Commitment is the new marriage.
As we approach a decade into the 21st century, the world as we know it is shrinking at a faster rate than ever. The traditional cornerstones that defined our societies - religion, marriage, gender roles, and the male-dominated workplace - are turning into options, no longer necessities. And for the most part, the older set, particularly the Baby Boomers and Gen X generations, are outraged at these turn of events.
Yet when you're an individual from the Gen Y generation and are immersed in the effects of globalization, you see that the reality of a shrinking world comes with new traditions. Entering into a new decade ushers in birthing pains that a previous generation cannot easily withstand.
Debates on morality can take care of themselves. An issue that particularly concerns me as a twentysomething adult is cohabitation. A few years back, I vehemently opposed cohabitation, condemning it as immoral, citing studies that living-in leads to separation as commitment is not exercised. My personal favorite was citing phrases from the Holy Bible that alluded to the dangers of cohabitation or sexual relations before marriage. I no longer espouse these viewpoints, but this is a common response among individuals which equate marriage with lifelong commitment.
When you analyze articles and studies about the dangers of cohabitation, you become aware on how its' proponents are terrified about the trend of cohabitation; as if these studies and Biblical passages can prevent this trend from becoming a norm. Moreover, most people are afraid of new age religions and the increasing rate of live-in relationships because they fear that society will collapse once these trends share the limelight with traditional norms.
Sadly, these individuals are Chicken Littles ignorant about the concept of evolution. People, the sky didn't fall down when women assumed positions in male-dominated occupations and handsome, straight men came out of the closet. Society as a collective is changing due to the merging of cultures and values brought about by globalization. Therefore, traditional norms must be reassessed if they remain sustainable in our global society.
Contrary to the outcry of conservative media and uptight religious individuals, there are still young people that respect values such as commitment and fidelity. However, they no longer limit these values within the context of traditional institutions, such as marriage. Quite a number of individuals see the inconsistencies of marriage as an institution and therefore do not want to participate in it.
As most people are blinded by their religious convictions, they fail to see the reality of man-made institutions: broken marriages clearly show that two gold bands and a lavish wedding cannot shield a couple from infidelity. Fidelity and commitment lie in the person, not in institutions. It is an insult to condemn individuals in a cohabitation arrangement as not capable of exercising commitment just because they don't have a marriage license. Commitment is already exercised when a couple "solemnize" their relationship by entering into a mutally exclusive arrangement. Calling one another "boyfriend-girlfriend" or "husband-wife" are mere legalities.
What must be assessed in any exclusive relationship is the level of commitment and the intent to uphold and strengthen this commitment. Because no amount of outward displays of romance or commitment (such as marriage, a huge mansion, or children) can stand in the place of the couple's decision to renew and work on this commitment over time.
Yet when you're an individual from the Gen Y generation and are immersed in the effects of globalization, you see that the reality of a shrinking world comes with new traditions. Entering into a new decade ushers in birthing pains that a previous generation cannot easily withstand.
Debates on morality can take care of themselves. An issue that particularly concerns me as a twentysomething adult is cohabitation. A few years back, I vehemently opposed cohabitation, condemning it as immoral, citing studies that living-in leads to separation as commitment is not exercised. My personal favorite was citing phrases from the Holy Bible that alluded to the dangers of cohabitation or sexual relations before marriage. I no longer espouse these viewpoints, but this is a common response among individuals which equate marriage with lifelong commitment.
When you analyze articles and studies about the dangers of cohabitation, you become aware on how its' proponents are terrified about the trend of cohabitation; as if these studies and Biblical passages can prevent this trend from becoming a norm. Moreover, most people are afraid of new age religions and the increasing rate of live-in relationships because they fear that society will collapse once these trends share the limelight with traditional norms.
Sadly, these individuals are Chicken Littles ignorant about the concept of evolution. People, the sky didn't fall down when women assumed positions in male-dominated occupations and handsome, straight men came out of the closet. Society as a collective is changing due to the merging of cultures and values brought about by globalization. Therefore, traditional norms must be reassessed if they remain sustainable in our global society.
Contrary to the outcry of conservative media and uptight religious individuals, there are still young people that respect values such as commitment and fidelity. However, they no longer limit these values within the context of traditional institutions, such as marriage. Quite a number of individuals see the inconsistencies of marriage as an institution and therefore do not want to participate in it.
As most people are blinded by their religious convictions, they fail to see the reality of man-made institutions: broken marriages clearly show that two gold bands and a lavish wedding cannot shield a couple from infidelity. Fidelity and commitment lie in the person, not in institutions. It is an insult to condemn individuals in a cohabitation arrangement as not capable of exercising commitment just because they don't have a marriage license. Commitment is already exercised when a couple "solemnize" their relationship by entering into a mutally exclusive arrangement. Calling one another "boyfriend-girlfriend" or "husband-wife" are mere legalities.
What must be assessed in any exclusive relationship is the level of commitment and the intent to uphold and strengthen this commitment. Because no amount of outward displays of romance or commitment (such as marriage, a huge mansion, or children) can stand in the place of the couple's decision to renew and work on this commitment over time.