Friday, October 29, 2010

Love?

1. Read the following article: Young Love?

2. In your comment, follow each of the following steps. Label each step:
      Step a) Describe the families involved the engagement. Postulate: What might their motivation in arranging the marriage be? Why might they have have chosen these particular ages?
      Step b) Defend or challenge the merits of arranged marriages. Do they still have a place in modern society? Does it depend on the country? On the religion? Cite at least one quote from the article and a minimum of three examples from any other sources (literature, movies, sports, your life, etc.) to support your stance. Provide your rationale.
      Step c) Describe some of the different implications that this engagement now poses for the children. Explain why.
      Again this week, each sentence in your original comment and your comments to your peers must start with a different word.   
     *Deadline: Monday, November 1st at midnight 

3. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments by completing the following steps:
      Step a) State whether you agree or disagree with the writer's standpoint regarding arranged marriages.
      Step b) Provide any three concrete examples of your choice to support your decision. As I have stated previously, they need not be lengthy, but there must be three. This is great practice for your timed essays and of course, the AP exam.
      Step c) End your comment with a question for the writer to consider. 
        -->Remember: Each sentence in your comments to your peers must begin with a different word.
            *Deadline: Friday, November 5th at midnight

4. Remember the guidelines for grammar, spelling, propriety, etc. Note: I really enjoy reading your posts!

67 comments:

  1. Step a) Well since young khalid was feeling a bit down, his parents decided to engage them. I see no problem with that because that was their motivation. They wanted to see their child more happy and like a good friend, the young 3 year old made him very happy. Probably the age of this engagement was not actually " chosen". I believe it was pretty much how things actually occur. You never know when it would happen and when it did,it just did. There was no actually arrangement at the age that their choked was to be engaged, at least inmmy opinion.

    Step b) One of the reasons why peace is almost impossible to have is that people do not respect others' differences, such as religion or ethnicity. Maybe in our modern society arranged marriages have pretty much died out, but that does not mean that they should die out in the entire planet. That is why I defend this concept of arranged marriages. I am saying that I respect whatever their customs are. I'm not trying to say that I would put my own children in that position, but I'm saying that if that's whatnthe parents want, then I'm fine with that. It's not like these children are actually "married" they just exchanged rings that slightly represent a toy. Meaning that they'll be friends.

    Step c) Implications shouldn't actually result from an arranged marriage for children. The children are pretty much toddlers. This does not mean that they will end up in a marriage together. It's basically saying that we agree on being friends by exchanging these rings.

    ReplyDelete
  2. a) Both families noticed that the children were feeling down. So Khalid told his parents that he did not want to leave unless Hala went with him. The parent's of Kahlid dicussed the situation with Hala's parents and they agreed too. I think their motive would be to see their cheildren growing up and know that they will get married. Kahlid's parents decided to allow them at this age because it took them a long time to have a child and it was not an easy pregnancy for her. They felt they should give him that. I fell that nothing more than exchanging rings will occur. These children are young and will probably change their mind as they mature and understand the situation.

    b) Arranged marriages should happen. It might have worked back then, but not anymore. Things in this world have changed. People nowadays go looking for people and parents do not make the time to even try. I do not see a point in arranged marriages anymore. Religion has a lot to do with arranged marriages. It also depends on which religion your talking about. "A three-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy in Syria have become engaged, according to local reports Thursday." It's possible that it depends on the country your in to see if arranged marriages are normal.

    c) Implications shouldn't happen coming from this situation. Children are too young and naive too comprehend what love is. As they mature, the way they view the world is changed and they won't return to the old ways they think. That is just how life is, situations make help make you a stronger person.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A) The families involved in the engagement felt that their children were lonely. Each family decided to arrange a marriage for their children. They chose this particular age for their children to marry because they do not want their children to grow up being alone and isolated. Khalid's family went through a difficult pregnancy and vowed to have him engaged at the age of five. Hala's family agreed to have the marriage because she was "[developing] similar symptoms of loneliness" and they probably wanted to ensure her that she will be with someone.
    B) I would have to disagree with the concept of arranged marriages. Arranged marriages still probably happen; we just do not hear about it as often. It may just depend on a people's country and religion. "Young Love?" was published by a Syrian website. Assuming it did take place in Syria, the people of that country are different and believe differently than people in the U.S. When I about arranged marriages, I heard that the parents decided who when their children were going to marry. Children were not too happy with the arrangement because they did not want to get married or they simply did not love that person. An unhappy marriage usually leads to abuse and seperation of a family.
    C) Implication that the engagement poses for the children is that they are now committed. People may not realize it, but they are now committed to each other because they "promised" to marry each other by exchanging rings.

    ReplyDelete
  4. stepA: The families arranged the marriage be they felt that their children should not feel lonely. They felt that by engaging their children they would have someone.
    stepB: I do not agree with the idea of arranged marriages. Maybe it could depend on the country or maybe religion.Back in eighth grade i had a frind named sumaia that had this same type of religion where she had to have an arranged marriage but she was not from syria like the writers of this article. So it could definitely depend on religion and location.

    stepC: This shows the children that they are devoted to each other as friends because right now they do not understand that it means way much more

    ReplyDelete
  5. Part A: Their motivation might have been that their children were lonely and needed someone to be around all the time. They maybe chose these ages because when your young and you grow up with someone you become closer as you age. I am sure they want their children to grow up with with each other so they wont feel like strangers when they do get older. Maybe their love for each other will grow as well.

    Part B: I do not agree with arranded marriages because I believe a person should have a say in who they want to marry and when they want to do it. Arranged marriages still have a place in our society today, but children are more reluctant to it than acceptable to it. They do depend on reilgon because I knew a boy in elementary school who was Muslim, that had to be in an arranged marriage. It also has some thing to do with the country because the article says "A three-year old girl and a five-year old boy in Syria have become engaged accoring to local reports Thursday".

    Part C: Some implications engagement can pose for children are that people who become engaged can be friends first and might not even get engaged when they get older.

    ReplyDelete
  6. a) The families that are involved in the engagement were concerned about the well-beings of their toddler children. Both families noticed they were feeling lonely and decided to bring them companionship...and perhaps a whole lot more. They could be afraid that their children will grow up to be alone and without a spouse. So what better way than to pair them up with someone at the ripe age of three or five? Another possibility is that they could also be afraid that they will fall for someone they wouldn't approve of.

    b) Although I do respect the customs of different cultures, I do not agree with the merits of arranged marriage. Nowadays, you don't hear much about arranged marriages; it's probably all hushed up because it isn't very common. It could depend on the country and religion, because all religions and countries are different, and American culture differs very much from the Syrian ways, which could explain why you don’t hear about arranged marriages. Personally, I think it shouldn’t be up to the parent to decide who the child’s husband/wife should be. A child should be able to grow up without having to worry about something adult-like such as commitment. When they get older, the child should be able to make their own decision. That’s what the parent is for - to guide them along the way to help them make the right choices instead of doing it for them. In the article, it says, “The boy, who was identified only as Khalid, ‘fell in love’ with Hala during a family trip to a seaside town, his father said.” Khalid is only five years old and can not make decisions for himself, so it’s most likely that his parents are making it for him, or at least influencing his five-year-old mind to marry the girl.

    c) Some implications are deep commitment. Engagement is huge commitment. The kids may not know it now, but pretty soon when they grow up, they’ll realize what their parents got them into. Also, even though the father of Khalid says, "We know that Khalid or Hala might change their mind in the future...” it is still implied that they want Khalid and Hala to stay together forever, otherwise they would not have had them engaged at such an early age. Once they grow older, they’ll have to make the choice of staying in that commitment or getting out of it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. a) Like Juma said himself, to avoid such a difficult marriage and pregancy in the future, start off young.Such a rising age leaves much room for change; perhaps the children will later change their minds, if so, it would be possible. By interfering with what should come naturally, the kid's parents are preventing what they have experienced as young ones. Might as well start off young, say five years of age; claim one now before you never claim one again.

    b) Arranged marriages might seem uncivilized in our society; however, it is still a commom pracitce in many overseas religions. Of course, anything that is against a child's will should be banned, but what if their just as accepting? Those extreme decisions are downright frowned upon by us, kids should be able to make their own decisions. It all boils down to their practices though, perhaps religion, social standards, or traditional customs. "Khalid told me and his mother that he would like to have stayed with Hala or bring her home to Homs." Obviously, children's opinions are greatly taken into consideration, but such a thought should deem some consequences. We see it seldomly though social mechanisms, parents overuling their kids. The most common, religion. Just because we are born into a certain lifestyle, it automatically claims who we are, not much freedom in that.

    c) Children in this case are three and five years old. When I was five, I didn't know whether I had boxers on or not, and I am certain I would not be able to choose a wife. First thing that comes to mind is interest; a five your boy will not for long stay intrigued by the actions of his three year old partner. By far, I am respectable of the Syrian's way of life; however, the kids will surely change their minds and end in a much more bitter state that which they started in.

    ReplyDelete
  8. A)Since the father Juma noticed that his son Khalid would not leave without Hala, the two families decided if they would get married then they would be happy. The only problem is that in the future their relationship will change and especially since they are young in age, they will soon realize that they are to young to be married

    B)I would go against arranged marriages because it might not be fair for the two couples that are getting married. They might not like each other or maybe, they do not have anything in common. Even though their are cultures, religions, and societies that still believe in arranged marriages, I think they should just let the couple decided whether or not they should get married to a random person.

    C)These children probably think they are just best friends and do not realize that they are in a full commitment of marriage. I probably did not know how marriage worked when i was five and to see two youngsters getting married i just wonder what will happen to them in the future

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The families involved in the arrangement seem to be very interested in this engagement. Their motivation in the arrangement was themselves; they saw how happy they were with their families and they wanted their kids to have the same. Arranged marriages are very rare these days and they usually deal with religion. "Khalid told me and his mother that he would like to have stayed with Hala or bring her home
    to Homs. The young bride seems very genuine." I go against arranged marriages, they don't know who they are really picking for their child. Anybody at age five, four, and etc, don't seem harmless at that age. They don't know what those kids will turn out to be. These kids see this arranged marriage as something that they have to do most likely. Their families are really into this and the kids are just going along with them, they don't know what they are doing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. A) The families seem very interested and involved with the engagement.
    Both of the couples parents agreed to have them engaged for the best interest of their children. Their motivation to have them engaged was the happiness of their children, because both had developed affection towards each other. They chose those particular ages because they have plenty of time to get to know each other, and their parents understand that their feelings could change in the future. In the mean time, they want them to be happy.

    B) I disagree with arranged marriages, because they may come with many conflicts and non- approvals from the couple. Although, many countries and religions have the costumes to have arranged marriages it still seems bad in my eyes. Some may adapt to the arrangement and some may not. In the case of Khalid and Hala they bonded and developed affections toward each other. In other situations that bond may not occur and they eventually hate each other. Like a movie i saw, a girl was in an arranged marriage and ended up hating the guy. I believe everyone has a right to chose who they want to marry, but of course it depends on the location and religion.

    C) An implications are that they might feel pressured. Even though they feel something for each other now, anything could happen in the future. Their parents seem reasonable knowing that their feelings might change but they already give their word to a marriage and in those countries a promise should be kept.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Step A: The families involved in this engagement seem to be free-minded people. There is no discrimination towards age at all. It seems as though, the most important thing for their children is just to be happy. In my opinion, the one thing that I believe motivated the arranged marriage was the fact that Juma, Khalid’s father, vowed to have his son engaged at the age of five. They might have chosen this age because Khalid is the son of a complicated pregnancy which might give them the idea to let him experience life before its taken away.

    Step B: Living under their circumstances would give me a better idea on whether I should defend or challenge the merits of arranged marriage, but I would have to challenge them. Modern society still has a place for arranged marriages because I see families who still do that today. I believe that it does depend upon the country and the religion because different individuals or families practice different traditions and customs. "I vowed to have my child engaged at the age of five if he was a boy and to marry him to a woman of his choice at the age of 15." This would not be heard in a typical, ordinary family you would meet in your lifetime. A teacher of mine was associated in an arranged marriage and she plans on doing the same for her daughters due to her cultural background. Even my parents were almost involved arranged marriages, so I can understand how unfair arranged marriages can be.

    Step C: An implication this engagement now poses for children is the fact that some young toddlers might want to get married at a young age due to seeing this on the media. Whether they are serious or not, it is planted in the mind of young ones and who knows what this could do to them. When I was younger, I watched an episode of Full House in which Stephanie fictionally engaged and married one of her best friends, making me want to do the same as well. If a family show like this had little impact on me, imagine how other children across America are reacting stories like this one here.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Step A: The families involved in this engagement only wanted the best for their children, although in my opinion, they pushed the kids into a relationship this serious way too early. Their motivation might possibly be because they only wanted their kids to be as happy as possible. I do not think that these particular ages were “chosen”. I do think that they just decided to start them [the kids] off on the right track, by having them be with someone that both families agree with. The families just wanted to make sure than neither of the kids has the opportunity to become an isolated child.

    Step B: Arranged marriages may be all right in foreign countries, but in today’s society, it is completely unacceptable. It is seen as a violation of rights; the right to be able to pick your own spouse at your own leisure, without interference from anyone else. "She said her daughter had developed similar symptoms of loneliness and the family would be happy to see them engaged." This is quoted from the young girl’s mother. In my opinion, a young three year old girl does not “develop symptoms of loneliness”. She is too young to even realize what love is, let alone feel it herself. Her family and the boy’s family are both pushing a couple of normal toddlers into engagement, long before they need to be thinking about it. As of September 2008, there have been several dozen cases of children under the age of fifteen being pushed into arranged marriages, discovered in Britain. Although the cases had taken place in a foreign country, [Pakistan], and other Middle Eastern countries, Britain had stepped in and placed these children into foster homes. My dad also has a friend whose wife is from United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), which is next to India. She has told me of several cases that she has heard of in her country where young girls are being forced into an arranged marriage; some even as young as nine years old! In the old days, girls even younger than that were told to expect nothing less than an arranged marriage. Here in America, however, it is seen as morally wrong.

    Step C: This implication will cause severe problems for those children later on in life, because they will have promised themselves to that one person for their entire life. They will not know any other person, or anything else that they could obtain by living or being with another person.

    ReplyDelete
  14. A) Both families seem very understanding, since they both agreed to the marriage and said that they know it might change in the future. The motivation in the marriage is pleasing, being able to provide your child with what makes them happy. Maybe choosing these ages was because these are where your most impacting changes occur, you start going to elementary and leave kindergarten and at the age of fifteen your considered a responsible young man.
    B) I believe arrange marriage is a controversy that should remain untouched because no matter what there will always be arranged marriages, and this may depend on both religion and where you may live. Mr. Juma tells the news reporter "We know that Khalid or Hala might change their mind in the future..." which means that if by the age of fifteen they change their minds they will also support them, which makes it sort of less of an obligatory arranged marriage. Arrange all throughout life has been there like in many mid-eastern countries arranged marriage is a regular thing, I'm not defending it, but I'm also not against it. I just believe that other peoples traditions are different and we cant always try to change it, we have to sometimes learn to adapt to those certain types of tradition.
    C) I think that these children will now have more pressured lives because they will have to worry about sticking to their word and if they end up falling in love with someone else they might feel very stressed and might feel that they do not want to disappoint their parents, because a decision has already been done about their futures.

    ReplyDelete
  15. A]] The family could have decided that they wanted their son to have kids soon so that they wouldn't face complications in childbearing like Juma and his wife faced. Just like Juma said, "I vowed to have my child engaged at the age of five if he was a boy and to marry him to a woman of his choice at the age of 15." It wasn't a mutual choice. Juma was the one who decided what age his son should get married at and the wife just went along with it. The father also noticed how attached the boy became with the young girl and so to avoid the tantrums, he probably decided it best to not argue.

    B]] I believe that arranged marriages aren't right, one should be able to choose who they want to spend the rest of their lives with. Unfortunately, arranged marriages are still a part of society because of religion which affects thousands of people and holds powerful influence over many. Parents are mainly responsible for arranged marriages and because no one wants to disappoint their parents they go along with the marriages. For example it was Juma who decided and approved of his son and this girl because he, himself says, "Khalid told me...that he would like to have stayed with Hula...The young bride seems very genuine." Roughly translated this means that Juma saw his son infatuated with this young girl and didn't want to separate them. Thus Juma decided to arrange this marriage by consulting with Hulas parents, who agreed with him.

    C]] This arranged marriage could affect the children emotionally. They might like each other now but what about when they are older and mature? Feelings can change, perspectives can change. Not everything will stay the same because change is inevitable. Also, what makes the parents believe that Hula or Khalid won't fall in love with different people? There is no way of predicting right in this situation. Worry should be felt because a normal future for those children is at great risk.

    ReplyDelete
  16. A: The families invovled in the engagements where only think about the way their kids feel. Their motivation for getting them engaged was that the kids where sad with out each other when the kid told his father that he was not going to leave with out her. Next the families chose those age because that is when little kids get along most of the time.
    B: Arrange marrage do not play a huge role in our society but in some place it does still. For example, depending on the place on and religion on is because many parents believe it better to arraged them to some the like better for you. In addition the can not be any benfits for an arraged marrage because the person can not end up in love of mesible. Like the atricle said "Juma, whose surname was not published, said that his son had refused to return to his nursery if Hala didn't attend as well" this show that the parents will do anything to make the child happy.
    C:Engagements is a commitment that one make to another to stay with the person until they get married. Moreover kid do not see the how challanging the commitment come with. Well this show how kid view life and matured to view life differently.

    ReplyDelete
  17. a) The families that are involved in the engagement were concerned about their two children. Both of the families said their children were feeling lonely and would love for them to be engaged to each other. They could have been blind and easily assume that at the young age of five would be perfect for the two. Small feelings of "puppy love" developed between the two young hearts and parents thought it might be better considering the fact they both approve of the other child.

    b) I absolutely do not agree with the merits of arranged marriage. Arranged marriages aren't not spoken of so much nowadays. It could depend on the country and religion because things differ between different religions and different countries. Parents shouldn't force their children into any type of relationship. Feelings can't be forced, they develop on their own and usually things that are done against their will turn out for the worst. When they are older they can make a decision for themselves based on what is best for them. In the article, it states, “The boy, who was identified only as Khalid, ‘fell in love’ with Hala during a family trip to a seaside town, his father said.” Obviously the boy is young and hasn't experienced have of the things life has to offer him. He can't be tied down with a wife and commitment to worry about while he, himself, is still growing up. The boy is only five and by the time he is 18, has to support his wife, and move out, he won't be ready for it.

    c) One implication that this conflict includes is commitment. They made vows to be with each other and ONLY each other. How can a five year old boy and three year old girl show commitment towards each other if all they know is it looks like a bunch of letters like the ones on their toy building blocks?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Step a) In this article, the families that were involved in the engagement seems to be ok with everything. Both sides of the family seem like they didn’t mind those two children getting married. They suggest about marriage because they seem really happy together and wouldn’t go to nursery without the other, that’s why they suggested the marriage. They might have chose 15 because maybe that is when they would be old enough to know what is marriage is and what they have to go through.

    Step b) They seem to young for a arranged marriage. They don’t even really know what they are going through in the future. Yea they will soon know but what if they changed their minds about each other? They are just going to break it off? I don’t think they would have a place in modern society. From what the parents are doing, marriage seems whatever to them, they can just get engaged anytime they want. “We know that Khalid or Hala might change their mind in the future…”(Young love? Girl, 3, gets engaged to 5-year-old), if the parents knew they might not be together then what is the point of them being engage in the first place. Both children might not even love each other later or don’t even love each other now. Yea they are young, maybe the only reason why they like being each other is because they don’t even have other friends to be with they just like hanging out together and maybe that’s it, just being good friends.

    Step c) The engagement might influence other young kids to get married also at a young age. It would make the young kids think they could handle the relationships. Them thinking they can handle relationships, they might also think they can handle other stuff like drugs, alcohol, and even sex.

    ReplyDelete
  19. a) Khalid’s family had a hard time producing a child, so now they want him to quickly get married. If Khalid takes time to find a wife and have kids, then they will not be able to see their grandchildren. This is because it took them twenty years to have Khalid. On the other hand Hala’s family was not as serious over the children’s marriage. Their motives could have been to find a nice person for their children to marry. These ages might have been chosen because at this time the children look cute and the idea of marriage is years ahead, so they have time to reflect on it.
    b) Arranged marriages, in my opinion, are not a good reason for marriage. People should take the time to get to know a person and truly see if they are “the one”. They do happen in modern society, but in the United States they have become a taboo topic. Even though the parents said"we know that Khalid or Hala might change their mind in the future, but what we do know at this stage is that they are very happy and talk to each other every day,” it does not seem a rational thing to do. Hala and Khalid are very young to be thinking about love or marriage; the parents took a fondness between the children out of proportions. Instead of making this into an engagement they could have called it a less serious word like “friends” or even “boyfriends”. Once the children grow up and if they seriously liked each other then engagement and marriage could be thought about.
    c) Implications that could arise for Hala and Khalid is the feeling that they have to get married. At a very young aged it is placed in their heads that they shall marry one another. Later on they may find someone that is better suited for them, but because of the prior engagement they have they will not follow their heart. Although the parents say that Hala and Khalid can break the engagement it will be hard for this to happen. For the reason that they it is their parents wish they may get married to make them happy.

    ReplyDelete
  20. A) I think the motivation of the parents was to see their child be lonely. they did not chose this certain ages the children did since the first tome they meet.
    B) I challange the chosing of the parents because what kind of parent lets their child get married at a young age.I don't think they have a piece in modern society because it is not legal to marry at that age in the united states. I think it does depend on the country because they have different rules.
    C) Some of the problems that the children will have is asking why are gthey married and it will be akward when they have to get a divorce.

    ReplyDelete
  21. step a)

    well in this article the parents dont really seem to excited or shock about thier kids as they should.what i mean by this is that the children are just infants and parents have to be a little more concerened about them because they are too younge to even know what engaed or love is.the parents seem to not really mind about the disesions of thier children.maybe the word engagement to them means a sign of friendship sense the article says that they talk alot to each other.

    step b)

    this engagment seems more as if it were arranged becuse the kids dont know any better and if somthing were to happen the parents would be responsible. i dont have anything against arranged marriages becuse in some cultures its a tradition.we also have to remember that they exchanged ring which could have meant they agreed to be friends.thier toddlers thier brain isnt thinking like a teen or an adult what do they know about marriage?

    step c)


    i dont think its such a big deal becuse you have to remember that they are toddlers and that they are not to late to turn back.anyways they are not getting married thier just engaged, its all agame to them

    ReplyDelete
  22. Step a) This article does not go into great detail about the two families involved in the arranged marriage of the two young children. The idea that the children are both lonely is mentioned in the article. Besides that though, the father of the young boy Khalid does make mention of the difficulty he & his wife had in conceiving their son in this quote,"My wife and I got Khalid after 20 years of marriage, in a complicated pregnancy.” There is a possibility that Juma, Khalid's father, doesn't want his son to have the same problem. He probably thinks the soon he gets married the better. Also this maybe customary in what ever country this engagement took place because the mother of the 3 year old girl agreed that the engagement of the two children would be the perfect solution.

    Step b) I disagree with the idea of arranged marriages at any age. It is apparent that they still have some place in modern society, arranged marriages are still practiced in some cultures. But this, being my own opinion, is not right, & I mean this with no disrespect to any culture or religion. People should marry by love not obligation & for children especially at that age do no understand the concept of love.

    Step c) These two children are far too young to understand love & its true meaning. The children might later feel obligated to marry & no one should feel that way when marrying.

    ReplyDelete
  23. A) The families odveously have a different culture than ours and are easterners. They also seem to be used to the idea of arranged marrage. Their modivation in the arranged marrage is making their children happy and letting them be independent in their choices. 15 is the age of adulthood in some cultures so that is why they chose that age so they could be ready for marrage.
    B) There is still a place in society for arranged marrages because my friend is in an arranged marrage and happy about it. Arranged marrages do appear more often in different cultures and parts of the world but is still here because of our diverse culture. Religion only sets the limits on marrage; it doesn't have anything to do with arranging marrages. If we had more arranged marrages then there would be less abortions and poverty due to teenagers and unwed mothers. Also, people would have a better chance of being happier because in the article Juma said, "...they are very happy and talk to each other everyday." Those kids at such a younge age might be able to develope personalities that are compatible with one another and if they can't there is always devorce. Little kids falling in love is cute because they are a lot more pure than adults. This experience could teach them responsibilty to their wife or husband because they know they're going to get married they have the opportunty to prepare by learning useful skills.
    C) Marrage binds you to a person for as long as you live or don't get devorced, so these kids can't harbor any interest in anyone else and will most likely be expected to do things in order to be a good husband or wife. Ten years is a long time to wait but at least they like each other.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Both of these families simply care for their children to be happy. Their motivation in having these children marry eachother is probably because they have nothing better to do. Also these types of parents are the ones that will do anything for their children. There is no certain reason why they chose these ages they just chose these ages becasue it they believe that the sooner the better.
    In modern society there is no such thing as aranged mariages. Most of the time if you have an aranged marriage it is because of parents in a certain religion or from a different colture. One interesting qoute from the article is "We know that Khalid or Hala might change their mind in the future, but what we do know at this stage is that they are very happy and talk to each other everyday". by this qoute we can infer that these families are not thinking about their children's fute. They are simply trying to make their kids happy and a spoiled child doesnt always get what they want. There is a book i read that a their was an aranged marrage and they didnt even like eachother. So they were forced to love eachother and their relationship never really became strong like a relationship is suppost to be.
    This aranged engagement now imposes these two children to grow up and love eachother. Love and marraige is something that has to be taken seriously because it is not a game. Yes the parents might say "well if they dont like eachother in the future and it doesnt work out then they can move on" but it is still going to harm the two children in an emotional way. These children are to young to be making marital decisions. They probably dont even kno what marriage really is, be this as it may, the parents still do not have the athority to say who they are going to marry. In my perspective I see nothing wrong in marrying at an early age as long as you really kno what marraige is about and really kno what love is. This two children are to young to understanf the concept of marraige.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Step A)
    The families motive on marrying their children was their concern on both Hala and Khalid feeling lonely.No parent wants to see their kids that way, so the only conclusion they probably came up with was marrying them. Khalid's parents had a complicated pregnancy and vowed his child engaged at the age of five, so Khalid had his life planned out already. Hala's families were probably concerned of her not finding someone and ending up being lonely. The decision of both families marrying them at such early age might have just been their children feeling lonely for the rest of their lives.
    Step B)
    Arranged marriages are not heard as much in our society.In the American culture, parents have to learn to accept their kids decision on who they marry. Compared to other religions or cultures many parents still feel obligated on picking the person they want their daughter/son to marry.I believe parents cannot force their kids on marrying someone in such a early age.In this article it said, “The boy, who was identified only as Khalid, ‘fell in love’ with Hala during a family trip to a seaside town, his father said.” I believed that they both grew a friendship bond towards each other.Everyone has a best friend that would absolutely miss if they were not to see them.Both kids might not even understand the meaning of marriage, they are just happy that they get to see each other.
    Step C)
    I believe that commitment is huge for marriage.Right now both Kahlid and Hala are happy their together, but a couple of years from now they might be feeling pressured by their parents on being together. Both families should have thought it out well; either Khalid or Hala might meet someone through out their life and wouldn't do nothing to follow their heart only because of their commitment to one another.

    ReplyDelete
  26. On my post I meant on step b, I meant to put that 'Arranged marriages should NOT happen.'

    ReplyDelete
  27. A)Two families are involved in this your love relationship, one side being the bride and one side being the groom. Giving a girl away is one of the biggest reliefs a father can get in most countries. After giving away all his daughters a father feels he has accomplished everything in his life, this may be a good reason why the girl’s parents were ready to give their girl. Money can make people make sacrifices; one of the families may have thought that they could get money from dowry and that the boy’s/girl’s family was good so why not get a relationship?
    B) “The bride seems very genuine” was stated by the groom’s side. Arranged marriages are considered a thing of the past and immoral to most teenagers nowadays. Teenagers do not know that an arranged marriage is not a forced marriage and that both the guy and the girl decide if they want to marry each other. A lower percentage of arranged marriages are divorced compared to love marriages which mean that is obviously works. Having an arranged marriage is perfectly fine; it basically is a love marriage because the people like each other. As long as no one is being forced into a marriage everyone is happy.
    C) Rich children will now think that if they really like someone and whine about it to their parents, their parents will get them who they want. While this may not be considered right it is a good example of persuasion. Everyone acknowledges that fact that they will like someone else, and at that time their parents should not force them to get married. I may not know the laws any culture of Syria, but having anyone forcefully married shows a low level of society.

    ReplyDelete
  28. A) in my opinion, each of the parents, just want to fullfill the happiness of the children.so by them getting engaged, soon to be married there stating how age is nothing but a number, and how they should not have to wait.

    B) I do bot agree with the idea of arranged marriages at any age even though the parents are trting to make them happy think. It is viewable that they still have some place in modern society, arranged marriages are still practiced in some religions. in my opinion i think marriage should be based on honesty and love.


    C)well in my opinion the kids are too young at age to define the real meaning of love. so as they get older, and get much more smart, they will understand the real meaning of love, and figure out that theyy made a mistake.

    ReplyDelete
  29. A.) Khalid father most likely wants the two children to be wed soon, because of the complicated pregnancy his mother had. His father vowed to engage his son at an earlier age, so that he can see his child married before he dies of old age. If Khalid's dad were to wait until he found a wife of his own, he would be pretty old, considering the fact that his son was born 20 years after their wedding. The both families took advantage of the fact that the two children liked one another. Although it seems quiet ridiculous how the two very small children can know what it feels like to be lonely and in love, these two families see nothing wrong with it.

    B.) Those marriages which are arranged, have a lot to do with religion or culture. I am sure that a parent will not just randomly think about arranging their child's marriage out of the blue; it has to have been influenced by their culture and, or religion. I do respect other religions, although i totally disagree with their views on arranged marriages, i would not try to tell them from right to wrong. One reason i am against arranged marriage, is just the fact that most of them are forced. The couple, individually, will never experience the true feeling of love. They will then grow thinking that arranged and forced marriages are okay, and will continue the chain. Money, fortune, and social status is another case of why they have arranges marriages. This also ties in with the parents forcing their child to marry someone for their own benefits. By just being selfish and thinking about themselves, they forget that their child's needs.

    C.) There are many way this could end, it all depends on the variables. The children could end up falling in love with one another, if they learn what real love is. The second is that the children can realize that they are only engaged because of their parents self needs. Or, last but not least, they will be forced to stay with each other.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Step A: According to the article a three yr old girl and a five yr old boy were arrenged to be engaged and get married because of their loneliness juma and Khalid had their parents felt that it would be best to get married and because it's part of their religion and ethnic background they though hey since you guys are getting along now and you will lnw this person for such a long time maybe it will be best to get married at Such a young age.This also leads to to the backgroud of Khalid's parents when they had a hard time conceiving a child maybe this had something to do with sucha early engagement.
    StepB: they're many circumstances that lead to this arrenged marriage however I Disagree on the idea despite their religion and ethnic background they aren't granted Asuch freedom as we do in America and could lead to rebelling and other issues, but in my opinion is really necessary for an arranged marriage? The children should find their own way to normal life no one likes being told what to do imagine being told who to love?
    step C: In evaluating the whole situation that's simply how it is in their cou
    try.THe children don't know what they want yet, as in most family household the parents just wants what's best , and that all they which is Tradition.

    ReplyDelete
  31. a)
    When the tow families notice that their childs were feeling depressed they decided to engage them. When Khalid met hala at a family trip to a seaside town, he did not want to be away from her. Child marriage might be apart of their religion. Bad experience palys a huge factor towards deciding to engage khalid at a young age. The family did not want their son to experince what they went through.

    b)
    Arranged marriage do not happen that often in modern society. Their are some religions that allow child mariages. Like in India they arrange marriages, this can be a bad thing for a couple of reasons. The parents are over protecting their child. They are also controlling their childs life and not letting them be independent.
    c)
    The childern do not know what love is. They are to young to get engaged. In the artice it states that Juma said "that his son refused to return to his nursery if Hala didn't attend as well." This does not show that he is in love, but shows that he is in need of companionship

    ReplyDelete
  32. A) The families’ motivation is hopefully for the sake of the children’s happiness. These parents might have chosen these particular ages while the minds of the children are still young, open, and opportunistic.


    B) I do not approve of arranged marriages because it is like a restriction against the rest of the world. One would not be happy—unless forced to be happy—because they are living in a false marriage. Arranged marriages do depend on religion and parents because I doubt that people will go against not only their parent’s rules, but also God’s rules. Just because they are from another religion, pace or social environment, they still fit in with modern society. Most people in these modern times have similarities with this infant-engaged couple in that they also live with some restrictions. For example, my aunt was forced to marry a man of certain standards; she might as well have been arranged to marry such man at a young age like Khalid and Hala. Khalid and Hala “f[alling] in love” also fits in with young children in this modern society. Juma and his wife “know that Khalid or Hala might change their mind in the future,” but they still choose to tie down their children in the early engagement.


    C) Implications that can be developed are influences around the world. The child engagement in Syria can lead to such engagement in California. More importantly, parents can get out of hand such as pushing their children to the next level. If these parents feel that three and five-year olds are ready for engagement, then, sooner or later, parents will start to think that they are ready for other things like sex, drugs, or alcohol. It might seem a bit dramatic that engagement can lead to more serious issues, but it is indeed a possibility.

    ReplyDelete
  33. a)Both families seem genuinely happy about this arrangement. They want what’s best for their kids and they believe that an arranged marriage is the way to go. It seemed, to me, that the motivation was based solely on the happiness of the kids. However, I also believe that Khalid’s father is scared that his soon-to-be daughter in law might have the same complications as his wife. Although, this fear is irrational, like most fears, it’s what’s guiding him to the decision of giving his son an arranged marriage; even if an early engagement might not solve pregnancy complications.

    b)I, personally, don’t think arranged marriages are the best option. This is because I was raised in a western country. Arranged marriages were first introduced in eastern countries, and the tradition has continued. Although western countries once believed in arranged marriages, nowadays, western countries believe in a dating system. We have the mindset that love will come through time and patience. However, if one was to move to, for example, Syria, arranged marriages are as common as breathing. The most disturbing thing about arranged marriages is that many men, especially older men, have taken advantage of this tradition to marry girls as young as 12. In one case, in Saudi Arabia, the court discarded a divorce plea from an eight-year-old girl who was married to a 58-year-old man. Marrying off prepubescent girls to disgusting men is a grotesque practice. There are many people who can argue that these cases only happen in poor and uneducated countries; this is not true. Countries, such as Yemen, marry girls as young as 10, whether you are born into wealth or not.

    c)In this engagement, implications can be made that these children are young and therefore, are choosing to be friends first. Children have feelings that are always changing. They will like blue one day and then, switch to yellow the next. And I believe that this case is just another story of little kids believing they’re in “love.”

    ReplyDelete
  34. A)The involvement of the parents, wasn't like they were forcing two kids to get engaged and, in a way, by the kids always wanting to be with each other might of triggered the parents to think, and put themselves in there shoes, and maybe that's what they wanted when they were a young child.

    B)Fixed marriages take place in our modern society. Not as much as they used to but they do, in places such as India, and Asia. Religion is a big part in making parents choose the decision for marriage. "I vowed to have my child engaged at the age of five if he was a boy and to marry him to a woman of his choice at the age of 15." this comes from the religion of Hinduism, "Dharma
    This is the code for leading one's life. What one's duties are depends on ones age and position. Respect for elders is considered important and many consider marriage as a son's religious duty. This requires three sorts of order/ harmony. One at a spiritual level with the universe. A second that requires order/ harmony in society and revolves around the caste system and a third which requires order/harmony of the individual by obedience to a moral code. The 10 embodiments of Dharma are listed in the Mahabharata." Even if the kids didn't want to get engaged, they still would have to respect there elders and do what they wish. Another reason they would want them to get engaged is because they girl was getting symptoms of loneliness, so they probably though that by knowing what being engaged means, probably would comfort her, and make her feel loved and like she is never alone.

    C)It imposes that the children may later feel bad about leaving each other if they want to do so. Or, in the other hand it will make then closer than other couples/married people because they have been together for so long, that person can be not only there friendship but there love and not have any problems with keeping things from with each other. But, the sad thing is that people change there minds all the time, the way you think as a child is never the same once you grow up, so i believe that there children will suffer the consequence enduring with the pain of loose, since they may be so used to being with each other.
    http://www.world-faiths.com/Hinduism/hinduism.htm.

    ReplyDelete
  35. a)The motivation behind the families arranging their chidren's marriages would be that they care and love their children enough to arrange the marriage. They might have choosen this age because their children are not old enough to know what is actually going on.
    b)I dont like that some families arrange marriages because they are choosing their children's future rather than their children choosing their own future and choosing who they want to marry because they actually want to instead of being forced to be in a marriage that they do not want. It also depends on the religion and the country that these marriages are being arranged in.
    c)In this type of arranged engagement, some implications are bound to happen because the families might not want to go ahead with the marriage or engagement and might argue that they were better off as friends. They might say that they were not ready to go on with their commitment.

    ReplyDelete
  36. StepA:The families involved in the engagement were in a way trying to do what they thought was best for their lonely children but i dont think it was the right move. I think they chose the ages that they did so that the children can grow up together and maybe become bestfriends and fall in love.
    StepB:I dont think that parents should have arranged engagements for their children. Most people think that aranged engagements are not the right thing to do to your kids, but it really depends on the religion.People that are true follwers of their religion no one can change their minds. The movie Coming to America shows a perfect example of how these people who dont get a chance to chose their own mate.
    StepC:Some implaction that the children will go encounter are that they will not have the opportunity to meet any other person who can be the soulmate. Their relationship with their parents might become ruff because them being forced into an engagement.

    ReplyDelete
  37. A) In the article it was stated,"I vowed to have my child engaged at the age of five if he was a boy." It was also said he was born in a complicated pregnacy. As a result of that, it could have been possible that they made such big commiment because they were afraid to loose the child. One of the possibilites of this being, could ne that he was making this promise for religous purposes.

    B) I dont intend to sound ignorant but a young engagement is delusional. Children at this stage of their life as said by kohlberg are in a punishment and obedience stage. They are not mentally develope just yet, to understand the significance of love let alone engagement, or marriage. In the places where it does happen mainly depends on the country, culture and perhpas religion. In the other hand, this is not moraly correct especially if the person being engage is oppose to this idea. A person is born with human rights and freedom as could be explain in the amendments. Though when a marriage is arrange it does depend of controversial factors but this should not exclude the freedom of speech to a person.

    C)Children are indisive, they would not take engament seriously and it will eventually through up comming generations loose its great significance.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Step a)The reason the parents decided to engage their kids was because they wanted their children to be happy. In the article we see that Juma states that he took a vow to find his son a wife at the age of five. A vow in many places is considered a promise. As any promised it should as be kept. Whith Hala's parents, well they agreed to the marriage because they felt their little girl had a lonley sysmpton. So being in love and engage would cure her.


    Step b) An arrange marriage is a horrible thing. Every person should have their own right to find love. Arranged marriages have no place in modern society what so ever. In this article we can see that they arent really trying to marry this two little kids, "We know that Khalid or Hala might change their mind in the future...", this to me sounds that these two parents had a play date with their kids. People often joke about how they would want their little girl or boy to marry their best friends boy or girl. I remember when my little nephew was born around the same time my nieghbors baby was born, my sister and nieghbor would joke and say that this two little new barons will be married one day. They were'nt being serious. Another example I can use is when in kindergarden my best friend ask her crush to marry her. The little boy agreed to marriage, but they never really got married. Many people disagree with arranged marriages and I am one of those people. Every person is entitled to find real love and get married if they desire to.


    Step c) Many implications are posed for this two little kids. At this age they do not know what love is and by engaging them in such an early age they might never know what love is. I say this because Khalid thinks he loves this little girl, but he only has a crush. If he continues to confuse like and love, he might end uo getting married to someone he likes. To be married to the one you like is not the same as to being married to the one you love.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Step A: Khalid's family noticed that he was lonely without Hala so they decided to get the kids engaged. It took Khalid's parents a long time to have Khalid so they probably just want him to start looking for the best wife possible, they just want the best for him. I think they chose such young ages because they want the young couple to really get to know each other before they get married.

    Step B: Personally i do not agree with the idea of arranged marriages. Arranged marriages should not be allowed because you have to find the right person for you, not let your parents match you up with a person that they think is right for you.

    Step C: By these toddlers being engaged at such a young age they are going to feel like they have to do something that they really don't want. If they do not go threw with this marriage they are going to feel like disappointment's and let their parents down.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Step A: Both families engaged their children together because they were happy with each other. When they were not together both children felt lonely; young Hala had developed symptoms of loneliness, while Khalid would not return to his nursery if Hala did not return with him. The parents probably chosed these ages because out of fear that as the children grew older they would have chosen someone they didn't approve of.

    Step B: Just because arranged marriages had died out in our society it doesn't mean they still dont exist. Arranged marriages do depend on the country and religion, because the article came from Syria and the parents talked so nonchalant as if it a common thing to do. However, I disagree with the concept of arrange marriages; because it not up for the parent to decide but for the child as they grow up. Juma, Khalid's father, said " khalid is waiting until he is 15 to marry Hala". Khalid is a just a five year-old his biggest decisons right now shouldn't be what type of wedding cake to have for the reception?

    Part C: Some different implications that the engagement now poses for the children is the responbility of being committed. Right now it's not a big deal because they are still toodlers and are naive of what is truly going on. As they grow older they might lose interest with each other; even the father recognizes this saying " we know Khalid or Hala might change their mind in the future..." Marrying their children at such a early age will make the children even more guilty if they do decide to break off their engagement.

    ReplyDelete
  41. step a -Hala's mother promised that if her child was a boy that he would be engaged by five and married by fifteen. Thier parents bought the rings for the young couple which shows they are approving of the marriage.I believe the parents choose five and three years old because, it is the age they can start to understand the situation there parents are putting them in and could start getting used to the idea of marriage.

    step b-- This young couple will not have a normal young life like other kids. marriage this young will possibly destroy the young couples life.Different countries and religions have different belief. "I vowed to have my child engaged at the age of five if he was a boy and to marry him to a woman of his choice at the age of 15." this promise she made to herself shows that she has different beliefs,many people say that love doesn't have an age and that it comes and goes as it pleases.

    step c--People that don't have the same beliefs or are approving of the marriage will make there life difficult. if the five year old and the three year old want to really get married they could wait till the age is appropriate.

    ReplyDelete
  42. step a: the families were involved in the engagement because khalid's parents said they would engage him at age of five. Hala's parents were also involved because they did not want to see her sad. Both families agreed so they would not feel sad or lonely. This is an alright age because they kind of understand what is happening.
    step b: I do not agree with arranged marriages because people should have a choice to pick who they want to be with. Arranged marriages do not really happen anymore and if they do it is rare. Depending on the country and religion is the age that you can get married. For example, in Syria they let fifteen year olds get married and in the US you have to be over 18.
    step c: Some of the different implications posed on the children now is that they have to be commited to each other from now on because they are engaged

    ReplyDelete
  43. to Nancy: step a- I agree with you an arranged marriage is a horrible thing.
    step b- they should be allowed to find love on their own
    - sometimes parents do joke around like that about little kids but never really serious
    - another time is when they have a crush and ask them to marry but they do not end up marrying most of the time because the feelings might go away.
    step c: Do you think a person should get engaged with their high school boyfriend?

    ReplyDelete
  44. to Julie: step a- I do agree with you arranged marriages are not the best option.
    step b- People do tend to take advantage of this and marry young girls.
    - It is also disgusting because 58 year olds get married to girls younger than 10 year olds and that is not right.
    - They do not care if the girls are wealthy or not they just want someone young.
    step c- Would you let your family get you involved in an arranged marriage?

    ReplyDelete
  45. A) In the article "Love" there are two families that are concerned about their children's lonliness which leads to both being engaged. It is very uncommon for these type of young ages to get marry or even engaged.

    B) There are plenty of countries that have diffrent customs. This is a example of the topic on the article. For these two young children to get engage it would have to depend on their parent's religion,on how they were raised, and more.

    C) Love is a strong word, for these parents to allow their children to get engaged is very serious. However this just might be a children crush, but this is a very strong word to think about. Maybe in the future this can become true in the future, but they are very young still to think about this.

    ReplyDelete
  46. To Jacky: I definatly agree with you that if these two small children get marry they are not going to be allowed to live a normal child's life. Thsi is so true, however there are many countries that have diffrent customs and they do not agree with this. Do you believe that this engagment will affect the children's relationship with their parents on the future?

    To Vanessa: True this happens often. A arranged marriage is a very complicated case on any type of religion due to the fact that many of these people become very sad with these marriages. This can also lead to a bad relationship with the parents, husband/wife, and etc.Do you think that this engagemnet will have negative or poistive consequences?

    ReplyDelete
  47. (Posting for Aldo Adame)

    A) describe families involved in engagement: As told in the passage both of the families agreed on having this marriage. The families from both Khalid and Hala are aware of what decisions they might take as they grow up. In my opinion they chose this age for them because; so they can get used to loving someone from a different sex before they turn homosexual.

    B) I do not defend this thing of arranging marriages because they are treading their children like puppets. I think this doesn’t fit in modern society because is nonhuman to be able to control someone else’s life. Due to religion or country I think people still do this kind of acts.

    C) Now that this two children are married they are not be able to be as free as they used to, also they are both have to be loyal to each other.

    ReplyDelete
  48. To Sandra: I disagree with you because there could be a place for arranged marrages if everyone was a little more accepting of different cultures. It would also be benificial for people to be in arranged marrages by helping them be more commited to something then never learning responsablity at all. We change a lot of things now-a-days so we could have mutually agreed upon arranged marrages with young adults choosing a bride or groom and waiting a period of time. Just because its arranged doesn't mean someone doesn't have a choice in the matter and these children are a good example. The boy picked her and she liked him so it's a win-win situation for their arranged marrage and freedom of choice. What would you do if you were born in a different culture and had to accept an arranged marrage?

    To MARIA: You said, "arrange marriage is a controversy that should remain untouched," I agree. Who are we to judge someone else's culture since were a mix of cultures ourselves. For some reason we're afraid of anything foregn just like when Robert Kennidy did the communist hunt. Fear is a hard barrier to overcome, and our mind creates fear from doubt; if we would be more openminded and trusting we would be so fearful of people different from us. Isn't wrong of us to think of our culture as more acceptable then theirs when their culture is as common to them as ours is to us?

    ReplyDelete
  49. to ernesto: I agree with you. You made a valid point about children not understanding the commitment of an actual marriage. Many children think its a friend thing, when really it a life long decision. Arranged marriages are wrong, in the sense that we are more used to the dating scene. However, if you were born in a place like Syria, there's nothing wrong with arranged marriages. Do you believe that arranged marriages are wrong in every situation? Such as, like you stated, religion?

    ReplyDelete
  50. to Nancy: Everything you stated was contradicting. The first part of your post, you said that the parents wanted happiness for their kids. However, in the second part you went against arranged marriages. I do agree with you that arranged marriages aren't right, but it seemed to me like you really don't have an opinion on the subject. Do you believe it's right that Hala and Khalid are engaged at a young age? That's the question you were suppose to answer, which, you did not. You also state that the parents aren't serious. In all honesty, I don't believe they are just kidding. Their parents know that their feelings might change in the future, but I don't believe they want it to. Another thing to add, you should read over your post before sending it in because your grammar and punctuation mistakes are easily noticeable and made it hard to focus on what you wrote.

    ReplyDelete
  51. @Janna: I agree with your standpoint. No country is ever the same as another. There are different traditions and beliefs that the people have. Parents should not arrange marriages for their children because, like you said, they were influencing the child's mind and the child probably is not truly in love. Commitment is definetly something a five-year old should not have to worry about. They are too young and should be given a chace to grow up freely instead of being burdened with such a thing as commitment. Would you think marriage was all right for a five-year old if they truly asked for it?

    @Vanessa: What I do not really agree with about your standpoint is what you said about the bond between Hala and Khalid. The articles says that Khalid's parents vowed, after a difficult pregnancy, to have their son engaged at the age of five. Khalid's parents may have convinced Khalid to like Hala or simply become friends with her. The article does not state whether the relationship between Hala and Khalid is true. His parents could have talked him into it because that is what they promised to do. Do you think that Hala and Khalid's opinions of each other would change as they grow up?

    ReplyDelete
  52. @Sandra : I agree with your standpoint. Probably nothing more than these exchanging of rings will occur. For example, these rings are like a crayon. Little kids in preschool give each other crayons and eventually they figure out that they don't like each other. You are right that arranged marriages should not matter in the 21st century, just like religion shouldn't either. Good job Sandra!

    @ aldo: Aldo you are very persuasive! You made me think otherwise. It is right that kids are treated as puppets by their parents because the parents are the ones who decide for them. Very clever on deciding why the parents chose this age, but at the same time it's not correct either. Some kids begin with a broken heart and to rid themselves of this pain they turn homosexual. Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Jacqueline: Your standing point has lots of point. Like how you said if they were blind they might of though that was perfect age, but the thing is that it was the parents idea of proposing them. They were inseparable and that's what made come to the conclusion that for now they should be "engaged". "Arranged marriages aren't not spoken of so much nowadays.", They may not be spoken of but they do happened, and your right in places like India, and their religion plays a big part with that. "Feelings can't be forced, they develop on their own and usually things that are done against their will turn out for the worst. When they are older they can make a decision for themselves based on what is best for them." Very true, but they do "love" each other, so says the article. "How can a five year old boy and three year old girl show commitment towards each other if all they know is it looks like a bunch of letters like the ones on their toy building blocks?", I totally agree, how can the stay committed, that's why it confuses for the reason of why would they want then to be engaged. If they already have in there head that he might change his mind, then why would they want them to get engaged? Even though religion does play a big part, Why do you think they would still let it go though if they know they might not last?

    Morban:Now that I have read your blog, it also makes a lot of sense, "They might have chose 15 because maybe that is when they would be old enough to know what is marriage is and what they have to go through." maybe they are just waiting for them to turn 15, because there religion does also, come with marring young. "We know that Khalid or Hala might change their mind in the future…" that is what doesn't make sense, because if they know that they might change there minds, then WHY, would they even bother having them be engaged to each other. "The engagement might influence other young kids to get married also at a young age" I don't believe this would happened, because small kids don't think of marriage, they think of being happy and having fun and stuff like that, so do you think if you ever had kids, and your kids friends were married, do you think that that would influence him?

    ReplyDelete
  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  55. @ Curly Karen:
    I agree with your view. Not very many people would think of what you said about how the parents would not want their child to go through a complicated pregnancy. Your opinion is also similar to what I believe: people, especially kids at the young of an age, do not understand what love is. They should not have to marry just because of a promise.

    @ Brenda:
    I like how you support your view, but I do not agree with it at all. Are you trying to say that although they [the kids] are still young, and they look cute, it is okay for a five and three year old to be engaged? It is true that they do have a while to reflect on it, (approx. ten years) but it is entirely too early to force kids to think about marriage and commitment to that degree.

    ReplyDelete
  56. To Janna: I completely agree with your standpoint and the points you made in your post. Countries are very diverse and all have different traditions and beliefs. Like I also stated earlier, commitment is definitely something a five-year old should not have to worry about. Feelings cannot be forced, they happen naturally. At the age of five is too early for a child to even understand the meaning of commitment. Why do you think their parents decided now was the best time?

    To Vanessa: Yours is another one I also agree with. Arranged marriages usually turn out for the worst because they didn't happen naturally. People just don't end up happy and live their whole lives sad. They don't end up with who they actually fall for and isn't that what love and marriage is all about? What do you think will be the result of this marriage by the time they actually realize what the parent's set them up for?

    ReplyDelete
  57. @ Stephanie
    From reading your comment, I began to look at arranged marriages differently. Even though I saw your point, I still do not agree with it. You bring up a good point about some arranged marriages being successful, but that is not always the case. People should have the right to pick their own husband or wife. They should be able to look for heir perfect match. In the future, it may be a divorce, but they at least know that it was their choice. Would you consider arranged marriage for yourself?

    ReplyDelete
  58. @ Janna
    I agree with your point. The children are too young to be thinking about marriage. It was mainly influence from the parents. When you are young, you tend to believe what adults tell you. Therefore, if the children are being told that the feelings they have are “love”, then they will believe that. At this age, they are too ignorant about the concept of love to know what they are feeling. If you were in arranged marriage, would you go along with it?

    ReplyDelete
  59. @maria barajas; I agree with you. The parents were doing what they believed was the best for their children. They wanted to please their children. Also I agree that rhings just happened for a reason. Now I have a question for you - Do you believe that engagement is a little to advance for them to comprehend?

    @Sandra:)you have made some strong points which is why I agree with you.Both children made each other happy. Parents wanted to support their children. In addition the parents were being understandable. Based on your past experiences and relationship with your parents do you believe they would be as likely to accept your engagement at such an early age?

    ReplyDelete
  60. @ alsonso
    I agree with you. The families just wanted their children to be happy. The parents seemed that they will do anything to achieve happiness for their children. True, in the United States there is not that many arranged marriages due to the beliefs here in the U.S. The quote was a good way of describing that the parents are not looking at the future of the kids.

    @ brenda r.
    You got a good point, Khalid’s family had trouble producing a child, and they did not want their son to experience the same thing they went trough. Arranged marriages are no good reason for getting married. Yes, arranged marriages are considered taboo here in the United States.

    ReplyDelete
  61. @Cherrie: Your blog included much detail and reasoning, and I strongly agree with your main points. Perhaps it is pressure or influence from their parents as you stated. Media, even overseas, has an everlasting effect on our everyday lives, so I can easily see how you came to that conclusion. Obviously, we must be tolerant of others religious decisions, even if they are considered taboo. In your opinion how far is the line drawn from cultural acceptance to cultural dispute?

    @Brenda R: Sure the parents did have their wishes granted as a younger married couple, does that mean they can take such control in their children's life? Parents do this to relive a once significant part of their life, and in a way, it is a selfish move. Aimed at an immense controversial subject, parents should not have overwheling control, as you explained, sometimes their decisions are not in the best decision of the children. Of course, the most wicked ideal were little kids! Three and four year old are not in any state of mind to declare a loved one over an instant connection. Regarding the parent's ultimate decision to engage both children, do you believe it was for their own independent reasons.

    ReplyDelete
  62. To Aldo: Well Aldo, your blog was quite interesting, but I don’t believe that the parents engaged their children at a young age to avoid their children into becoming homosexuals. You can assume that, but it’s least likely. There wasn’t much detail or proof to back up your claims, but you are entitled to your own opinions. Religion and country are the reasons why arranged marriages are still occurring; it wasn’t asking whether people still do these kind of acts due to religion or country.

    To Brenda: Brenda, I agree what you have stated in your blog. It seemed as though Juma wanted to marry Khalid because he only wanted happiness for his child, whom was part of a complicated pregnancy. This probably led to the suggestion that the child should be happy in an early age of life.

    ReplyDelete
  63. To Julie:
    I agree with your standpoint. It is true that western countries have now transcision from arranged marriages to the dating system, while traditions still live on in different parts of the world. It's sad how some people take advantage of arrange marriages or don't take it serious. While I agree that not all countries that are poor and uneducated is where arranged marriages exist in, but is mostly those countries where it happens because the people want a sense of security. Do you think that arranged marriages had always been taken advantage for social status, religion, or personal reasons? Or is it has it always happena nd they are just contunouing a tradition?

    To Alejandra:
    I agree with you all the way.Arrange marriages are influenced by personal purposes; like religion, culture, social power,etc. The If this tradition keeps living on people would naturally think it is okay because it is common in their culture, the cycle will only break when someone is brave enough to go against it. Even though the father knows that th children might not harbored those feelings as they grow, he is clearly not thinking about the implications that could occur. What if the parents decisions are based on unselfish reasons, do you still believe that it justifies their motives?

    ReplyDelete
  64. A): Both families realized that their children Khalid and Hala were down after they returned back from the trip. Due to the fact that Khalid supposedly fell in love with Hala and she felt the same way. Juma Khalid's father sated he wanted his son engaged at 5. The reason for young engagement might because the children need time to get to know one another before the actual marriage.

    B): Arranged marriages are becoming less and less of modern society. People want to have free will and decide who they want to marry. I do believe that it depends more on the country and religion, Juma, Khalid's father states,"I vowed to have my child engaged at the age of five if he was a boy and to marry him to a woman of his choice at the age of 15.", this clearly shows the mind set of the country or religion he believes in. For example in remember watching a movie in world geography in which two people are in an arranged marriage but do not want to be. This shows how you can not force to people together

    C): This engagement poses a risk for the children as time goes on, they may realize that thet have nothing in common and really do not love each other. By that time they may be already married and have children where do they go from there?

    ReplyDelete
  65. To Maria Barjas: I completely disagree with you. Arranged marriages force to people together who do not even want to be together, in this movie I watched in world geography these two people were in an arranged marriage and did not even want to be with one another. Would you want to be stuck in a marriage with someone who you thought was a complete stranger?

    To Sandra: I agree with your comment arranged marriages are becoming obsolete. For example,in the middle east people are being put in arranged marriages tha they do not even want to be part of. Honestly would you want to be in a an arranged marriage?

    ReplyDelete
  66. To Sahara:
    The idea of parents not wanting their children alone is something I can agree on. Also arranged marriages should not happen. What would you do if you were in a culture with arranged marriages?

    To Aldo:
    I do not understand your standpoint. The part of your comment that confused me was when you said something about homosexuality. Arranged marriages shouldn't happen, like you said in your comment. What would you do if you lived in a culture with arranged marriages?

    ReplyDelete
  67. (Posting for Aldo Adame) - On Time

    I totally agree on the comment, even though I think getting married at the age of five is a bad idea. Little kids don’t even know what’s up, so why in hell are the dumb parents are trying to make this possible.
    (Sahara)


    I strongly disagree because, common how can a boy be happy by just stick in to one girl all his life. In my opinion I do not think they have a future because eventually they are going to get tired of each other. The part where you said that the couple should make their own choice is correct.
    (Ernesto)

    ReplyDelete