07-15-2006, 06:40 PM
In the case of a mature consenting adult relationship, there is not a problem with such a realtionship in my mind, just as in my mind I see no problem in a consenting adult relationship between two people of the same gender. I do not believe that it is "right" or "wrong" from a genetic standpoint, but most people who are into such relationships know that there is a greater risk of serious birth defects by keeping such a narrow selection of genetic material (and these risks are not exclusive to humans).
The problems are... first, that most incest is portrayed in an abusive manner, and we take that as the typical context of incest. The dominant figure, typically a brother or father, is forcing the female into the relationship whether or not she agrees. This is not true in most committed "incestuous" relationships. Victims of abuse are less likely to get into such a relationship by choice, and many are even harmed in all of their relaionships because of it. But many of the serious incestuous relationships are just the same as an older person and younger person discovering themselves to be in love. In some cases their feelings are deeper because of the familial connection, but they are not attracted to each other because they are family.
Secondly, the American "moral center" is based on Judeo-Christian groundwork -- in fact most western European nations are, as well -- which does prohibit incest. Though the reasoning that can be applied to these prohibitions is sound (largely the same as mentioned above), those only concern sexual relations, not emotional. An a serious incestuous relationship is at least as much emotional as it is sexual.
I am not a supporter of incest as a whole. However I have looked into the community that is not only into it, but which is involved in such relationships, and this is what I have learned. I will not judge them their choice -- after all, I like furry porn -- and hope they will extend that same courtesy to me in any of my tastes they may not agree with. I can accept them as they are, even though it is not who I am.
So... in summary: In a serious, adult relationship, incest is permissible, even if not "right." When it is in an abusive relationship, whether it is siblings, parent/child, or otherwise (let us not forget aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents), if it is abusive, it is wrong. I hold this stance on ANY type of relationship, too, not just incest. Abusive is wrong.
The problems are... first, that most incest is portrayed in an abusive manner, and we take that as the typical context of incest. The dominant figure, typically a brother or father, is forcing the female into the relationship whether or not she agrees. This is not true in most committed "incestuous" relationships. Victims of abuse are less likely to get into such a relationship by choice, and many are even harmed in all of their relaionships because of it. But many of the serious incestuous relationships are just the same as an older person and younger person discovering themselves to be in love. In some cases their feelings are deeper because of the familial connection, but they are not attracted to each other because they are family.
Secondly, the American "moral center" is based on Judeo-Christian groundwork -- in fact most western European nations are, as well -- which does prohibit incest. Though the reasoning that can be applied to these prohibitions is sound (largely the same as mentioned above), those only concern sexual relations, not emotional. An a serious incestuous relationship is at least as much emotional as it is sexual.
I am not a supporter of incest as a whole. However I have looked into the community that is not only into it, but which is involved in such relationships, and this is what I have learned. I will not judge them their choice -- after all, I like furry porn -- and hope they will extend that same courtesy to me in any of my tastes they may not agree with. I can accept them as they are, even though it is not who I am.
So... in summary: In a serious, adult relationship, incest is permissible, even if not "right." When it is in an abusive relationship, whether it is siblings, parent/child, or otherwise (let us not forget aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents), if it is abusive, it is wrong. I hold this stance on ANY type of relationship, too, not just incest. Abusive is wrong.