This past weekend, I headed to the Sydney Opera house to hear a few dangerous ideas. FODI is relatively new annual event in Sydney that brings speakers from all over the world to discuss some pretty controversial and unconventtonal topics. I attended two talks: "Savage Advice" by Dan Savage and "End of Men" by Hanna Rosin. While the talk is still fresh in my mind, I thought I'd write down my opinion of Dan Savage's speech:
First off, Dan Savage is an excellent entertainer. His honest vulgarity is entertaining and relateable. Here Savage discussed his belief in and concept of monogomish relationships. As a married gay man in an open relationship, Savage relayed his idea that fully monogomous relationships are unnatural and oftentimes dangerous to long term partnership. Based on the truth that we are innately sexual creatures and are physically attracted to other people (Savage: "We all want to f*** other people!"), Savage explains that monogomish relationships are oftentimes more practical, happy, and healthy (in some sense of the word). He does acknowledge however that these types of relationships are not for everyone, and he doesn't recommend everyone goes out now to cheat on their partners. This is a pretty simplified summary of course, and you'd have to read more of his work to get a better idea of his arguements.
Still not entirely sure how I feel about all of this monogomous vs. monogomish talk, but here are my immediate thoughts: 1) I can see why conservative religious people fundamentally disagree with and hate Savage and his ideas. 2) Religion aside, there are definitely some ideas I agree with here. I don't think anyone can debate Savage's claim that we are all attracted to other people regardless of your current relationship status, age, beliefs, etc. I can also understnad and support the claim that many open relationships may in fact be stronger, healthier, and longer lasting then purely monogmous relationships. 3) The whole talk, however, I seemed to be caught up on this opinion - Even though this idea of monogomoish relationships satisfies some of our innate human desires and tendences and may make us happier, does that mean it's necessarily a good idea? Just because I desire chocoloate and it makes me happy, does indulging in it make it a good idea? I don't know... food for thought.
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