Perfectly correct - Except, incest avoidance is not simply genetic (Although it has probably evolved; we are, after all, usually utterly disgusted of our siblings) but also cultural. So I'd say the "incest avoiding meme" became the norm, in there.

From what I know about the Western world in general, there is quite an emphasis on the family unit. When two siblings marry, do the children call the male sibling their father or their uncle? Same goes for the male sibling. Which role are they supposed to be to their children/neice/nephews? Basically, incest would destroy the family unit which society supposedly rests on.

If incest is so "universally taboo" why has almost every royal family in history participated in massive incest? If people are willing to be ruled by it.. it can't be that universally taboo. There are obviously exceptions.. which means its far more social than genetic.

Can't say I'd agree with incest if one of the goals/the main goal was to produce children. I wouldn't agree with it being brother/sister, or niece/nephew and/or uncle/aunt. The reason is because such close genetics can lead to, as already states, mentally and/or physically challenged children, or grandchildren. The results can be devastating and it isn't any good for society. I'm already against people having more than two children, just based on my personal views that the world is becoming overcrowded, but people will do as they please.

I was going to say, there are whole societies based on incest. Its has only ever been taboo against the masses. But people who have families they want to keep "pure" have practiced incest in just about every culture. You could probably even argue that incest was made taboo precisely by those families wanting to protect their own pedigrees, to keep out competition.

The modern concept of marriage even only came about in the 1870s, it is all entirely social norms, no genetics involved.

The diseases the children had are common diseases that many people have. Off the top of my head, I personally know 5 kids in my community who have those issues. But the most ironic part of all of this, is that two of the kids look like the milkman....

Could you try to know less about anthropology? Humans don't pair up for life in all civilizations, true, but virtually all civilizations have some provision against incest. It's not something that someone came up with in the 1870's; African bushmen don't do it with their sisters either. I think you don't know the difference between incest and endogamy.

What?

No, I am talking about families who only get married to other members of thier family. Like European royalty, some Italian merchants, certain families within Ethopia, and Syria etc.

This is endogamy. It can involve incest, doesn't necessarily (Unless you consider marrying your cousin to be incest).

Don't you.....?

Generally, not.

No... Incest is scary, marrying one's cousin is just mildly creepy... Or redneckish.

We Latins don't have such a strong taboo regarding cousins. Our families are bigger, everyone ends up being our cousin anyway.

Shhhhh, we're not latinos. We just happen to be neighbours to lots of them.

incest (uncountable)

1. sexual relations between people who may not legally marry, especially between close relatives
2. the crime of having such a relationship

in·cest /ˈɪnsɛst/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. sexual intercourse between closely related persons.
2. the crime of sexual intercourse, cohabitation, or marriage between persons within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity wherein marriage is legally forbidden.

in·cest (ĭn'sěst') Pronunciation Key
n.

1. Sexual relations between persons who are so closely related that their marriage is illegal or forbidden by custom.
2. The statutory crime of sexual relations with such a near relative.


As the definitions here (and everywhere I looked) include the legality of the act as part of the defintion, then I will have to say that "Incest" is taboo is every culture. However, Inbreading is not, and that is what we are really talking about.

Also, Endogamy rarely includes inbreeding, I think you are getting your terms confused.

'We' as in 'me and my countrymen', not 'me and you'. Entendeu ?

This article was in my nifty little Google homepage a week or two ago. I believe they've done similar studies in the past as well. Basically the idea if that if you were raised with someone in sibling roles, then you are biologically programmed to find sex with that person reprehensible.

Thus the royal lineage of European nations wasn't psychologically (the proposed root of the taboo) incest since it was rare for even true siblings, much less degrees of cousins, to be raised in sibling roles with a single mother figure caring for both. Also keep in mind that not only does the same woman have to raise both children, but the older has to observe the mother figure raising the younger.

I am your countryman. A menos que vocês cariocas estejam planejando declarar independência.

ETA: Or, unless you just happen to live here.

A few things I wanted to add to this topic:

First: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6424937.stm
This is a fun little quote:

"People have said that our children are disabled, but that is wrong. They are not disabled," said Patrick.

"Eric, our eldest child, has epilepsy, but he was born two months premature, he also has learning difficulties. Our other daughter, Sarah, has special needs," Patrick said.

Second: Genetic Attraction http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/2006-09-28...ddy-s-girl/full
Really interesting, if at times creepy, read.

And as an aside: It's always Florida! About two of the 10-15 stories every day on daily rotten for instance, is Florida. This state is weird! Get me out!

ACTUALLY!!! On Love line, they used to have a game, Germany or Florida, where you had to guess which place the news story came from. And the BBC link took place in germany

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loveline#Germany_or_Florida.3F

Now you're in for it on the other thread !

Não sou carioca não, só passei a adolescência lá.

And, the Europeans lump us in with the Latins. Which, for the specific aspect I pointed out, works well enough.