Polygamy in the West

Submitted by Riz (Canada), Aug 24, 2008 at 22:15

Polygamy is widely practiced by people of all faiths even in Western nations; albeit in different forms. Is not polygamy sanctioned by Mormons! Polygamy is also practiced by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! These communities have segregated themselves from the larger society and flourish in British Columbia, Canada, and in many other states in the U.S. Then there are the swingers who head out to camps in the summer to swap partners or meet at designated locations to hold weekly social swapping events. Then there are people who engage in serial monogamy without any emotional attachments and do not stay around to raise the child they father. Let's face it saying polygamy is an aspect of one ethnic or religious group is a rather extreme form of ethnocentrisim. Polygamy is indeed sanctioned by Judeo-Christian and Muslim texts. Even in the Hindu religious texts polyandry is sanctioned. This is when the five brothers (Pandavas) marry one women!

Polygamy is not a norm in Muslim societies rather it is an exception. Prophet Mohammed married widows of his companions who died in battles to offer them legitimate support and in doing this also raise the status of women. Women did not have to become prostitutes once their husbands pass away or burn themselves with their husbands as sati - once widely practicied in India. One does not need to go far and see that the girls dancing in the strip clubs or lining the streets to sell themselves do so because they have no other financial choice - that is they are trapped in a vicious circle - many of them are single parents and are often uneduated! They lack the skills demanded for a normal work ethic and financial planning.

So the problem of polygamy is rather complex and shows up in various forms in all societies and is not necessarily confined to one particular ethnic or religious group. Just take a walk from the comfort of your own home and stroll the streets to see the facts in front of you.

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