“I No Longer Recognize Marriage”

Last month, New York City art director and photographer Tom Ackerman wrote, “A Marriage Manifesto… Of Sorts“, detailing his new belief system: “They say their beliefs don’t recognize my marriage, I say my beliefs don’t recognize theirs.”

Ackerman, using humor to make a great point, writes,

“Yesterday I called a woman’s spouse her boyfriend.

 

She says, correcting me, “He’s my husband,”
“Oh,” I say, “I no longer recognize marriage.” 

The impact is obvious. I tried it on a man who has been in a relationship for years,

 

“How’s your longtime companion, Jill?”
“She’s my wife!”
“Yeah, well, my beliefs don’t recognize marriage.” 

Fun. And instant, eyebrow-raising recognition. Suddenly the majority gets to feel what the minority feels. In a moment they feel what it’s like to have their relationship downgraded, and to have a much taken-for-granted right called into question because of another’s beliefs.

Just replace the words husband, wife, spouse, or fiancé with boyfriend, girlfriend, special friend, or longtime companion. There is a reason we needed stronger words for more serious relationships. We know it; now they can see it.”

I say, what’s fair is fair. Try it!