This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
Published on August 15, 2019, a personal experience sparked a thought-provoking question: is it time for men to stop paying dowry?
As a class prefect in primary school, I had a friend who would often ring the bell early to end boring lessons, but extend the time for interesting ones, especially for my favorite subject, English. This friend, who was a favorite among the girls, would also let me read and reply to love letters sent to him, helping me hone my writing skills.
Years later, when my friend decided to marry, I was the one to escort him to the dowry negotiation ceremony, where the demands were numerous and the experience left me rethinking the issue of dowry.
My question is, what are men getting in return for paying dowry? Is it respect, loyalty, or just sneers and demands? In an era of equal rights, does dowry still have meaning?
When we pay for something, we expect to own it, but can we truly own our wives by paying dowry? If so, why do they accuse us of cheating? Some would expect their wives to kneel down while offering tea, not question their late nights, and address them as 'my lord'.
It's time to urgently address the dowry issue, which has become impractical in modern society. Dowry is no longer about honoring the bride's parents, but has been taken over by greed, stripping it of its original meaning.
