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Title: The Greatest Taboo: One Woman Lifts the Lid on the Tragic Genetic Consequences of When First Cousins Marry
Source:
American Renaissance
URL Source: [None]
Published: Aug 24, 2010
Author: Tazeen Ahmad
Post Date: 2010-08-24 15:36:03 by Turtle
Keywords: None
Views: 578
Comments: 24
Sitting in the family living room, I watched tensely as my mother and her older brother signed furiously at each other. Although almost completely without sound, their row was high-octane, even vicious. Three of my uncles were born deaf but they knew how to make themselves heard. Eventually, my uncle caved in and fondly put his arm around his sister. My mum has always had a special place in her family because she was the first girl to live beyond childhood. Five of her sisters died as babies or toddlers. It was not until many years later that anyone worked out why so many children died and three boys were born deaf. Today there is no doubt among us that this tragedy occurred because my grandparents were first cousins. My grandmother’s heart was broken from losing so many daughters at such a young age. As a parent, I can’t imagine what she went through. My family is not unique. In the UK more than 50 per cent of British Pakistanis marry their cousins—in Bradford that figure is 75 per cent—and across the country the practice is on the rise and also common among East African, Middle-Eastern and Bangladeshi communities. Back when my grandparents were having children, the medical facts were not established. But today in Britain alone there are more than 70 scientific studies on the subject. We know the children of first cousins are ten times more likely to be born with recessive genetic disorders which can include infant mortality, deafness and blindness. We know British Pakistanis constitute 1.5 per cent of the population, yet a third of all children born in this country with rare recessive genetic diseases come from this community. Despite overwhelming evidence, in the time I spent filming Dispatches: When Cousins Marry, I felt as if I was breaking a taboo rather than addressing a reality. Pakistanis have been marrying cousins for generations. In South Asia the custom keeps family networks close and ensures assets remain in the family. In Britain, the aim can be to strengthen bonds with the subcontinent as cousins from abroad marry British partners. Some told us they face extreme pressure to marry in this way. One young woman, ‘Zara’, said when she was 16 she was emotionally blackmailed by her husband’s family in Pakistan who threatened suicide over loss of honour should she refuse to marry her cousin. She relented and lives in a deeply unhappy marriage. But others told me of the great benefits of first cousin marriage—love, support and understanding. To them, questioning it is an attack on the community or, worse, Islam. At a Pakistani centre in Sheffield, one man said: ‘The community feels targeted, whether that be forced marriages or first-cousin marriages. The community is battening down its hatches, not wanting to engage.’ As a British Pakistani, I am aware of the religious, cultural and racial sensitivities around this issue and understand why people would be on the defensive when questioned about it. At times I was torn between explaining the health risks while privately understanding the community’s sense of being demonised. But I have also grown up in a family that has suffered the medical implications and strongly believe that people should have the choice to make an informed decision. Throughout I had to remind myself that this is a health story—nothing more. It is not about religion or cultural identity. It is about avoidable suffering such at that experienced by Saeeda and Jalil Akhtar, whom I met in Bradford. They are first cousins and have six children, three with the genetic disease mucolipidosis type IV. This stops the body getting rid of waste properly and affects brain functions controlling vision and movement. Mohsin, their second eldest, is 17 and blind. He wanders aimless and helpless, often crying in frustration. His sisters Hina, 13, and Zainab, 11, have the same condition. They live in almost complete darkness. Saeeda is worn down from years of round-the-clock care. She spoon-feeds them, dresses them and fears for them. Neither she nor her husband can quite accept that their familial link is the cause of this pain. This is a major public health issue that has huge implications for other services. The cost to the NHS is many millions of pounds. On average, a children’s hospital will see 20 to 30 recessive gene disorders a decade, but one hospital in Bradford has seen 165, while British Pakistani children are three times more likely to have learning difficulties, with care costing about £75,000 a year per child. However during this investigation we found no efforts to introduce any national awareness-raising campaign. Why? We approached 16 MPs with a significant number of British Pakistani constituents for interview—every one declined. We asked 30 MPs with a high population of British Pakistanis in their seats to give their views in a short survey. Only one, who wanted to remain anonymous, responded, saying anyone who tried to talk about it risked being attacked politically. A lone voice was Ann Cryer, former Labour MP for Keighley, near Bradford, who said ‘fear of being accused of racism or demonisation’ prevented politicians speaking up. It is not just British Pakistani families who suffer. Wayne and Sonia Gibbs are white and first cousins once removed. They had no idea this could lead to problems. Their daughter Nicole had juvenile osteopetrosis, a genetic disease that causes the bones to thicken and crush the body’s organs. Nicole died aged two. The couple now know both carry the recessive genes that caused Nicole’s illness. They wanted more children—but had genetic counselling first. They have two healthy boys today. I have travelled nationwide, meeting doctors and families whose lives are full of pain. To me the solution is simple: Ring the alarm bells loud and clear. In Birmingham, one GP practice has taken radical action. The doctors have campaigned heavily to stop cousin marriages. They have introduced genetic screening and testing for patients, starting at 16, and now claim that very few cousin marriages take place there. My mother tells me that, long before I was born, her siblings and their cousins decided their tragedy would never recur. The conclusion some will draw is that cousin marriages should be banned. I disagree. But people must be able to make informed choices about the risks involved and options available, be they genetic screening, counselling or carrier-testing. At least there should be leaflets in doctors’ surgeries and school campaigns. Meeting the families in the programme upset me greatly. Every day for them was an uphill struggle, mostly because their children needed so much help and this put enormous stress on their family lives. Yet this was avoidable. If this were any other health issue, politicians would have been out in force. But they are silent and as a result children continue to be born with terrible, prevent_able disabilities that are devastating their lives and those of their loved ones. In response to this story a Department of Health spokesman said: ‘The risk of having a child affected by a genetic disorder following cousin marriage is a complex and sensitive issue that is best discussed and assessed with specialised genetics services. ‘Through genetic services the NHS runs local initiatives aimed to raise awareness of the risks associated with cousin marriage.’
Poster Comment: Arabs are genetic garbage. They've been marrying their first cousins for the last 1400 years. The reason Spain and southern Italy have produced so little is the influence of Arab genetics. Muslims ruled Spain for 700 years and of course raped the women. Southern Italy was the object of Muslim slave raids and of course rape. Northern Italy -- where there are blonds -- belonged to the part of Europe that produced 97% of everything in the world.
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#1. To: Turtle (#0)
(Edited)
Interestingly, children from first cousins has quite a long history in West Virginia and Kentucky. Another interesting fact is that incestuous relations in East Dayton, Ohio is higher than either West Virginia or Kentucky. Instead of having to go over hill or holler they just climb thru each other windows. The statement that Arabs are genetic garbage is baseless and false, I really thought you were a bit more intelligent than that, but it appears to be an emotional subject for you, are you sure you are not a "GIRL"? It is kind of like your statements about 911, emotional, it blinds you, are you sure you don't have a pussy, do you even know what one looks like? I usually like your posts, with exception of your 911 comments, but incest occurs in all cultures, and to claim that Arabs are genetic garbage is just stupid, thoughtless, irrational and completely unscientific. What is it with you and Arabs, gettn the hate on to beat the drum for never ending war? Peace.
dude, its not my problem if you weren't even good enough to bang your sister without her calling the cops. blow your fucking brains out finally and get of my planet.
__________________________________ I think the effects of cousin marriages on birth defects skyrockets if both parties come from a line in which there are multiple cousin marriages in their lineage. So many of these Brit Pakis may be the children or grandchildren or great-grandchildren of cousin-marriers.
And those are their good points.
Most often outlandish statements are made for a reason, totally irrelevant to their contents. Take a look at your knee jerk response, do you really consider it to be any different than Turtles statement????? Turtle is an expert at pulling legs, making people feel uncomfortable. Out come crude and rude responses from people that should know better.
The news section may still be worthwhile, but I think they've gotten to Jared, called in their favors, or something. The latest issue's cover story(!) is psychosexual Jewish garbage. And so soon after a fundraiser...
“Ask any Indian nation how it preserves itself. It isn’t by letting anyone and everyone claim to be Indian. There are exceptions, but they are not the rule.” -- Eric Holder
Haha !! Yep, good one one me :) I do admit to a limbic response from time to time. Although, if one reads beyond the emotion, there is science and rational thinking within my response. Fact of the matter, you are totally correct that "outlandish statements are made for a reason, totally irrelevant to their contents". Good on you to see that ! In this case, sticking to the subject, incest research is sketchy at best, with the most reliable data coming from the USA. From my short research, Alaska and Louisiana top the charts in regards to incest, the rest of the world, especially undeveloped countries has little scientific basis in fact and is mostly agendra driven opinion. This is clearly an attempt, and yes it is irrellevant to the subject, that "Arabs" are less human, OK to shoot in the head with a Howitzer, or whatever tool of death, the War Party demands, and a direct appeal to WAR on "Arabs". OK UR right, crude, rude, I can do that well, at times you have to fight fire with fire, but the point is well taken, often it reflects poorly on the person, but one must sometimes wrestle with the enemy. Peace.
This thread needs a soundtrack
WWGPD? - (What Would General Pinochet Do?)
Oy glebuber frink, sheboygan bagel?
"Chicago politicians are NOT officially dead until they have failed to vote in TWO presidential elections.” - Cynicom
All Europes are queer
WWGPD? - (What Would General Pinochet Do?)
Well Sir, after having known Turtle for quite some time, jousting with him is somewhat like walking thru a minefield. He makes outlandish statements, tells outrageous lies, all stitched together with a sense of humor that in itself is foolish to the Nth degree. Then there is an intellect that he keeps well hidden. Now and again, he erupts with a masterful writing that few could match. I and others go along as foils for his nonsense. The gentleman writes with a steady hand, a smooth pen, guided by an intellect such as few of us possess. Other than that he is an insufferable turtle.
Reminds me of an old story: "The turtle won the race, and then they had lunch". Turtle, a so-called man of intellect, will likely, one day, as others before him who desire to be our masters, be lunch.
You must have missed out on Mark Twain... He was credited by most as a man of great intellect. A man of good humor, a wry wit, most people respected the man for what he tried to teach them. Twain also wrote comic books, pornography and ranted on about Jews, so much so that his writings had to be cleansed. The biased eye is easily fooled.
I have read a bit of Twain, mostly quotes,....for example: "Don't let your schooling get in the way of your education". I did not know about his controversial writings on pron, and Jews. You have piqued my interest in his comic books, my Dad used to buy me comic books, as a kid, my favorites were the "Classics" series, and "The Phantom". Yes, you are correct, about the biased eye, thanks for reminding me. I have enjoyed our little exchange, perhaps we will do it again. Peace.
So has the "Nobility" and "Royalty" of Europe and England and it is not uncommon among the super wealthy - particularly the Rothschilds and such ilk. "One of the least understood strategies of the world revolution now moving rapidly toward its goal is the use of mind control as a major means of obtaining the consent of the people who will be subjects of the New World Order." K.M. Heaton, The National Educator
Turtle ain't no hillbilly, that's just his M.O. He is clearly a ZIONAZI thru and thru. Peace.
STEELY DAN has much to say on the subject: Well I've kicked around a lot since high school I've worked a lot of nowhere gigs From keyboard man in a rock'n ska band To haulin' boss crude in the big rigs Now I've come back home to plan my next move From the comfort of my Aunt Faye's couch When I see my little cousin Janine walk in All I could say was ow ow ouch CHORUS: Honey how you've grown Like a rose Well we used to play When we were three How about a kiss for your cousin Dupree She turned my life into a living hell In those little tops and tight capris I pretended to be readin' the National Probe As I was watchin' her wax her skis On Saturday night she walked in with her date And backs him up against the wall I tumbled off the couch and heard myself sing In a voice I never knew I had before CHORUS I'll teach you everything I know If you teach me how to do that dance Life is short and quid pro quo And what's so strange about a down-home family romance? One night we're playin' gin by a cracklin' fire And I figured I'd make my play I said babe with my boyish charm and good looks How can you stand it for one more day She said maybe its the skeevy look in your eyes Or that your mind has turned to applesauce The dreary architecture of your soul I said - but what is it exactly turns you off? CHORUS From the album TWO AGAINST NATURE
U.S. Constitution - Article IV, Section 4: NO BORDERS + NO LAWS = NO COUNTRY
Any people marrying their cousins for the last 1400 years are genetic garbage. The Muslim "Golden Age" lasted 200 years and was based on the contributions of Christiand and Jews and anyone who wasn't Muslim (Arabic numerals are from India). If it wasn't for Europeans, Arabs will still be screwing their sheep (which they still do) and living permanently in the 7th Century.
“How many Sex and the City fans have funneled all their maternal instincts into their Chinese bulldog without even noticing their ovaries have expired?”
Be quiet, don't expose me.
“How many Sex and the City fans have funneled all their maternal instincts into their Chinese bulldog without even noticing their ovaries have expired?”
You are ignorant, and that is kinda close to evil in my book. "Ignorance is the source of evil" - The Plague (Fr. La Peste) is a novel by Albert Camus
...is what Turtles do best.
Ah, at least some see the Emporer's nakedness :)
Amusing that you don't live in Arabia, Africa, Mexico, etc. So who's ignorant now?
“How many Sex and the City fans have funneled all their maternal instincts into their Chinese bulldog without even noticing their ovaries have expired?”
#2. To: Turtle (#0)
________________________________
#3. To: Turtle (#0)
We know British Pakistanis constitute 1.5 per cent of the population, yet a third of all children born in this country with rare recessive genetic diseases come from this community.
#4. To: Turtle (#0)
Arabs are genetic garbage. They've been marrying their first cousins for the last 1400 years.
#5. To: Lysander_Spooner (#1)
#6. To: Turtle (#0)
American Renaissance
#7. To: Cynicom (#5)
#8. To: gengis gandhi (#2)
dude, its not my problem if you weren't even good enough to bang your sister without her calling the cops.
#9. To: Flintlock (#8)
#10. To: Dakmar (#9)
#11. To: Lysander_Spooner (#7)
#12. To: Cynicom (#11)
#13. To: Lysander_Spooner (#12)
#14. To: Cynicom (#13)
Mark Twain...
#15. To: Turdle, Turtle, abraxas, all (#0)
(Edited)
Arabs are genetic garbage. They've been marrying their first cousins for the last 1400 years.
Not to mention American Hillbillies - eh Jethro?
#16. To: Original_Intent (#15)
Hillbillies - eh Jethro?
#17. To: X-15, christine, Jethro_Tull, HAPPY2BME-4UM, PSUSA, Lod, Turtle, Cynicom, purplerose (#0)
#18. To: HOUNDDAWG (#17)
#19. To: Lysander_Spooner (#1)
The statement that Arabs are genetic garbage is baseless and
#20. To: Cynicom (#5)
(Edited)
Turtle is an expert at pulling legs, making people feel uncomfortable.
#21. To: Turtle (#19)
#22. To: Lysander_Spooner, Turtle (#1)
stupid, thoughtless, irrational and completely unscientific...
Why would an obviously faked video of a plane hitting the WTC be aired on International news? Why wouldn't they just use a real video of the plane?
#23. To: wudidiz (#22)
#24. To: Lysander_Spooner (#21)
You are ignorant, and that is kinda close to evil in my book.
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