Asking permission

I read an article recently that went on about an old tradition that seems to be resurfacing in some places. It has to do with a man asking a father's permission for his daughter's hand in marriage. Even if we say a man asks both parents' permission, I find this a bit disturbing.

It has not even been a century yet since women were considered "persons'. Prior to that, women were considered less than that and in many cases were considered property - first their father's and then their husband's. That's also why in some cultures women were expected to take their husband's last name because she became his property upon marriage. (remember the vows - to love, honour and 'obey').

By holding up this old tradition of asking for the woman's hand in marriage, are we not just perpetuating that old notion that the woman belongs to her father (who gives her away at the alter) and then belongs to her husband. (By the way, you know slaves were forced to take their masters last name, don't you?)

While I understand for many, there is no sinister motive in this ritual, I would ask young women to think about it's implications. Think about why you want to give up your family name. Don't just do things because that's how they were done in the past. Think about it and make the decision for yourself.

Not all traditions make sense.