A big tradition mentioned quite often in Fiddler was the tradition of arranged marriages. It originated in ancient western cultures and is a part of many religious customs. In Fiddler on the Roof arranged marriages were proven to be common with Jewish customs. The thought of arranged marriages is traditional but meant for the past. Along with the marriage comes other traditional values like the woman staying at home while the man works all day. In today’s society people, or women, have so much opportunity to step outside the house and make careers for themselves. Many women enjoy the best of both worlds and can be a mother/wife at home but also juggle a career. With responsibility also comes with independence, for both genders. American’s embrace their liberties and independence so one’s ability to choose whom they date exercises their independence. Unless one is nothing but obedient, old fashioned, and traditional, I don’t think arranged marriages will ever be an option. The forced move of the children moving to America and the family being torn apart signifies their family traditions being lost and diminished.
Monday, October 18, 2010
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I agree with you...This is what i wrote mine on too. But i feel it's such a personal choice. and even now, women have so many more opportunities, it would be degrading if my father told me who i had to marry. I was so proud when the daughters went against their father and married who they wanted to marry. That's what I would do. And also, I agree with the observation that since the family had to move to America, it was a metaphor for their traditions being lost.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you as well, arranged marriages may be tradition for some cultures, but I'm thankful they're not apart of mine. I think it’s almost offensive that some families won’t let their daughters choose whom they’d like to marry. It’s a big step in someone’s life and being matched up with someone you’ve never met before is just unfair. Also, it does make sense that their traditions are vanishing as they flee the country. It’s sad that that’s how it had to happen, but at least the daughters all ended up with husbands that they truly wanted.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you. The main focus of this musical was the tradition of arranged marriages. Because of the opportunities in higher education and career advancement, it would seem so archaic for a women in the 21st century to marry a man her father had chosen for her. Women have a better chance than ever in history to be independent and find someone they truly care about to marry. I'm glad that our culture doesn't follow this tradition because now women are free to choose who they wish to marry.
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