Fact or Fiction?

[Researcher]

 

     Agency hype is one thing that has been mentioned here on PL but I dont recall many examples.For those of us that have used agencies we know what is meant by agency hype. I thought I would give an example or two and call it truth or crap-ola.I have seen where an agency claims that Colombia has the lowest divorce rate in the world.I have never seen any stats on this so I dont know what the divorce rate there is.From what I have seen it seems like there are alot of seperated couples there.Also, I know that in 2005 Colombia came up with the 60 minute divorce law that allows couples to quickly divorce.They did this to alleviate the enormous backlog of pending divorces.It seems that divorce is expensive and takes quite a while to complete there.If Colombia has a low divorce rate it isnt because marriage is highly valued there, as an agency would like their customers to believe. I think it is a half truth used to make an agency client feel all warm and fuzzy inside about marrying a Colombiana.I have to call crap-ola on this one but that is just my take on it.


What do you think?Does Colombia have the lowest divorce rate in the world? Truth or Crap-ola?


Researcher

[mudd]

part krap, part truth.  and only part truth because  a lot of the younger generation are not getting married, are just living together, which  in 2 years of doing so, is considered " married" by Colombian law. even if your a gringo living with a Colombian.

[fathertime]

It sounds like agency talk.  I would think another country, perhaps an Islamic or Hindu one may have a lower divorce rate.  I don’t know that the fact is very relevant regarding international marriages in any event.

  I understand the ad/website is just a way to get you in the door.  What is much more important is how you a customer is treated after arrival.   Regardless of the words, after touching down in Colombia agencies that provide results should be rewarded with new customers. Prior to my Colombian trips I was able to utilize the trip report section of PL and find which sites were providing results. 

Now it seems to me that a ‘researcher’  should be able to uncover this fact pretty easily and put the burning question to rest. 

Fathertime!

[william3rd]

How about the slimeball agencies that tout the results of the 1995 study that seems to show that foreign marriages are more successful. They fail to point out that none of them were in the business when the study came out and did not even apply to the russians or Colombians they are trying to sell to you.

Independent studies show that these same agencies have a real success rate of about 10% on their romance tours

[Researcher]

It sounds like agency talk.  I would think another country, perhaps an Islamic or Hindu one may have a lower divorce rate.  I don’t know that the fact is very relevant regarding international marriages in any event.

  I understand the ad/website is just a way to get you in the door.  What is much more important is how you a customer is treated after arrival.   Regardless of the words, after touching down in Colombia agencies that provide results should be rewarded with new customers. Prior to my Colombian trips I was able to utilize the trip report section of PL and find which sites were providing results. 

Now it seems to me that a ‘researcher’  should be able to uncover this fact pretty easily and put the burning question to rest. 

Fathertime!

              I have to disagree somewhat. While it is more important what happens after you arrive at the agency, I just think that using false advertising is wrong.

               I saw one study that listed Lybia as having the lowest divorce rate with .24 per 1000 marriages. I dont think Colombia has that beat. Its far more interesting to talk about what is behind statistics than the statistics themselves. Because statistics are like bikinis, they reveal alot while hiding certain vital areas. Guys here at PL will have the best info as well as the most interesting viewpoints, such as Sir William.

            I am not a researcher nor do I play one on TV but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

     Researcher(just a handle)

[michaelb]

Well, the main reason why the rate in Colombia was low was that they didn't have any divorces at all for a long time. In 1976 they passed a law allowing divorce for civil marriages, but it wasn't until 1991 that they passed a law whereby the government could grant a divorce for a marriage performed by the Catholic Church, and even then the final decree is specific that while the civil bonds of the marriage are dissolved, obligations imposed by the Church are still intact.  Of course, since 2005  they've had the 'quickie' law, so maybe the rate is way up by now, and I don't know if it still includes that part about the Church. Ireland is similar to Colombia in that they didn't allow divorce either until 1995 and even today (at least as I understand it) it takes four years for a divorce to be finalized in Ireland. (edit)...well, I think the couple has to prove that they have not been living together for at least four years of the last five years, so from the time they filed in court for a divorce until it was final probably wouldn't take four years, but if you include the living apart time then it would.

[Jamie]

I got my information from The Economist annual world report which at the time had Colombia as the number one or number two lowest divorce rate in the world. This information and my reference were actually posted here a few years ago. You have to pay to get this information from the Economist and I no longer do, but if you look at the general stats that are provided on different websites you will see the few South American countries that they do list are ranked at having some of the lowest divorce rates. Now why and what all this means is a different story.

[sean126]

If the stereotypes are true about many, if not most, Colombian men being dogs then it's weird to think that most women don't get divorced because they don't mind the cheating.  Even my Colombian friends here say that Colombian men....well...latin men in general are known for having more than one woman.  So....I would think that low divorce rates would not be because of love and respect.  My guess would be economics and safety nets.

The Colombian women are no angels either.   

My vote is for "crap-ola".

[fathertime]

Jeepers Researcher, after just getting called out on another thread, you’ll try anything to rile up the haters in an effort to smear the success of Jamie’s agency.  So what grand conclusions do you want to draw from this little foray in silliness?  Do you (a married man) make a habit of scouring agency websites, or is it just the International Introductions website that you enjoy browsing?  I suppose it is a legit issue, so I’m glad Jamie was able to provide a reference for you to ‘research’.  I know I’m grateful the agency exists, without it I likely wouldn't have met my beautiful wife!

Fathertime! 

[Researcher]

Jeepers Researcher, after just getting called out on another thread, you’ll try anything to rile up the haters in an effort to smear the success of Jamie’s agency.  So what grand conclusions do you want to draw from this little foray in silliness?  Do you (a married man) make a habit of scouring agency websites, or is it just the International Introductions website that you enjoy browsing?  I suppose it is a legit issue, so I’m glad Jamie was able to provide a reference for you to ‘research’.  I know I’m grateful the agency exists, without it I likely wouldn't have met my beautiful wife!

Fathertime! 

     Hey ft Im pro agency.I spent many years using agencies and I know this is part of the hype.Thats all. I have not mentioned Jamie or his agency during this thread,not once. He is not the only agency owner around.Mudd also owns an agency. Mudd also made a constructive post earlier that contributed to this thread so relax, everything isnt always about you and your buddy.

     Called out? hardly.


   Researcher

[Dan]

Jeepers Researcher, after just getting called out on another thread, you’ll try anything to rile up the haters in an effort to smear the success of Jamie’s agency.  So what grand conclusions do you want to draw from this little foray in silliness?  Do you (a married man) make a habit of scouring agency websites, or is it just the International Introductions website that you enjoy browsing?  I suppose it is a legit issue, so I’m glad Jamie was able to provide a reference for you to ‘research’.  I know I’m grateful the agency exists, without it I likely wouldn't have met my beautiful wife!

Fathertime! 

I see Researcher's question as valid. Further, to support Jamie's position, here is one of the VERY FEW sources of non-US divorce stats available - http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/peo_div_rat-people-divorce-rate - noting that Colombia is not explicitly shown, though Brazil is - toward the bottom of the list.

- Dan

[fathertime]

       everything isnt always about you and your buddy.
 Researcher

I’m sure it is an amazing coincidence that you rightfully get slapped down on another thread by Jamie, and then you just happen to quote the “International Introductions” web site in a thread just days later.  Perhaps hoping that it turns into a personal ragfast regarding him and his site! Yes purely a coincidence and I just ran a sub three minute mile this fine morning in my pajamas and teddy slippers. 

I see Researcher's question as valid. Further, to support Jamie's position, here is one of the VERY FEW sources of non-US divorce stats available - http://www.nationmaster.c...v_rat-people-divorce-rate - noting that Colombia is not explicitly shown, though Brazil is - toward the bottom of the list.

- Dan

Thanks Dan for uncovering that relevant stat.  Maybe I was wrong, but I could have sworn the purpose of the thread was vindictive with the intent to ‘accidently’ incite a ragfast.  Regardless, it seems you have more or less put the issue to rest with your detective work.

Forgetting the stat for a moment, from all I have heard, read, and seen, it seems to me on the whole an older gringo marrying a young attractive Latina, has about a 50/50 chance of lasting more than 5 years.  That should not matter at all to a person who truely has his priorities and life together, that individual’s odds should be much higher.

Fathertime! 

[Dan]

I’m sure it is an amazing coincidence that you rightfully get slapped down on another thread by Jamie, and then you just happen to quote the “International Introductions” web site in a thread just days later.  Perhaps hoping that it turns into a personal ragfast regarding him and his site! Yes purely a coincidence and I just ran a sub three minute mile this fine morning in my pajamas and teddy slippers. 
Thanks Dan for uncovering that relevant stat.  Maybe I was wrong, but I could have sworn the purpose of the thread was vindictive with the intent to ‘accidently’ incite a ragfast.  Regardless, it seems you have more or less put the issue to rest with your detective work.

Forgetting the stat for a moment, from all I have heard, read, and seen, it seems to me on the whole an older gringo marrying a young attractive Latina, has about a 50/50 chance of lasting more than 5 years.  That should not matter at all to a person who truely has his priorities and life together, that individual’s odds should be much higher.

Fathertime! 

One method for reducing thread cross-over is to NOT read between the lines or assume things not explicitly stated. If in doubt - do NOT assume - simply ASK - but ask sincerely, not with the intent to reply. Give the benefit of the doubt and take the question/statement at face value.

Just a thought.

- Dan

[Researcher]

I see Researcher's question as valid. Further, to support Jamie's position, here is one of the VERY FEW sources of non-US divorce stats available - http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/peo_div_rat-people-divorce-rate - noting that Colombia is not explicitly shown, though Brazil is - toward the bottom of the list.

- Dan

           I have seen this same ranking but where is Colombia?Besides even if Colombia did have the lowest divorce rate in the world, that is not what is being dicussed here.Read michaelb's post that clearly explains why the divorce rate is low.I also believe Sean made some valid points. I took a look at Jamie's site and yes he does say that Colombia has the lowest divorce rate in the world.As a matter of fact his site says "there is a reason Colombia has the lowest divorce rate in the world."Hmmm,what could that reason be?

           FT, I assure you the reason for this thread is not what you think.You are over estimating me, I am not that clever.

     Researcher

[sean126]

        ....... I am not that clever.

     Researcher

I can believe that.  Now that is something I will take at face value without question.
 

[Dan]

          I have seen this same ranking but where is Colombia?Besides even if Colombia did have the lowest divorce rate in the world, that is not what is being dicussed here.Read michaelb's post that clearly explains why the divorce rate is low.I also believe Sean made some valid points. I took a look at Jamie's site and yes he does say that Colombia has the lowest divorce rate in the world.As a matter of fact his site says "there is a reason Colombia has the lowest divorce rate in the world."Hmmm,what could that reason be?

           FT, I assure you the reason for this thread is not what you think.You are over estimating me, I am not that clever.

     Researcher

Jamie explained that his citation was from 'The Economist' - and that he no longer subscribes to the magazine.

As I mentioned upthread, I take Jamie at face value and believe what he wrote. If I were sufficiently doubtful of Jamie's veracity, then I would take the time and invest the subscription costs to find out on my own.

From all accounts that are available presently, there is no reason to DISbelieve Jamie - and, in fact, some reason to support his account.

Now - with that being said, there also may be reasons for the stats to be unusual in some way. Addressing those causative factors is worthwhile.

- Dan

[Researcher]

    Yes, the reasons behind the stats are more interesting IMO. Many agencies use it and other claims for advertising.This is what is referred to as "agency hype".Without bringing up any agency in particular I would say alot of this hype is crap-ola.That being said I would say that it is best not to pay any attention to the hype and check things out for ones self.I would also say that agency owners are business owners and should be viewed as such.Getting too chummy with them can be a mistake if someone lets them pick a lady for them.Not to say that their input isn't of any value, IMO, guys should decide for themselves if a woman is being sincere and is the right one for them.I think agencies work. I also believe guys should be aware that the hype is only hype.


  Researcher

[Researcher]

I can believe that.  Now that is something I will take at face value without question.
 

  At least somebody  sees the "real me"! hehehe




   Researcher

[utopiacowboy]

The divorce rate probably is low in Colombia but much of that is due to economic necessity. That is even happening in the US because of the recession. My wife did not have a good marriage to her first husband but when I ask her if she ever would have divorced him, she says, no never.

[Researcher]

     UC,
          Do you think religion also plays a part in the low divorce rate?


         Researcher

[utopiacowboy]

     UC,
          Do you think religion also plays a part in the low divorce rate?


         Researcher

Although she is not 100% in agreement with the Church, she is a fairly devout Catholic.

[Researcher]

                  Whether or not Colombia has the lowest divorce rate in the world doesn't mean alot when it comes to marrying a Colombiana and bringing her to the US.It seems that the low divorce rate there is a result of economics and religious beliefs which must go out the window when they land on US soil.I haven't seen any stats on it but I have seen where some immigration attorneys(who handle Gringo/Colombiana visas) report that the divorce rate in these cases are high or in line with the US at best.So the divorce rate in Colombia (unless a guy plans to move there)is meaningless and therefore "Crap-ola".



 Researcher

[msthlm]

According to The Economist's Pocket World in Figures 2008 edition page 89 has Colombia the world's lowest divorce rates.

Number of divorces per 1000 population, 2005 or latest available year
1 Colombia 0.2
2 Libya 0.3
3 Bosnia 0.4
  Georgia 0.4
  Mongolia 0.4
  Tajikistan 0.4
7 Chile 0.5
  Vietnam 0.5

[Researcher]

According to The Economist's Pocket World in Figures 2008 edition page 89 has Colombia the world's lowest divorce rates.

Number of divorces per 1000 population, 2005 or latest available year
1 Colombia 0.2
2 Libya 0.3
3 Bosnia 0.4
  Georgia 0.4
  Mongolia 0.4
  Tajikistan 0.4
7 Chile 0.5
  Vietnam 0.5

    Other sources say that Libya is .2 and Sri Lanka is even lower than that. Does your source say why Colombia's rate is that low?

    If you could introduce yourself in the intro section of the forum that would be nice.

[fathertime]

    Other sources say that Libya is .2 and Sri Lanka is even lower than that. Does your source say why Colombia's rate is that low?

    If you could introduce yourself in the intro section of the forum that would be nice.

Well well well it looks like another source has Colombia as being the lowest in divorce rates.  You sure have a hard time accepting the fact that somebody choosing to use that verified fact is telling the truth.   Turns out it was a completely reasonable fact to put on  an agency website.  I'm glad you brought this to light now!
Fathertime!