Mormon polygamist vs. other types

[gurlygurl2004]

Okay I've watched a tv show (I'm watching one now) about Mormon polygamists in Utah. And it's disturbing to me on many levels. Personally I'm really into monogamy within and even out of marriage. But I strongly believe that once you marry, the man (in this case and many others) should stay faithful to you (talking from a woman's prospective) and vice versa. And also on this show it's talking about certain families that married off 15-16 year girls, or raped the girls (the fathers would) and of course the few families that aren't as radically polygamist. But anyway, I know there's plenty of people who are polygamists but aren't married (which to me is okay but still not my cup of tea) and I know it was a big thing in ancient culture and modern Islam. But I've heard of lots of abuse that goes through the polygamist Mormon sect and it's brothersome to me. I mean it seems so abusive and controlling, what do you all think?

[TheWomanMonster]

I guess it all depends on the individuals involved.
Polygamy has a bad reputation because SOME of the people who participate in the 'lifestyle' do other things that are physically or emotionally damaging to others. It's certainly not every polygamist.
To be perfectly fair even 'traditionally' married men and women can abuse their spouses and children in pretty horrible ways... and just think of the things perfect strangers do to eachother.
I in NO way condone the behaviour of such people, polygamist, mormon, islamic, american, or otherwise...
Hurting others or manipulating them to your will is just wrong, outright...

Now, on to Polygamy...
Personally the practice of Polygamy as it is (a man with more than one wife, or a woman with more than one husband or any combination of the bunch) I think anyways, a pretty cool thing. If everyone gets along and there is no jealousy or conflict of any kind it could be a neat arrangement.
Children would grow up with many adult rolemodels and many siblings and friends. In a perfect world I think polygamy would be awesome...
Sort of tribe-like and wonderous.
Mind you this is coming from a bisexual, liberated woman who is secure with herself and in a loving committed relationship with a wonderful man...
Others may (and are fully entitled to) have their own opinions.

However, obviously, SOME people who embrace polygamy may embrace other things which you (or I) may or may not like...
Abuse (of children, women and personal freedoms) happens, and sadly there is nothing we can do but stop it in our own lives and relationships...
That's just life...

Abuse and control ARE NOT a part of polygamy...
Negative things like that are just a part of people...

Commitment in relationships is very important I agree, and true polygamy leads to a very commited and loving family group (or should...).
Obviously it's not for everyone...
I imagine keeping such a complex relationship going would be complicated, but perhaps the benefits would outweigh the troubles.

Just thought I'd share,
You made me think about things!
May you all be blessed and well.

Monster.

[gurlygurl2004]

The biggest thing that bother me with the Mormon, Islamic, and otherwise religious marital polygamists is that it's not a equal opportunity position plus in the case of the Kingston family of Utah there was lots of incest. I know incest also happens commonly in other communities but it's really taboo for a reason. Equal opportunity meaning that the women are not allowed to have husbands, but the husbands needs at 3-4 wives to enter heaven. And plus I was raised in a Christian family (Baptist) where (at least in the case of my mom's and dad's beleifs) you are to only have sex within marriage thus just have sex with one person. So the thought of these polygamist men having sex with multiple wives adn them claiming it's correct and what god wants (or what God wants) it's disgusting to me.

P.S. I know that the idea of having just one sexual partner in life is far from ideal for the average monogamist and in reality and even far from my ideal. There's more than one guy I've ever wanted to sleep with past or present but anyway. Plus the idea of these men fathering over 20-30 children seems crazy to me.