In Marrying Absurd, Didion brings up the point that Vegas weddings are pseudo and a commercialized form of what should be a happy, valued event. Of course many of these Vegas weddings are of low value and have the tendency to not last long, but stereotyping these weddings isn't right either. Given different circumstances and perspectives, not everything about those business is bad. What about the long-standing and devoted couple that just doesn't have the time or money? Yes, this is likely the rare case in Vegas weddings, but what about the institutionalized, classic white-wedding that requires an expansive amount of time and an extravagant amount of money? This romanticized and glorified event is taken to extremes for many. Many unnecessarily feel the pressure of conforming to the standards set for well-known events; furthermore, the scale and extravagance of a wedding does not gaurantee a happy marriage itself. Half of all marriages in the America end in divorce, and it would be an exaggeration to say that Vegas weddings account for the majority of those divorces. Perfect white weddings are glamorized, yet require vast amounts of effort and money that many are unwilling or unable to give. To throw the fancy wedding of their dreams, 21% of couples go into large amounts of debt. Why would people be willing to do this if not for the pressure of having the same wedding as everyone else?
In order to get married in Las Vegas, not only do you need to be "eighteen or [have] parental permission", but you need a license to get legally married. Those who get married in the spur of the moment, only undergo the ceremony 'for fun'. Hopefully this shows that some of the real marriages in Vegas have more substance than you think. Surprisingly, the amount of marriages in Las Vegas that end in divorce is only 14%, lower than what one might expect for a city full of gambling. Yet, the high divorce rate in America suggests that marriage in general is like a game of "craps".
In order to get married in Las Vegas, not only do you need to be "eighteen or [have] parental permission", but you need a license to get legally married. Those who get married in the spur of the moment, only undergo the ceremony 'for fun'. Hopefully this shows that some of the real marriages in Vegas have more substance than you think. Surprisingly, the amount of marriages in Las Vegas that end in divorce is only 14%, lower than what one might expect for a city full of gambling. Yet, the high divorce rate in America suggests that marriage in general is like a game of "craps".
In Vegas, everything is about the impulse. Impulse to gamble, impulse to shop, impulse to get drunk, and impulse to marry. It's always important to think before making decisions. Good job.
ReplyDeleteHey Odelia, this is a great analysis on the false reality that is simulated in Vegas. Since people feel so free to do anyting in Vegas, getting married or making big purchases doesn't seem like a big deal then solely because of the entire facade that is creating surrounding Vegas. Also I like the evidence that you pulled from the story, it works into your post perfectly!
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