They're Siblings Though! Incest in 2016 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

They're Siblings Though! Incest in 2016

I have pledged that I would take the same time and commitment to understand relationships and practices that confuse me.

243
They're Siblings Though! Incest in 2016
uflix

I think that relationships between two blood relatives of the same generation should be completely decriminalized. I also believe that individuals engaging in said relationships should have every right to the legal protections and privileges awarded by the institution of marriage.

What a way to start an article!

Now, if you are a conservative, I can only imagine the thoughts going through your head: “institutionalize gay marriage, and look at what happens.” For this rare instance, I won’t write you off. As a gay man, I realize that it has taken certain individuals a lot of work to accept my sexuality, and, even more, work to accept the fact that my community wants to be able to legally marry members of the same sex.

Because it has taken others so much time and commitment to accept me, I have pledged that I would take the same time and commitment to understand relationships and practices that confuse me.

Even if you are a liberal like myself, I can definitely understand the reservations you would have for the social acceptance of certain kinds of relationships between related individuals. But we’re going to go through, step-by-step, the reasons for why we need to start understanding and accepting individuals engaged in physical and romantic relationships with relatives of the same generation.

But first, the question is—why am I limiting this to relatives of the same generation, and what do I mean by this? This would entail first cousins, siblings and half-siblings. This is to ensure that the relationship is consensual and that there are no issues of dominance or emotional abuse. Now, this limitation doesn’t necessarily function as insurance.

Of course you can argue that there are issues of emotional abuse and dominance in relationships between individuals of the same age. But for some reason, I think that transgenerational relationships between two related individuals can lead to very bad things, and can usually be traced to abuse in an individual’s infancy.

In fact, that is quite the famous argument against incest: it’s always a form of either rape or emotional manipulation. Frequently, logical people who have no other way to argue against the social acceptance of these types of relationships usually use the idea that all incest is rape.

Unfortunately, I don’t see that. They bring in the idea that close relatives can very easily manipulate the emotions and feelings of other close relatives. When that leads to romance, however “consensual” it may seem, it is always essentially “rape.” I agree that any kind of non-consensual sex is rape, and I morally condemn rape. But I don’t think that all romantic relationships between two family members are non-consensual. In fact, I believe it’s normally the opposite.

Another one of the biggest arguments against romantic relationships of this kind almost always involves the notion that a child could be produced that is much more genetically prone to disease or disability. But I must remind you that there is no law that forbids people with any type of genetically inherited disabilities to have children. Myths have been spread about the members of the down syndrome community, who I believe should be treated with the utmost respect.

These myths usually state that most members of the community are infertile. Frequently, in assisted living homes and in daycare programs, individuals with Down Syndrome are left to themselves, since most people believe they have no libido, nor can they produce children. The reality is, however, that they can, and that they do. Furthermore, people who are tested positive for carrying Tay-Sachs disease aren’t forbidden from reproducing. So my question is: why are genetic diseases used as an argument against individuals practicing romantic relationships with relatives?

In the very simplest of terms, I'm asking most people who judge non-conventional forms of romance to reconsider your reasons for doing so. Reconsider your motivations for thinking that something is “unnatural.” If you do, you might discover a virtually endless amount of topics on which you can expand your knowledge, and change your position. Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1285
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

777
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199936
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20704
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments