More Than One Wife?

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 I watch Sister Wives. It is a reality TV show on TLC featuring the Brown family from Utah. Kody Brown and his four wives practice polygamy. They have 17 children and announced that another baby is on the way on the season finale Sunday evening.

When I first started tuning in to the show, I was curious about the family and to be honest, wanted to know more about the family dynamics.  Was there jealousy? How did Kody manage to please all the women and most of all, did the wives get along? How did they all live together? What was their house like?

The show was a bit boring and I found myself reading, checking email etc., while occasionally glancing up at the screen. I mean, yes they were polygamists, but other than that, they were normal. The wives cooked, did laundry, checked homework, and went grocery shopping. Kody went to work, came home, played with the kids, fixed things around the house, and spent private time with each wife. They loved their kids, celebrated birthdays and ate Thanksgiving dinner together. They just did everything in a big way. So maybe their lifestyle, except for the fact that Kody "married" more than one woman, was not that different from mine?

Don't get me wrong, polygamy is not for me. I have one husband and do not want to share him or my kitchen with any other wife. I grew up with 2 loving parents and siblings and wanted the same. But let's face it, there are times when having another wife to help with the cooking, laundry, cleaning and car- pooling sure sounds appealing!

All but one of Kody's wives grew up in polygamist families. They hid their lifestyle from classmates. As adults, they were tired of the secrets and decided to reveal their lifestyle publicly. They did not want to raise their children in an environment of lies.

This 'coming out", drew attention and the Utah officials began to investigate. The Brown family felt increasing pressure from the local officials as well as media interest, so decided to move to the more religious tolerant state of Nevada. From what I have read, there are many families in Utah, as well as the surrounding states, that practice polygamy, and as long as there is no abuse reported, the authorities look the other way.

So what do you think? Should polygamy be illegal? Why do we consider that lifestyle choice to be taboo? As one of Kody's daughters points out, at least Kody is married to and supporting his wives/family financially and emotionally. What about the men who cheat on their wives with mistresses, father illegitimate children and then refuse to take responsibility for them?

I mean, don't we all want the same thing?

There are all types of families. Some have a single parent, some have 2 parents, a husband and a wife. Some have 2 same-sex parents. And some have more than one wife. A traditonal family is not the only way.

Leave the Brown family alone and let them live their lives.