Blog #178--Thoughts on Genetics

Johann Gregor Mendel, who lived in the 19th century, is often called “The Father of Genetics.” Working with pea plants, his research results served as a platform for an exciting new branch of science. In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double helix structure of the DNA molecule that is essential to all life. These two events have helped inspire further research that is now working to map the entire human DNA molecule and discover the function of each of its genes.

However, while DNA mapping has helped us identify criminals, free innocents from prison, understand diseases and physiological breakdowns in the human body and identify our ancestry, among many other things, there is still a vast chasm between scientific knowledge and the general population's awareness. Besides the fact genetics is a complicated field of study, many people have egos that deny they may be carrying genes that manifest as deformities and diseases in their offspring. Sometimes these denials are too obvious to ignore, but they do so anyway.

Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1876 as Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, passed on a gene to her offspring that produces hemophilia, a blood disorder characterized by excessive bleeding. Genetics was not a field of study during her lifetime, but once understood, it became obvious she carried a gene only a man other than her father could have passed onto her. After all, no one in her family had ever been diagnosed as a hemophiliac until her children received it from her. Thus, she and her offspring were illegitimate.

Like the Hans Christian Andersen story of the “Emperor’s New Clothes,” where two swindlers convinced the Emperor and his entourage they had made him a glorious outfit when in fact they made nothing at all, people often see what they want to see. And their friends don’t wish to criticize or question them out of respect or fear, depending on the situation. This can lead to further confusion. In some cases, this pattern of behavior can perpetuate lies that are as obvious as the nose on our faces.

I am aware of a woman who has a unique face. It is wide and somewhat flat in appearance. However, both her parents have round, narrow faces, as does her brother. The woman gave birth to twins out of wedlock, and both of them have faces similar to hers. She later married a different man and had two more children, one of whom was similarly endowed. Obviously, it was the mother who carried the gene for that type of face, and it is likely dominant rather than recessive. However, since neither her mother nor father had this type of face, she likely inherited it from a man other than her father.

I haven’t seen her for many years, and I wouldn’t say anything to her about it regardless. But when I mention the possibility to those who know her, they all become disgusted with me and tell me to change the subject. Denial is a common tool of the ego to blind us to truth. Shining a light on subjects kept hidden not only reveals the truth, it frees us from the burden of keeping our secrets hidden from view. This especially makes sense when there is obvious, undeniable evidence readily available for anyone willing to look at it.

Plastic surgery has become a major money-maker for doctors and a popular option for those who are unhappy with their bodies and wish to make changes. Some people literally spend many thousands of dollars trying to look like someone other than themselves. Face lifts, breast implants, fat reduction, nose shaping and numerous other procedures are commonplace. Some even wish to change their appearance entirely and go through many expensive procedures. Not all changes work out as intended, but the desire to change outweighs concerns over negative consequences.

I don’t wish to pass judgment on anyone who either wants plastic surgery or provides those services. That is their business, their lessons to learn. But these changes serve to hide our genetic make-up. Thus, we pass on genes for characteristics we dislike to future generations, and our mates may not have all the facts at their disposal when they wish to create offspring.

That may make no difference in terms of noses, breasts and the like, but diseases like some types of cancer, muscular dystrophy, autoimmune situations and a number of other problems are also passed to offspring and their offspring. Disguising our genetics may be necessary for some egos since it is their imperative to reproduce. But we also have a moral obligation to share what we know about our genetics with potential mates.

While the general public mostly ignores genetics while competing for mates, some members of the scientific community are performing experiments that could eventually result in the destruction of the entire human race. I don’t wish to frighten, but that is one of the long-term possibilities when we try to manipulate genetic material for selfish gain.

For instance, some multinational corporations are striving to create unique hybrids of a wide variety of life forms through genetic manipulation. They may or may not be doing the research sufficient to examine thoroughly all possible consequences secondary to freeing these hybrids from the laboratory. Those motivated by greed or population control are unlikely to do this research, even hiring scientists willing to cover up any data that conflict with their purpose. Lobbying efforts and financial contributions to government leaders are massive enough to eliminate legal regulations that might prevent harm to us and/or the environment.

As would be expected, some militaries around the globe are working diligently to develop diseases that are gene-specific for one or more entire races of people. In other words, they wish to kill off one race without harming others. Whether they can ever find one or more genes unique to one race and not others remains to be seen. But we all know of people who would love to see another race wiped off the face of Earth. More than likely, gene mutations and millennia of cross-breeding will make genetic bioweapons extremely difficult to achieve without harming the researchers and company leaders as well. But like the proverbial innocent babes in the woods, the general public will remain unaware of this research until it is far too late to do anything about it.

I also discuss genetics in my book “It’s a Secret, So Pass It On: a Toolbox For Life.” I encourage those interested in learning more about yourselves, your families and Nature to review basic genetic literature and arm yourselves with both understanding and a willingness to forgive those who may someday harm you with their self-centered approach to life. After all, despite their education and advanced knowledge, they may not know what they are doing.

A little self-acceptance wouldn’t hurt either.

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