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Topic: Hylton - The case for Black marriage

Michelle
Moderator
Babbler # 560

posted 30 December 2005 08:27 AM

quote:
We just don't marry. Out of every ethnic group in Canada, Black Canadians marry the least. If marriage remains the foundation of a strong and stable family and community then clearly, this foundation is missing from our culture

Tricia Hylton

From: I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. | Registered: May 2001 | IP: Logged

Mush
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3934

posted 30 December 2005 09:00 AM

Needless to say, that's a big "if". If opposite-sex married couples are the basis for strong families and societies, why hasn't Quebec descended into anarchy and chaos?

From: Mrs. Fabro's Tiny Town | Registered: Mar 2003 | IP: Logged

The Evil Twin
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11561

posted 03 January 2006 07:52 PM

Re:"Needless to say, that's a big "if". If opposite-sex married couples are the basis for strong families and societies, why hasn't Quebec descended into anarchy and chaos?"

Good point. In addition to Quebec, one could ask the same of societies like Sweden and other Scaninavian countries, where the marriage rate is quite low.

From: Toronto | Registered: Jan 2006 | IP: Logged

No Yards
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4169

posted 03 January 2006 08:49 PM

Maybe they should look at religious fanaticism and see if they can find a connection?

From: Defending traditional marriage since June 28, 2005 | Registered: Jun 2003 | IP: Logged

pookie
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11357

posted 04 January 2006 12:30 PM

I'm not sure about Hylton's argument that economic disadvantage is one factor that dissuades black persons from marrying. Isn't it really the opposite: greater education (which tends to promote economic advantage) tends to correlate with later marriages and child-bearing, for women at least.

If anything, economically disavantaged people seem to marry earlier, at least from my observations.

From: there's no "there" there | Registered: Dec 2005 | IP: Logged

mersh
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10238

posted 04 January 2006 01:28 PM

Holy heteronormativity, batman. I can appreciate efforts to examine why relationships fail (particularly in terms of supporting children), particularly as a means of positive, self-directed change in the face of ongoing and historical racism, but to emphasize marriage (presumably straight marriage) as a means of social and economic stability bypasses discussion of social and economic inequalities in favour of shoring up a pretty baggage-loaded institution (in its heteronormative form, at least).

And despite the author's caveat, the implication is that co-habitation is both a sign & a cause of lack of commitment, a threat to the family, etc.

I did appreciate some of the historical discussion, and the approach of trying to find ways to repair family and community connections. I was just hoping for something a little more progressive.

From: toronto | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged

Makwa
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10724

posted 04 January 2006 04:22 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mersh:
Holy heteronormativity, batman. I can appreciate efforts to examine why relationships fail (particularly in terms of supporting children), particularly as a means of positive, self-directed change in the face of ongoing and historical racism, but to emphasize marriage (presumably straight marriage) as a means of social and economic stability bypasses discussion of social and economic inequalities in favour of shoring up a pretty baggage-loaded institution (in its heteronormative form, at least).

Oh dear. This is a sad thing. Black Canadians have a right to describe their identity as they percieve it without other folk telling them they don't have their priorities correctly lined up. Why don't you just drop the complex sociology and just tell her to shut up because you want to have a monopoly on defining the society. If other Black Canadians want to weigh in, why don't we simply let them without getting all high and mighty in her face, huh?

From: Here at the glass - all the usual problems, the habitual farce | Registered: Oct 2005 | IP: Logged

mersh
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10238

posted 04 January 2006 04:31 PM

I was afraid this might happen. Sorry (really) if I came across as telling "Black Canadians" what to think. My complex sociology wasn't meant to shut anyone up, but to actually open things up, maybe suggest that there isn't necessarily one singular "community" and that while this type of solution may work for restoring some relationships, it may alienate other people -- within said community. That probably would have been better than being flippant. And more respectful to boot.

From: toronto | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged

Accidental Altruist
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11219

posted 04 January 2006 06:55 PM

quote:
Money or the opportunity to acquire money is a major influence in the decision to marry. For men, the ability to fill the role as primary provider is of paramount importance.

Even though I bristle at the 'primary provider' label this rings true to me. I've known a couple straight long term relationships that stuttered towards marriage vows because the guy didn't have steady employment. Or at least that what the couples told me!

From: i'm directly under the sun ... ... right .. . . . ... now! | Registered: Dec 2005 | IP: Logged

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