Shortwave8669 sends a question from his iPhone:Posted on 04/05/2011 5:44:23 AM PDT by Kaslin
The English street is up in arms over William's choice not to wear one.
Shortwave8669 sends a question from his iPhone:
Dear Dr. Helen,
I see in the news that Prince William will not be wearing a wedding ring after marrying Kate Middleton. Is this decision different than a wife that does not take her husband’s last name?
I see many are upset at his decision but we no longer notice what I think is a similar female choice. Why? Both decisions seem of equivalent impact.
Shortwave
Dear Shortwave,
Apparently, many people are discussing the issue of Prince William’s wedding ring as evidenced by this BBC news show on the topic. In the show, the Brits on the street were asked if he should wear one, and they had a variety of answers:
“Who does he think he is?”
“In modern times, young men don’t like to wear a ring.”
“We all know he’s getting married, so what’s the difference?”
On the same show, a news panel with two men and two women weighed in. One woman thought he absolutely should wear a ring, as it is “a symbol of love” and because William is a “self-proclaimed cad.” A man on the panel said this was “rubbish, and just about women’s lib more than anything else. In modern times, it is a personal choice and if William doesn’t want to wear a ring, he shouldn’t.”
So what is the tradition of men wearing a wedding ring? According to eHow (perhaps not the most credible source, but I thought this post to be sensible), it is this:
Wedding rings for men became more accepted during World War II. Soldiers wore rings to represent commitment to wives at home. Today, some men choose to wear or forgo wedding rings for various professional or cultural reasons. Some men wear wedding rings, like women, to represent the commitment they have made. Other men choose not to wear rings because they avoid jewelry or because cultural or religious traditions discourage rings for men.
I have to say: I am personally torn. On one hand I can see wearing a wedding ring as a symbol of commitment and love, but on the other I agree with the male panelist at the BBC who said it was “all about women’s lib.” Just as women used to think they were seen as possessions of men (which may or may not have been true), men are now seen as indentured servants who exist to serve women’s needs and desires.
I can understand not wanting to wear a ring; they are inconvenient, and for people who don’t like jewelry, a real pain. Or William may feel that traditionally men did not wear rings, and he likes this tradition. Who knows? As one of the panelists above at the BBC said: “It’s his personal decision.” If a woman didn’t want to wear a ring, my guess is everyone would say: “You go, girl!” — just as they would if the woman did not want to take her husband’s name. That was tradition, so women decided to break it.
So can William. “You go, boy,” and don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life or interfere in your marriage, even if you are the potential king of England.
What do you readers think: ring or no ring? Do you wear one or not?
They get their knickers in a knot about this.
Meanwhile, Sharia is creeping into the UK.
“They” being some on that BBC panel.
Nobody’s business but William and his wife.
I don’t wear one, or a watch, or a necklace, or an ear ring , and my tongue isn’t pierced.
People do not have to adorn themselves with jewelry.
Good point - the real poll should be whether the princess should wear a burka.
The only ring I’m concerned about is the large sapphire that Kate M. wears. It was Diana’s engagement ring and I just think it’s a very unlucky ring. And I don’t believe in good and bad luck - generally. The fact that it wasn’t even put into a new setting also gives me the creeps. That ring did not represent a happy or even very sane marriage.
he is not less married without a ring.
for non-prince williams men, rings are an impediment at work or just plain annoying.
Besides it is more money for jewelry for women.
Exactly
this time the bride knows the kooky family she is entering and they have a pre-nup.
BTW are we talking about wedding bands or a seperate ring? if it is a seperate ring OTHER than a regular wedding band then it is over the line into fruity territory.
Depending on the job that someone does, a wedding ring or any ring can be dangerous
2 Marriages 2 wedding rings, 1 marriage no ring, guess which one lasted 3x the other two combined? Besides I never was one for jewelery, marriage is more of the heart, not the trinket.
(2) Prince William is, in theory, a future head of the Church of England. A wedding ring is part of the Book of Common Prayer ceremony. One may argue that wearing a ring is "his personal choice" - but he considers himself a prince. He is not a purely private individual.
No arguments after that.
Leni
Hooligans rule GB
Union thugs rule USA
Muslim Brotherhood ruling the middle east
Anarchists running mobs in every country.
All’s well in Obama’s world
What do you mean he considers himself a prince? By that logic any Great Britain can consider him or herself a prince or a princess
They have a pre-nup? Didn’t know that. She is one attractive gal.
He has not renounced the title, so I conclude that he considers himself a prince of England - which carries with it a number of public responsibilities.
Wearing a wedding ring is just an old tradition - like having a royal family.
I don’t care what this idiot does. But, tradition is the only thing that keeps his family living in splendor and wealth. One would think the royals would have the good sense to embrace tradition.
Sooner or later, modern-thinking Brits will decide to do away with the expense of the royalty, and the royal family will all cry “But what of our ancient traditions!?”. lol That’ll be a hard sell if they continue to snub English and Western traditions at every turn...
What’s the big deal? I’m married and don’t wear a wedding ring. Why? Because I have never worn a ring except for the brief times when I put one on and panicked because I felt my finger quickly swelling up. Maybe it was in my mind but any ring on my finger feels highly uncomfortable.
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