Genetic Quirks

Yes, that's me not looking at the camera.  Actually, I was looking at another camera.  Regardless, I look pretty normal.  You would never guess that I have some genetic quirks.  It is true.  I don't have wisdom teeth.  No, I never had them removed, I never got them.  My dentist explained that the human body is constantly in a state of evolution.  Wisdom teeth no longer serve a purpose and in 500 years, wisdom teeth will no longer exist.  My dentist told me I am just more evolved than the average human.  I also have no toenails on my pinkie toes.  Again, I am assuming this is just another example of how evolved I am.  Unfortunately, I have never been able to transfer these genetic quirks to something that I could make money off of - yet.  I am still searching. 

One of the most decorated Olympians of all time is Michael Phelps.  For his success, he worked hard.  However, it turns out that genetics did have a role to play in his success.  He has a disproportionately large wingspan.  He also has double-jointed ankles that has given his kicks unusual range.  Plus, he has a supernatural quirk.  He produces half the lactic acid of typical athletes.  Lactic acid causes fatigue so that means he is genetically predisposed to succeed in swimming.  All of this is well-known.  Michael was never asked to level the playing field by having surgery on his ankles or for him to take hormones to increase his lactic acid.  He has continually being revered as a medical marvel. 

This week the name Caster Semenya became a common name.  She is a runner from South Africa who is a two-time Olympic champion.  When you look at Semenya, you can see that she physically looks different from other female runners.  It turns out, she has a genetic quirk.  Her body produces testosterone at a higher level than other women.  This is a naturally occurring condition.  She doesn't take steroids.  She has done nothing wrong than live her life and excel at a sport.  Regardless of her genetic quirk, she still has had to work hard for her success.  On Wednesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled that if she wants to continue she must take medication to lower it. 

Can you say double standard?  A few of them.  Phelps genetic quirks has been embraced.  Semenya's have been vilified.  Does this have anything to do with gender?  Also, Semenya has already been subject to several humiliating tests to prove that she is female.  Also, most sports go to great lengths to discourage and ban taking hormones and medications, yet for this athlete, they are demanding it.  How does this make sense? 

It is just the old double standard.  Men seem to be able to get to be a man.  Women seem to have to prove that they women or what society feels that a woman should be. 

I think countries all over the world certainly need a credible Feminist in Chief.