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Post by Ruth Deller on Jul 19, 2009 10:52:51 GMT -5
Discussion of the July 26 broadcast...
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Post by djembe on Aug 6, 2009 10:49:56 GMT -5
I thought this showed a good insight into those Muslims seeking to step away from the traditional arranged marriage yet still have all the pressure from their families and culture to get married so seek help through the agency. However, it didn't feel very specific to Muslims, it could have been any dating agency.
I was surprised that the agency organisers were quite open minded, since they were middle aged men I expected them to be more traditional in their views, seeing the service as another avenue for arranged marriage. But it wasnt, it was about matching people with the same values and outlook on life. Particularly, matching people's level of westernisation and understanding its importance to British Asians.
As with other episodes it left me feeling like it only touched the surface and only focused on a couple of people rather than seeking insight into the religion itself and its views on marriage. Most western people understand how a dating agency works but not arranged marriage, maybe it could have taught us a bit arranged marriage and religious views by way of comparison.
Also, at 26 years old and single, it made me think about my own situation. Am I getting too old? Should I seek help for my singleness!? I'd never consider using a dating agency at my age but a lot of people my age on the programme were using it. It raises the question as to whether this is because Muslims have higher expectations and pressure to marry? Or are dating agencies becoming more socially acceptable? We see countless adverts for them on tv, breaking away from the traditional view is that they're for middle age divorcees or social outcasts.
In all the programme was interesting yet left a lot of questions. It could have gone a lot deeper.
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