There is nothing wrong with arranged marriages. In principle. Arranged marriages have existed since time immemorial in virtually all human cultures. The monarchies of Africa, Europe; the oligarchies of USA; the theocracies of Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia.
Problems arise when the union is forced and there is abuse. Condemning arranged marriages altogether is akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Most reactions to modern arranged marriages are self righteous, malicious and judgemental. Everyone is supposed to find the one, love and be loved and live happily ever after. This forced accepted mode of finding a partner does have its problems too. There is a rush to conform to standard so as to boost your chances of even being noticed. Expectations of partners and relationships are largely unrealistic. Many people have a rigid outline of what they want from a partner/relationship; usually based on novels and TV; and so are rattled when real-life is very different.
Ironically, a common method of finding a partner has its roots in arranged marriages but with a different name. Match-making.
Arranged marriages entail being introduced to someone by a parent, and trusting the wisdom of that parent, agreeing to the marriage. Matchmaking on the other hand is being introduced to someone by a friend/parent/relative, going for a date (mostly to save face) and taking it from there.
Like most things in life, arranged marriages constitute just one way of achieving a goal. What we need to do is ensure it is not used as an avenue of right suppression or/and abuse; not vilify people that use or believe in it.
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