opinions // 16 The Taj Mahal in all its splendour » Is ita symbol of genuine love or male dominance? Margaret Matthews Contributor tanding in front of the Taj Mahal in India, tourists are awestruck by its magnificent structural architecture with its one ponders the thought: does this symbolize genuine love? The surrounding elaborate gardens, water fountains, and pools add to its stunning beauty. The entire monumental entomb the remains of Mumtaz Mahal, is made of pure white roughly 22 years at a total cost of 32-million rupees to construct. Legend has it that the inside is decorated with designs of flowers and calligraphy, which are encrusted with precious stones. The Taj Mahal is wonders of the world. The Taj Mahal was built by the then-emperor of India, Mughal Shah Jahan, as a monument to his third wife, Mumtaz, whom he married when she was at the age of 19. Together, the two had a total of 14 children, and Mumtaz died at around the age of 40 in childbirth. Unfortunately Mumtaz did not see the in her honour. Did the emperor really need to have 14 children with Mumtaz? Granted there was neither birth control nor Planned Parenthood in that era. women submitted to their husbands out of duty and had : no say in the matter whatsoever. Which brings me to the question of what true love is? In my opinion, many people do not know the true meaning : of love, but are more interested : in gratifying their insatiable : sexual needs, regardless of their intricate lines and curves. As one : ; . : partners’ needs. True love is gazes at the colossal monument, caring for the health, well-being, : and happiness of others; taking : into consideration that their : wishes be honoured, and that : their health, happiness, and : well-being be paramount in edifice, which isa mausoleum to : their relationship. After Mumtaz’s death, the : emperor most likely missed marble, and took 20,000 workers : her companionship, her smiles, : her laughter, and her presence : in the palace. He probably : missed her as a mother to care : for his 14 children. He could : have enjoyed many more years : of happily married life, if he : didn’t indirectly send her to an considered to be one of the eight : early grave by making excessive : sexual demands. It seems to me : that she was a “baby machine” : to produce a child almost every : year of their marriage. It was the : case of killing the goose that laid : the golden egg. Mumtaz was entombed in the Taj Mahal, and when the : emperor himself passed away, his : remains were also buried in the : mausoleum somewhere near her. The Taj Mahal has remained beautiful work of art constructed ; asa tourist attraction throughout : centuries, and has been well- : maintained. However, when : one learns the history behind : the Taj Mahal, one wonders : whether it was genuine love, or : the emperor's desire to prove his It was a male dominated culture; : sexual prowess and virility at the ” + expense of his wife’s health, well- being, and happiness. theotherpress.ca Taj Mahal // By Thinkstock The sour taste of lemons » Overcoming adversity may require more than a squeeze Margaret Matthews Contributor L* is full of things that we cannot change. It could be our racial origin, and whether we belong to a visible minority ora marginalized group. Or we might be born in adversity, whether we have disabilities, or we are suffering from some other disadvantages like losing a limb, being born mute, or having a mental disorder. Yet life is also full of things that we can change. That might be an abusive relationship or living with a roommate who does not cooperate. If you are unfairly treated or taken : advantage of, choosing to : continue in this relationship : or not will determine whether : you are an assertive person, or : a passive person who allows : others to continue using and : abusing you. The wisdom to know the : difference will depend on you, : but there is help. Perhaps you : might want to get counselling : from an experienced and : reliable professional, who will : either advise the correct course : of action to take, or direct you : to another source who might be : able to help you further. Your : mental, emotional, physical, : and psychological health and : well-being are important in : order to live a productive and : fulfilling life. If you find yourself in a : quagmire and cannot get out : of your rut, seek counselling : from a professional and follow : through with the advices or : suggestions given to you. It’s : not advisable to discuss the : matter witha peer, friend, or : someone on your own level : of understanding, as they are : neither professionally trained : nor experienced enough to : help you with your personal : problems. The professional : is trained to respect your : privacy and keep the matter confidential, and not spread : your story around to cause you ? any embarrassment or breach : of trust. But that doesn’t mean all : challenges require the help of : others. I recall one time when I : took a vacation. I arrived at : my destination and discovered : that my suitcase, although : checked in at the airport, : wasn’t loaded onto the plane. : I only had my purse which : contained my passport, airline : ticket, and traveller’s cheques. : All my clothes and personal : belongings were in that one : suitcase that was left behind. I : was annoyed over the airline's : negligence, but had to make the : : best of the situation. : I went to a store and bought ? some new clothes and toiletries : : that I needed. When I got : back home the airline called : to inform me that my suitcase : was with them, and apologized : for their inadvertence. Life : continues. The moral of the story : is that the attitude we take : and our reaction to any given : situation are of the utmost : importance. We travel ona : turbulent sea with billows and : waves splashing around us : from every angle. No point in : fretting that life has handed : youa lemon. Dont play the : blame-game, or point the finger at others, or complain that you : are in this mess because of someone else. Make the best of the situation, no matter what : situation you find yourself in.