OPINION
There isn’t one single loving brother in existence who doesn’t worry about his sister. In a world where women are routinely abused and exploited – very often by men – no loving sibling would not be concerned.
But there’s every difference between being protective and engaged, and being wildly possessive, angry and confrontational. And that’s exactly how Married at First Sight bride Cyrell’s big brother Ivan came across on last night’s show.
Flying off the handle at the news that his sister was marrying a stranger, he stormed out of a family dinner in a four-letter fury.
‘It’s a big shock, I always wanted the best for my sister,’ he explained in a more reasoned moment.
Of course it’s entirely understandable and correct to have very strong misgivings upon hearing about such a poor choice, especially given Cyrell’s apparently painful romantic past. After all, Married at First Sight is a tacky train wreck of a show that offers about as much chance for long term happiness as a lottery ticket.
It is more geared towards conflict, drama and emotional exploitation – and, ironically, that’s exactly what Ivan delivered as he repeatedly blew his top.
Having a sense of possession over another human being is toxic enough, but when combined with a foul temper, the outcome can be catastrophic.
While Ivan was able to cool down enough to attend his sister’s wedding, the aggression again erupted as he cornered Cyrell’s ‘husband’ Nicolas, seemingly so drunk on his own rage that he failed to pick up the cues the groom was giving him about his intentions – or his challenging health history.
‘Let’s cut the bulls***. What are ya after?’ he demanded.
‘You hurt her, I’ll be standing here right in front of your face and tell you, “What the f*** is happening?”
‘Why should I give you a chance? Tell me? You’re gonna EARN my respect.’
What are YOU, after, Ivan? A punch up? At a wedding?
When Nicolas was finally able to explain he hadn’t settled down earlier in life because of his cancer diagnosis, Ivan began to calm down, perhaps realising too late that by flying off the handle so spectacularly, he had also rendered himself incapable of reason, or problem-solving.
Still, there was no apology.
Ivan is very right to be worried about his sister. But his over-the-top, possessive reaction indicates he is part of the problem with the way some men see women, and definitely not the solution.
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