Today while reading the news I came across an article about a young couple in India who are being told by the tribal elders in their village that a mistake was made in allowing them to marriage as their "castes" do not match up. The ultimatum, as it has come down from the tribal elders to divorce or be killed by the tribe. The couple is in the process of trying to figure out how to flee their village.
This situation is interesting to westerners who no doubt feel a sense of superiority that our culture is not ruled by tribal elders, or a caste system or a dowry system. The article stated that in India thousands of babies are aborted each year because they are girls. In a male dominated society of male tribal elders male children are being selected and preferred. With a strong dowry system in place young people are not free to choose their lovers and life partners. The village elders and their parents are the ones in control of their destiny. Before westerners become so glib, village "elders" approving who can and cannot marry and society wanting boys as more desirable is part of the history of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. All of these religions are based on tribal lore with men participating as the central characters. Men and women have struggled to break free of the ridiculous demands of their religions for thousands of years. I am quite frankly surprised these ancient religions based on the fables of illiterate sheep herders and fishermen still dominates modern day laws and culture and politics. Man made and male dominated religions and traditions are alive and well and thriving today...you would think at least that women would refuse to participate.
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