Arranged marriage is basically a marital union where a bride and a groom are selected by individuals other than the couple themselves. Particularly, the parents bear the responsibility of making decisions on their children’s marriage (Pande, 2015). In this respect, arranged marriage serves as a negotiation between parents. This practice has remained common in some world regions such as south Asia, Africa and some parts of the Middle East. Although modernization took away a great deal of arranged marriages, the practice still stubbornly lingers to date. As such, the movie “arranged” brings out the debilitating facets of such marital arrangements, with emphasis on allowing women to make choices on their future.
In the movie “Arranged", the theme of arranged marriage takes preeminence in various scenes. The plot incorporates Nasira, a Syria-born Muslim, and Rochel, a mainstream Jew. The two women epitomize the sensitive issue of arranged marriage and highlight the significance of feminism in postmodern society. In the movie, Rochel acts as a para-instructor, who is helping a legitimately blind learner named Eddie who happens to be Nasira's classmate. It is after one of the classes that the two women meet and form a strong bond of friendship, through which they elicit the issues afflicting them as modern women. Although from two different religious backgrounds, they share the problem of having their families marry them. They hopelessly fall into this tradition, without any hint of redemption. This aspect highlights the importance of feminism, as it encourages such women to stand up for their rights and overcome conformity with oppressive cultural and religious norms.
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The movie skilfully depicts Rochel and Nasira as basically defined by their faith and cultural backgrounds. Although capable of rising to self-determination, the two women opt for conformity, holding that despite their doubts, submission to tradition is inexorable. Rochel goes through tedious sessions with a matchmaker who evaluates the suitors seeking her hand in marriage. Her acceptance on how to choose a husband underlines her staunch belief in the religion and culture, insisting that it always knows best. She chooses to relegate herself to a submissive role, viewing it as the only path to happiness. In this respect, patriarchy prevails in a culture that defies the concepts of modernity and the sanctity of women rights. From a historical perspective, arranged marriages lack the aspect of gender equality, with women ending up being mistreated. All the same, Rochel and Nasira seem oblivious of this fact as they willing embrace it.
Although arranged marriages seemed as the only way to a marriage to the two women, the test of time proves otherwise. In fact, some of the societies that clinged to some oppressive traditions embraced feminism to keep the woman safe and let her voice to be heard (Pande, 2015). The avoidance of gender bias has led to female member joining even politics and making major development decision. Through the movie, it becomes clear that the practice of arranged marriages and cultural traditions affect the woman’s contribution to the community. However, the ignorance on Rochel’s part manifests as she asks, “Is the modern way any better?” it appears that culture is so embedded in her being to the extent of blinding her on matters directly touching on being a female member of the society. Therefore, it is imperative for women to rise above cultural and religious limitations towards realizing their full potential in different spheres of life and not only in marriage.
Pros and Cons of Cultural Relativism
Cultural relativism refers to the beliefs, values and practices that should be done based on the person’s culture. As seen in the movie, Nasira and Rochel completely conform to their cultures and stubbornly refuse to have a change of heart. This has brought about preservation of cultures as shifts in traditions seldom occur in such settings (Billet, 2016). Furthermore, appreciating cultural variations, as both Nasira and Rochel appreciate each other’s tradition, facilitates mutual respect among cultures thus eliminating isolation and discrimination. Additionally, cultural relativism facilitates decision making since it eliminates arguments among people from different cultures, allowing them to make judgments according to their culture.
On the other hand, cultural relativism presents significant drawbacks to equality in all aspects. It also brings inexcusable action such as violence, domestic abuse, and crime against women and children. Similarly, it also affects moral stability due to variations in what is considered good (Billet, 2016). In the movie, Rochel goes to a party and meets a young man who asks to dance with her. Shockingly, Rochel flees, horrified by such a request which her culture disapproves.
Reflection
In light of the cultural facets presented in the movie, it is clear that in some societies, culture attaches importance only to men. Brought up in a patriarchal society, Rochel states that her father’s opinion took preeminence with regard to her marriage. Cultural and religious norms adamantly deny the much needed breathing space for women who strongly conform to their dictates. However, feminism came to bridge the gender gap, often perpetuated by culture, and afforded strength to women. In fact, feminism has played a great role in changing traditions and cultural beliefs that oppress women. However, confusion exists where feminism is misunderstood to mean female superiority. In reality, feminism serves as a call to women, urging them to fight for gender equality. Over the years, more and more people have continued subscribing to having a society with gender equality. As a result, the fight for gender equality incorporates both men and women in different global spheres. Therefore, it is up to women to come down hard and never equivocate on matters relating to gender equality.
References
Billet, B. (2016). Cultural Relativism in the Face of the West: The Plight of Women and Female Children . Springer.
Crespo, D. & Schaefer, C. D. (2006). Arranged. Retrieved May1, 2018 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X4R_de1pNZI
Pande, R. (2015). ‘I Arranged My Own Marriage': Arranged Marriages and Post-Colonial Feminism. Gender, Place & Culture , 22(2), 172-187.
