Elizabeth Gilbert author: "same-sex marriage may very well save the institution of marriage. "

[LaurenG]

I was happy to read this on her web site and thought I would bring it here for those who dont know about or don't care for her writing. From her website. http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/QandA.htm

Q: In the book, you state that same-sex marriage may very well save the institution of marriage. How so?

A: Marriage is on the decline everywhere, and same-sex couples are the only ones who are really passionate about matrimony anymore. As one commentator described the situation, it's as if the institution of marriage is a crumbing, decaying, old neighborhood where nobody wants to live anymore. But then-in come the gay couples, begging to move into that neighborhood, buy up all that valueless real estate, renovate those old houses, bring creative new shops and galleries to the place and suddenly make it the coolest place to live again. After which, heterosexual couples and families will follow! So the argument becomes this-instead of trying to "save" the institution of marriage by excluding gay couples from matrimony, maybe it's smarter to try to rescue marriage by letting same-sex couples move in and gentrify the place. It's a cute argument, but it has a strong historic resonance-every few generations, marriage opens its doors a little wider and lets in a new population who had previous been excluded, and that breathes new life into the whole institution.

[grace0418]

1. I'm sure some people think she's trite but I really enjoyed that book.

I read it at a time when it really resonated for me. My husband enjoyed it too.

Go Elizabeth.

[LaurenG]

2. I haven't read it yet and it looks like she has other books as well.

From researching it seems it's really about her life.

[grace0418]

4. Oh yeah, it's completely about her life.

I suppose it's a bit self-indulgent, and some people may bristle at the fact that she gets to take a year off from life and travel to three amazing places (since many women post divorce deal with the same emotions but are often struggling to make ends meet). But it's from the heart and I think very well-written. It doesn't hurt that food and travel are two of my favorite topics, and she describes both very well. I'm not sure how I feel about Julia Roberts playing the role, but I'm willing to give the movie a chance. Javier Bardem doesn't hurt (although in the book that character doesn't not have Javier's looks for sure).

[qb]

3. It will also save a lot of orphaned and foster children.

Especially in states that currently make it difficult or impossible for gays & lesbians to adopt.

[LaurenG]

5. That makes me happy - It's a win win for everyone.

Yay! :bounce:

[Dulcinea]

6. I gotta wonder...

The people who freak out over same-sex marriage...what are they so afraid of? Are they afraid that same-sex couples will do a better job of being married than straight people? What's it to them if two men or two women want to marry? :eyes: