Pink

I recently read an interview in the Seventeen Magazine with Pink discussing her relationship and divorce from her husband Carey as well as her music. After just two years of marriage, they mutually decided to end it. As the daughter of recently divorced parents, I immediately became interested in what Pink had to say about this topic. Following their separation, Pink started writing a new album about the breakup. Strangely enough, Pink’s first number one song came out of this situation. When asked how she feels about that, she said “It’s a testament to how often people break up, because everyone can relate to what I’m saying.” As I continued reading the article I was surprised at some of Pink’s comments although I suppose that it should be expected. It seems that her view of marriage is much different than that of the Kingdom. When asked if she thought they would be “together forever,” she replied “No. I don’t know if I ever really believed in the institution of marriage.” She went on to explain how their childhood homes were full of conflict and that neither of them had positive examples of marriage. Pink adds “Our idea of marriage…was more like, ‘We really like each other—we should just try, see what happens.’” Reading that last sentence was disappointing—just to see this widely shared empire view of marriage spelled out in one of the most popular teenage girl magazines. In a way, it degrades the sacred value of marriage as seen in the Kingdom. For me, it was really heartbreaking to read about yet another relationship broken and to read about the warped ideas that surround it. Pink goes on to say “I don’t regret a minute of it…I’ll do it a thousand more times, even though I don’t really think marriage is necessary.” This really illuminates the empire view that if things are not going as expected, it is okay to get out of the situation and resort to other options. It is more about happiness than holiness. It’s just overwhelming to think that in the empire today, people get married all the time, making vows till death do us part, even though they know that they do not plan on staying together forever. In the United States today, there is a 50% divorce rate and it is devastating to realize that it is becoming expected and not a big deal. It is particularly unfortunate to consider the lack of successful marriages for people to look to as examples, especially those of college age. It upsets me that this is now so common and being portrayed to young women, and our society as a whole, in this way.