Sister Wives

There is a new show on Discovery's TLC channel called Sister Wives. It's another reality show; one that helps us get close and personal with a 'plural' family, a family that practices polygamy.

Cody, the loving husband, appears to be attentive and fair-minded with each of his three wives. Obviously, he's no slacker and provides shelter, clothing and food for his children & spouses. The edited version of the filming shows a happy mix of cooperation and love shared freely by all.

I wonder, however, how fair-minded and attentive Cody would be if one or all of his wives decided she wanted to add another husband (called polyandry) to the family. Yet again, the patriarchal mindset is encouraged, enabled and seemingly worshiped in this strange triangular marriage. One word comes to my mind: w r o n g !

I was raised in a sect in which my outward appearance and behavior varied from the norm. When I share my experience with others, I often receive a quizzed look, that begs to ask, 'but that seems so silly! How could you believe that?'

I'm thinking that unless one was raised with and brainwashed, er... I mean accepted the concept of polygamy, there is no way one can understand or condone the practice.

The pilot episode ends with Cody sharing a 'big announcement' with his children. He is courting Amy, a woman with 3 children from a previous marriage. Wife #1, #2 and #3 are supportive and would welcome another 'sister' into the mix. (What?!) Cody wants to marry Amy. (3 wives aren't enough?) How would they feel about mom #4 and new brothers and sisters?

Wow. I have no words.....