Kinship, Abbey Dahl

The saying, "blood is thicker than water," is emphasized immensely in The Struggle for Iraq: Traditions article, but also applies globally. Family bonds are much closer and stronger than typical friendships, or relationships with others. The article particularly describes how the family ties in Iraq are the strongest within their society. Citizens who abide by tradition in Iraq often marry a first or second cousin in the family in order to keep these strong ties prevalent. The family makes sure they are the priority, and look at non family members as strangers. As read in the article, although abrupt, Iqbal agreed to marry her cousin because it was the right path to choose according to their family's morals and traditions. It amazed me that their scroll that showed their family tree was 70 feet long. That alone can show how family is a prized possession in the Iraq culture. Although odd, it is true that we were not able to find Saddam Hussein because his family was so concerned and protective they would not give up his name to anyone.

An instance where the distinction between affines and consanguines would be important in a life experience could be when one received a third speeding ticket. That may result in points on your license, more expensive insurance, and one might have present themselves in court. This is something that they might share with their mom or dad and keep others out of it. As simple as that is, it could happen. Another instance when the distinction would be significant would be if one was apart of the mafia. That's strictly a family business, and no one else is allowed to know who is in the mafia. So that is an instance where, "blood is thicker than water,".