Divorce

"'Let's talk about sex, divorce' in Egypt"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/11/11/egypt.divorce/index.html

I have some mixed views about this article. First, I love its progressive tone, especially in that it is opening the doors for a more gender equal society in Egypt and maybe even other Arab countries eventually. Women, not just men, should be allowed to divorce a husband and bring up relationship issues if need be. The new found prevalence in talking about this topic is certainly encouraging, particularly if the openness and recently popular therapies can help save marriages and women's rights. However, I did have some qualms about the casualty with which they talked about divorce; it was almost as if divorce, which has a tendency tear apart lives and relationships, is some great, beneficial new development that will save the world from inequality and prejudice. For instance, the article flaunted the fact that Egypt has the highest divorce rate of any Arab nation as if it should merit some medal or award. I understand the reason divorce is a big issue in Egypt, where if a woman needed to get out of a marriage for any reason the path that lies ahead is far rockier than for any male; however, I think it is important to remember that divorce should only be either a.) a last resort, or b.) used only in extreme cases, as in cases of physical or mental abuse. I do believe that if you are truly and utterly unhappy in a relationship that yes, sometimes divorce can be necessary, but I think the ease and popularity of divorce in recent years leads people to not take relationships and marriage as serious as they once did. People need to remember that their actions have consequences, consequences that effect not only themselves but all those around them, and we should not lose sight of that.