In Green Grass Running Water, university professor Alberta Frank is involved with lawyer Charlie Looking Bear and TV salesperson Lionel simultaneously. Simply, Alberta fears commitment, yet still craves companionship. With both romantic prospects consenting and in the know of the other’s presence, one could question why such a relationship would be regarded as dysfunctional and illegal under the law. So, it is unorthodox, so, it strays far from the ideals of a relationship. However, weren’t homosexual relationships considered perverted even in recent history? What has convinced the majority of society to believe in the opposite, to fight for the right to love over the rules of a holy transcript from two millennium ago? If pledged allegiance to one partner for the remainder of life is a feat unfeasible, and all three parties are consenting adults who agree to such an arrangement, would it not be a relationship much healthier than to one where the polyamorist must sneak around committing dishonest actions behind the mask of a perfect matrimony? What is the purpose of marriage? In the modern world among the common people, marriage is more than a union of families for power, or to procreate. Marriage is about finding happiness in love, and having a loyal support system. In Green Grass Running Water, Alberta is clearly not ready for such a commitment to one person. By disregarding polyamory as an option, no parties benefit. Alberta would likely choose solidarity over Charlie or Lionel, leaving both men miserable as
In Green Grass Running Water, university professor Alberta Frank is involved with lawyer Charlie Looking Bear and TV salesperson Lionel simultaneously. Simply, Alberta fears commitment, yet still craves companionship. With both romantic prospects consenting and in the know of the other’s presence, one could question why such a relationship would be regarded as dysfunctional and illegal under the law. So, it is unorthodox, so, it strays far from the ideals of a relationship. However, weren’t homosexual relationships considered perverted even in recent history? What has convinced the majority of society to believe in the opposite, to fight for the right to love over the rules of a holy transcript from two millennium ago? If pledged allegiance to one partner for the remainder of life is a feat unfeasible, and all three parties are consenting adults who agree to such an arrangement, would it not be a relationship much healthier than to one where the polyamorist must sneak around committing dishonest actions behind the mask of a perfect matrimony? What is the purpose of marriage? In the modern world among the common people, marriage is more than a union of families for power, or to procreate. Marriage is about finding happiness in love, and having a loyal support system. In Green Grass Running Water, Alberta is clearly not ready for such a commitment to one person. By disregarding polyamory as an option, no parties benefit. Alberta would likely choose solidarity over Charlie or Lionel, leaving both men miserable as