but seem pretty happy. Me moving out definitely helped though! I want to be married someday too, but I'm in no hurry, I want to be sure I'm with someone I truely love.
Jade - Thanks :O) salutations returned!
Fudge - The hardest part of any relationship is the beginning ;O)
Sunny - Why's that? Maybe because you're not 30 yet ;O) hehe And way to firmy ride the fence on the Gaymmariage thing. nor worries though. I'm actually suprised no one voiced opposition to that.
-E - I do mean it! :-D And I agree completely.
Amy - May the pessimism be with you ;O) And i agree, when you're 21, you're still grwoing and changing as a person. I couldn't imagine being married when I was 21. I have a hard time now and I'm almost 27.
Leesa - You didn't have blinders, you jsut wanted things to work out. There's nothing wrong with that.
Laura - Optimism is good, but can be hard. Hope you can keep it up ;O)
Ok there, got you ALL. Now on to writing the updates... -
At Tue Jul 12, 10:52:00 AM,
Becki said...
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Hee....that was the longest response eeevvveerrr.
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At Tue Jul 12, 10:57:00 AM,
Chief Slacker said...
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I have to get into the record books somehow!
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At Tue Jul 12, 12:12:00 PM,
Becki said...
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I would give you points for being the laziest but since I just woke up I think I'm challenging you. In a slow, relaxed kinda way that is.
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At Tue Jul 12, 03:35:00 PM,
Chief Slacker said...
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This is why I made you a deputy ;O)