Forced or arranged marriage is ridiculous

90 % of marriages in India are arranged, and divorce rate is much minimal then western world.

...and by ridiculous you mean?? I don't necessarily support this, nor would I likely want it for myself, but why do you think this is ridiculous?

Forced marriage is simply wrong: arranged marriage is just unfamiliar to those of us conditioned to believe in romance. So in neither case do I think the word "ridiculous" is very apt.

Ridiculous ... as in antiquated. I just read this article dealing with young muslim women in europe being murdered by their families for revolting against forced marriage. They call it "honour killing" and often get away with it.

Also, I do believe that a higher divorce rate in western countries is due to a more complex society, different daily life organisation, different values, female emancipation etc. This has absolutely nothing to do with the marriage being arranged or not. Divorce is not even necessarily a bad thing in my opinion. Nothing is forever.

If your claim had been, "Forced marriage is wrong, and "honour-killing" nothing of the sort", I'd have agreed whole heartedly!

Jasdeep, the Indian divorce rate is climbing in line with increasing female education, economic independence etc.

http://www.sawf.org/newedit/edit03102003/interview.asp
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/23/stories/2002092300290200.htm

StevieB, next time then ;) Thats why thers a discussion board.

My issue is what does "forced marriage" mean? Because I can think of situations where marriages are forced, but still common even in the US, ie I know a few people who got married because someone was pregnant. One could argue that's a forced marriage.

Arranged Marriages are also really common among Chasidic Jews in America, now, either member of the couple has the right to say no, but they still happen, and people seem okay with them.

Arranged =/= forced, and marriage is pretty stupid as it is. The concept of marriage for love is pretty new even in the west. I think openly acknowledging that it's an arrangement dealing with money and property and NOT love and compatability is more sensible

Cobra: What is "Chasidic?"

hard core "black hat and beard" jews. the people stranger among us were about.

Ah, ok. I was curious because I had heard the term before, but never known the definition. Thanks.

I claim that arranged marriages are more common and "accepted" in the US than in Europe. It simply is an old-fashioned concept.

Forced is wrong. Arranged is none of my business.