Why do we fight for marriage?

This specific post caught my eye because I’m particularly interested in the social direction that Americans are taking. I find cultural changes to be fascinating, particularly those that have to do with living standards. Marriage and divorce have always been an interest of mine, probably because I’m young and curious about what will be acceptable and unacceptable when I grow up. As our society changes and begins to accept homosexuality as well as divorce, I’ve begun to ponder the same question proposed by Michael Cobb in his book, Single: Arguments for the Uncoupled. I find that I have a similar stance on the issue as Andrew Sullivan, who expressed his opinion here, in his political blog.

Cobb, an esteemed writer who has written the book mentioned above as well as God Hates Fags: The Rhetoric of Religious Violence, has received great reviews from his pieces and expresses a respected opinion on well researched political topics. In his newest book, Single: Arguments for the Uncoupled, Cobb celebrates the trek that marriage equality has conquered so far, but follows up by posing a commonly unthought of question: “Why is the couple and very official couple-making the goal we’re all driving toward?”

In his political blog, Andrew Sullivan answers this question. Sullivan is a respected writer for The Daily Beast, a popular news magazine. He comments on various political issues and holds a confident opinion that is valued by The Daily Beast readers. 

Sullivan addresses this particular post to adults and young adults who can understand Cobb’s thinking as well as his own. The subject of the post is primarily relevant to those who are considering marriage or are interested in its place in our society. In this particular blog post, Sullivan provides several links to various sources to inform the readers of the status of marriage in our society today. 

In his answer to Cobb’s question, Sullivan stresses the benefits of marriage, the general fact that it leads to “better life-outcomes.” He then gives that marriage isn’t for everyone and that some people are more apt for the single life. However, he holds his ground by stating that nonetheless, the choice for marriage is still to be fought for. Sullivan states that the ongoing debate over the gay marriage issue is fought for equal rights. He delves deeper into the subject by saying that whether or not you want to get married, you should still have the choice to, whether you are heterosexual or not.

I completely agree with Sullivan on this issue. While Cobb poses an interesting question that has a lot of different answers, the point in our constant rallying to equalize marriage rights for all citizens is simply for equality. Everyone should have the choice to get married whether they want to or not. The reasons for marriage may be unapparent to some or completely clear to others, but the fight for marriage, while it may be driven by individualistic reasons, is for equal rights for everyone.