Arranged marriage is an old tradition among the aristocratic families in the world including Europe, Asia and Middle East. This is also commonly practiced among closed and highly structured cultures like the caste system of India and some Arab families, for the purpose of preserving customs, social status and wealth, or of advancement of economic or political interests. This may be uncommon to the modern Western world, where the advent of democracy and free market is most celebrated. However, this is still very much alive in many traditional societies in Asia and the Middle east.
Arranged marriage in the media
You can see this idea in the popular Asian Dramas today. In the widely successful Korean drama adaptation of the Japanese manga “Hana Yori Dango” or Boys Over Flowers, the concept of arranged (or prearranged) marriage takes center stage as a vehicle to advance economic power of a closed family corporation. This was also used to re-establish the discrimination of the poor against taking part in the affairs of the rich. Although the tradition was met with opposition among the younger generation, the drama was still successful in showing how traditions can still be used to wield power in the modern world.
An American view on arranged marriage
For Americans, an arranged marriage could be bizarre. Imagine a life without courtship and dating; without power of free choice. Imagine yourself getting hitched with someone not because you chose to, but because of family interests. Not even Prince Charles and the very beautiful Princes Diana survived the royal arranged marriage of the 20th century. But, despite the advancement of the modern world, some societies still treasure this tradition, and even find success in this type of union. Curious on how it works? Here are ways to have an arranged marriage:
The culture involved in arranged marriages
You must come from a traditional culture. It is hard to convince yourself that this is the best way to live your life unless you’ve been brought up in that sort of household. If for some reason you decide to enter into this without ever being exposed to it, then you’ll need to study a religion or society that practices arranged marriages and then somehow mimic their beliefs. This is hard to do, but not impossible.
Who finds the partner?
You must have parents or business allies who could find your match based on the family or corporate goals. You must understand that in this kind of set-up you just don’t marry the girl or boy, but you are forming allies and expanding influence. The partner is chosen for business reasons, not love. If you enter in an arrange marriage, you have no say over that.
Working with your new family
You must able to forge an agreement with a family who agrees to let their daughter or son marry you. Since this is a business plan, you will have to negotiate (or rather, your parents and the other parents will) to come up with a plan where everyone wins. You and your partner have to be used as bargaining tools.
What you should look like
You must be attractive. There is no such thing as a sure buy. Even a buyer has the right to inspect the commodity before accepting the offer. Remember that you are not the only prospect in the world. Therefore, you need to build up your credentials to be worthy of the prearranged marriage that may have bearing on the success of a particular interest. This could at least be an added attraction if you are planning to advance your personal relationship with your partner. Who knows (as what many Asian dramas suggest), the one your are marrying for convenience might just be the real match of your heart
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Gentalman / Man / Likes Women / Single
A very long note... Difficult to read all..
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