Misuse of information on the internet is a concern. People are wielding it like weapon to encourage prejudice. A particular misconception relates to syndromes. The association with mouth widths when identifying Prader-Willi and Angelman Syndrome is largely inaccurate.
A few years ago geneticist went wild attempting to identify genetics disorders to claim the glory of identifying a genetic disorder. These particular syndromes have several identifiers. Prader-Willi is associated to low intelligence and obesity. Angelman is associated to spasms involving laughter and clapping. Clearly a genetic disorder, the claim a narrow width of mouth implies Prader-Willi or a wide width of mouth implies Angelman is proven inaccurate.
Already familiar with the syndromes after taking genetics in college, it was easy to find the disorder with an internet search. However, it was difficult finding the average percentages of mouth widths. Regardless normal mouth widths account for approximately 45% of the population. Narrow mouth widths account for approximately 30% of the population. Wide mouth widths account for 25% of the population. The combined number of people width Prader-Willi and Angelman Syndrome is barely 1% of the population. It is easy to see there are plenty of people who have facial features without having the syndrome.
If wondering, normal mouth widths are determined by the corners of the mouth. When relaxed, corners fall between the canine teeth and second molars. Other resources determine width by where corners of the mouth are in relation to the pupils of the eyes.
Beyond this, there is reason to believe mouth width is not a legitimate way of identifying either syndrome. Not wanting to read another long book about genetics information about mouth widths was added and removed on wiki in no more than a week. How does this happen? Original findings are still prominent in people's minds; however, scientists already compared findings in the population and found inaccuracies in original trail observations.
Bizarre associations happen easily. Chances are when geneticists were initially opened a study the limited numbers of people with these syndromes had these features. Not realizing it was a coincidence produced from available test subjects after studying the entire population there are plenty of people with Prader-Willi Syndrome who have narrow, normal and wide mouth widths. Scrolling through pictures of individual's with Angelman, several have varying mouth widths and several appear normal. This scares me. Their genetic trait through race, ethnicity or cultural preferences in attractiveness identifies them as having syndrome.
With many new studies opening in relation to DNA Research and Genetics, people have to remember to remain human. Several of these issues in relation to big ideas with little information do not have to be hostile. It irritates me that people are using studies similarly to the philosophers who determined the Superiority of the White Race or anyone who manipulated scientific statistics to commit genocide.
Perhaps everyone must make arguments against each other to maintain balance and reassert personal value to society, yet it is innately wrong. In addition, what was valid a few years ago is not valid today. Original findings and assumptions must be tested to produce accurate results.
I also remember reviewing XXY in my genetics class. It is a disorder wherein men have proportionally small penises, have man-boobs and are sterile. Knowing a man with a similar appearance, he fathered four children; therefore, is not sterile.
How it will be resolved with absolute facts and determinations on the horizon? People should attempt to not look foolish in the meantime. Even if someone had a disorder, I would show them as much respect as anyone else and definitely not take it upon myself to play God in someone else's life.
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