I am thinking that my reaction to this is similar to people who think being gay is 'wrong.'
I think the genetic risks may have been overstated, but the risk to the family unit is more of an issue. What if the couple splits up? Who sides with who? I know someone who's ex husband ended up with her first cousin. It tore the family apart. Her aunt and uncle knew about the affair. It was ugly.
Another friend found herself involved with a foreign first cousin that she had never met until their teens. They ended it quickly. She's a doctor now, so she isn't exactly a buck-toothed hick. She said the attraction was incredible. It does happen. I'm guessing most people don't act on the attraction.
My father in law sees no problem in second cousins marrying. It's fairly common in his church. I think it's gross. Like I said. It's a gut thing.
I think this couple's situation is very unusual. The family seems very dysfunctional, with one sibling being brought up in foster care, and no mention of their father. They should have gotten some guidance very early on in their relationship. It's a sad situation.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2008-12-01 02:11 am (UTC)I think the genetic risks may have been overstated, but the risk to the family unit is more of an issue. What if the couple splits up? Who sides with who? I know someone who's ex husband ended up with her first cousin. It tore the family apart. Her aunt and uncle knew about the affair. It was ugly.
Another friend found herself involved with a foreign first cousin that she had never met until their teens. They ended it quickly. She's a doctor now, so she isn't exactly a buck-toothed hick. She said the attraction was incredible. It does happen. I'm guessing most people don't act on the attraction.
My father in law sees no problem in second cousins marrying. It's fairly common in his church. I think it's gross. Like I said. It's a gut thing.
I think this couple's situation is very unusual. The family seems very dysfunctional, with one sibling being brought up in foster care, and no mention of their father. They should have gotten some guidance very early on in their relationship. It's a sad situation.