Defending the Redhead Gene
By Dr. Manny Alvarez
Sept 2011
As somebody who is married to a redhead, I can tell you that redheads are wonderful people – and beautiful too. Just consider actresses like Nicole Kidman or Amy Adams.
There have also been many other famous, influential redheads throughout history, such as William Shakespeare, Christopher Columbus and Queen Elizabeth I.
So as you can imagine, I’m quite dismayed by the fact that the largest sperm bank in the world is turning away redheaded donors because folks don’t want children with red hair.
World's Biggest Sperm Bank Turning Away Redheads
The sperm bank in question, Cryos International, said in a statement that there have been so many donations made in the last few years that the facility can now afford to be picky.
The statement went on to add that, essentially, the supply of sperm from redheaded donors has outpaced the demand.
This made me recall an article I once read, published in the magazine National Geographic, that by the year 2060 some genetic experts are predicting that there will not be any redheads left on the planet. I hope that’s not true.
But if it is, I think it may be a striking example of the potential dangers associated with gene manipulation and the future of the human race.
It is true that the gene for red hair is recessive -- and that there is only a small percentage of people who have red hair to begin with. These are likely reasons why the redheaded population is dwindling.
However, I can’t help but wonder if purposeful genetic manipulation isn’t contributing to, or even speeding this process along.
People need to understand that the whole purpose of having sperm or egg donors is to facilitate a couple’s desire to have a baby when it cannot occur naturally.
But shopping around for perfect hair color, specific eyes, tone of skin or height – creating “designer babies” -- is just wrong. There’s no place for discrimination based on appearance in reproductive technology.
If we keep up with this nonsense, something in our evolutionary chain is going to snap and newer problems are going to develop that we will have ourselves to thank for.
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-Wow, I certainly disagree with Dr Manny here...* No question I would rather be a blond who can see more sunlight.* Clearly I would prefer my offspring to be able to get adequate vitamin d from nature.* Gingers having no soul is not just baseless harassment...obvious to me most have mutations which can be undesirable/challenging
Superb post! I was browsing other web pages when I saw this site. In fact, I read an article a while ago that also tackles about this issue. Please allow me to share it here. It is an infallible truth that people with red hair get a bad rap in some groups and because of that red-haired donors were recently told they were no longer allowed at the earth's biggest sperm bank. Check this out: Danish sperm bank no longer takes donations from redheads. Personally, I had no idea where this red hair discrimination started. It just shocked me because even hair color is becoming controversial as well. I believe that even these red haired people have a special beauty that place them in a class all their own, so they have the right to be regarded with utmost respect.
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Personally, I had no idea where this red hair discrimination started. It just shocked me because even hair color is becoming controversial as well. I believe that even these red haired people have a special beauty that place them in a class all their own, so they have the right to be regarded with utmost respect.
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I believe it's rooted in the simple (not personal and nothing about respect) bias towards breeding with those without genetic lacking.* Those who cannot see the sun may age faster, get skin cancer, get fat/depressed/etc etc from having sensitive skin
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