Postby dhuusa_deer » Thu Oct 20, 2005 2:10 pm
Surria,
You are right, there is higher statistical probability for deformed offsprings from first cousin marriages then from distant marriages. But the odds are ONLY 2-3%, not a whole lot and certainly not good enough a reason to shun first cousin marriages. But across the globe first cousin marriages are not the norm, at least not for large populations. So what made societies look down on first cousin marriages and prefer it to marrying outsiders?
If you look to religions, you wont find the answer since no religion I'm aware of that forbids such marriages. Look into societies, ibid. The answer lies in mother nature and EVOLUTION.
Evolution requires, for species to survive, to continuously replenish and recycle its gene pool (of POPULATION, note the distinction) with newer genes. You won't get newer genes into your gene pool if you marry your first cousins since that is like adding your genes (akin to Asexual reproduction -- NO genetic diversity!). But when you marry unrelated person, your offsprings will have a mix of the genes of you two and they in turn marry unrelated persons will reproduce offsprings with even more diverse genes. Overall, the gene pool and the continuations of the species benefits from unrelated unions. In fact, it is encumbent that such marriages take place for the SURVIVAL of the species. Since we humans like to live and survive, we'll continue to look down on first cousin marriages.
So in the end analysis, it is mother nature and Evolution that is behind the propensity for outside marriages over inside (first cousin) marriages. Not society, religions or any other unmentioned factors. It is for this reason that we can have confidence in the continuation of outside marriages as long as we survive as species.
So, Surria, you can marry your cousin/s all you like. No worry, not a great deal at least, of deformed children. But think of the pandora's box you'll open and unleash untold woes on not only your offsprings but on ALL of humanity. I know you're trying to be hip and cool and set a new trend of cousin marriages but I implore on you to consider the ramifications.
Last edited by
dhuusa_deer on Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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