midnightdeirdre Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Hey everyone, This is something I've always heard mixed opinions on. I'm curious what the truth is. I've heard that it's technically ok for cousins to date/marry; that there really isn't anything morally/physically wrong with it. (Another saying I've heard: "Second & up, it's ok to f**k." lol, as in second cousin-or-above, it's ok to date/marry/ahem, the word in the saying.) ...but is it true? Or is it actually morally and physically wrong to get together with a cousin? (First, second, or otherwise?) I've heard that if cousins marry and have a child, the child will be deformed; "have bugged-out eyes." (I don't know if this is true, it's just one of the things I've heard about getting together with a cousin!) If anyone knows what the truth is (not the many rumors/sayings I've heard) please reply. Thanks! Link to comment
DylanNotorious Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have a friend who's mother was born to kissing cousins. His mother is slightly whacky. But she managed to get married and had 2 kids (he was one of them) and he turned out perfectly normal. But yeah, I wouldn't get with a cousin! Link to comment
ToF Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 From what I understand, a child produced from two first-cousins has about the same risk of birth defects/disorders/mutations as a child born of a woman 40 years of age and older. Link to comment
agent1607307371 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I've heard that if cousins marry and have a child, the child will be deformed; I think that this is really more a case where there are generations of cousins intermarrying. Link to comment
Fudgie Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 There is some increased risk when 2 cousins marry and have children. I wouldn't say that it's HORRIBLY increased but it's definitely more than 2 people who aren't blood related. I've made out with my cousin. He's older by 4-5 years. It's not something that I talk about. We used to "fondle" each other when we were young and then made out when I was older and went on a "date". I kid you not. Not something I tell many people. My family doesn't know. Now I haven't seen him in so many years and I'm not in contact. I don't really care. It doesn't matter to me if I ever see him again. I personally wouldn't do it again. Link to comment
Day_Walker Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 There is enough genetic diversity for cousins to have children together, but the stigma seems to be social and cultural. Some cultures allow cousins to marry and/or encourage it. Link to comment
midnightdeirdre Posted October 20, 2011 Author Share Posted October 20, 2011 Interesting...my question doesn't seem to be answered clearly, though. Thanks for responses! Link to comment
ToF Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 What question do you want answered, specifically? Link to comment
Fudgie Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 If you're asking about morals, I don't think it's MORALLY wrong to get with a cousin. Then again, I define "morals" by the simple question: DOES THIS HURT SOMEONE? You boning or marrying your cousin, outside of some possibly family upset (then again, families usually freak at many things), well, it's not hurting anyone, so it's not immoral. However, societal customs and society's idea of what is "okay" is usually not in line with what is moral. Cheating and having mistresses is more acceptable in our society than marrying your cousin, which I think is just ridiculous. So if you get with a cousin, expect some backlash and possible family strife. Link to comment
capilot Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I think that this is really more a case where there are generations of cousins intermarrying. I think this is exactly correct. Interesting...my question doesn't seem to be answered clearly, though. Thanks for responses! Morally? Up to you, really. Fudgie is right; the question to ask is "does this hurt somebody". As for legally, the answer is it varies. I looked it up once. In the U.S., cousin marriage is illegal in about half the states. Outside the U.S., it's legal in most of the world, and even encouraged in some cultures. I think it's legal in the U.K., given that Victoria and Albert were first cousins. Second cousins are legal everywhere. Link to comment
cocoon2012 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I thing more diversity will bring more intelligence, more challenge and more life, so I personally think for having a growing, energetic and full life we better go beyond relatives!..... Link to comment
ILYx3 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 kinda gross right? marrying ur cousin. cus when we look back, its ur parents siblings child. so its like marrying something that was related to ur parent. So kinda similiar marryin ur own blood. i dont think its nessary to marry ur own cosuin, it would be so weird. Link to comment
ToF Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 kinda gross right? marrying ur cousin. cus when we look back, its ur parents siblings child. so its like marrying something that was related to ur parent. So kinda similiar marryin ur own blood. i dont think its nessary to marry ur own cosuin, it would be so weird. It IS marrying your own blood. The point is whether or not there is a health risk to any child produced by the cousins, and the ethical implications of the union. Link to comment
midnightdeirdre Posted October 20, 2011 Author Share Posted October 20, 2011 What question do you want answered, specifically? If it's morally/genetically wrong to get romantically involved with a cousin. (First, second, etc.) Seems morally, up to the individual. Genetically seems to be blurry, though. Link to comment
ILYx3 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 no marrying ur cousin dude. its like marrying ur own brother/sister. no way. theres plenty of people to choose from y ur cousin? Link to comment
Moontiger Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 There is an increased risk to a child that is the produce of two first cousin parents. How much of a risk depends on multiple factors including if anyone one else in the family has married a first cousin, the genetic health of the two parents etc. Morally: Varies from culture to culture Genetically: Your child will not come out with two heads, 11 toes, and bat wings just because the parents are cousins but there are risks. Link to comment
LDRohnos Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Genetically speaking...it always does the human race more good to intermingle genetics rather than to perpetuate the same genetic makeup over and over. That is how we evolve as a species. Morally, I think it's bankrupt. Link to comment
DD123 Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 thats pretty much gross to me...not really hurting any one just, disturbing since it IS your own blood, your family...just doesnt sit well with me i guess. cant place why. Link to comment
FathomFear Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 If it's morally/genetically wrong to get romantically involved with a cousin. (First, second, etc.) Seems morally, up to the individual. Genetically seems to be blurry, though. There's no such thing as "genetically wrong" or "genetically right". You're overlaying morality onto genetics. It's like asking if giraffes are right or wrong. It's not a sensical statement. They just "are". Morality/Ethics is the realm of right/wrong. Link to comment
Seraphim Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 It is not something I would ever do, for me personally it is morally wrong. It is legal in Canada to marry for your first cousin. If other people do it , it is their business, I just want no part of it for me. Genetically, do not marry family members too often. It has been know to create genetic diseases and mental health issues. Link to comment
ILYx3 Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 thats pretty much gross to me...not really hurting any one just, disturbing since it IS your own blood, your family...just doesnt sit well with me i guess. cant place why. its like kissing ur own brother/sister . >.> Link to comment
ToF Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 its like kissing ur own brother/sister . >.> Genetically speaking, it is not like kissing a sibling. You are more genetically similar to a sibling than you are to a cousin, even a first cousin. Link to comment
RelaxByWater84 Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 I would find it too weird for me. I mean there is a reason I avoid family functions when I can. Lol. So, OP, are you considering dating your cousin?? Link to comment
Seraphim Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 Genetically speaking, it is not like kissing a sibling. You are more genetically similar to a sibling than you are to a cousin, even a first cousin. I agree it is no where near as close as a sibling genetically. It still does not create a good situation genetically if you intermarry family too many generations in a row. Link to comment
ToF Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 That's true, Victoria. While inbreeding doesn't "create" genetic diseases, it can cause problems when family members intermarry accross several generations. Diseases that would have remained dormant can end up being phenotypically expressed when people of similar genotypes have children together. Link to comment
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