Blondes 'to die out in 200 years'

BBC On Line | Friday, 27 September, 2002, | Unsigned

[aculeus]

The last natural blondes will die out within 200 years, scientists believe.

A study by experts in Germany suggests people with blonde hair are an endangered species and will become extinct by 2202.

Researchers predict the last truly natural blonde will be born in Finland - the country with the highest proportion of blondes.

But they say too few people now carry the gene for blondes to last beyond the next two centuries.

The problem is that blonde hair is caused by a recessive gene.

In order for a child to have blonde hair, it must have the gene on both sides of the family in the grandparents' generation.

Dyed rivals

The researchers also believe that so-called bottle blondes may be to blame for the demise of their natural rivals.

They suggest that dyed-blondes are more attractive to men who choose them as partners over true blondes.

But Jonathan Rees, professor of dermatology at the University of Edinburgh said it was unlikely blondes would die out completely.

"Genes don't die out unless there is a disadvantage of having that gene or by chance. They don't disappear," he told BBC News Online.

"The only reason blondes would disappear is if having the gene was a disadvantage and I do not think that is the case.

"The frequency of blondes may drop but they won't disappear."

[john in missouri]

"Oh, goody, goody, goody -- I'm going to live another 200 years!! Let's see... I think I'll live here in Dade County for the next 50 years, and then maybe move to California for the next 50... how many does that make?"

[tip of the sword]

Did someone say 'suicide blonde'?

[Orual]

Endangered species?

Never will it happen.

[KneelBeforeZod]

somebody 'ping' CGEB

[The Wizard]

never heard of Clairol

[MotleyGirl70]

Okay, I'm blonde, so how can I get Federal protection and other goodies?

Maybe you should sue your parents.

[KSCITYBOY]

This is why God invented bleach!

[Desdemona]

My entire family, being hispanic, are dark. Black/Brown hair, dark skin. Two of my sisters married "anglo" men with brown hair.. well lo and behold, each sister has a natural blonde daughter.

Both my parents had dark hair - dad's was jet black, mom's REALLY dark brown. Of all the kids in my family (no two of us have the same hair) two of my brothers and I had blonde hair as children and all three of us, now, have naturally dark hair - the youngest and I a mousey brown and the other jet black. Don't count on anyone having blonde hair for an entire lifetime.

[twigs]

An interesting story! I really didn't believe that a gene, especially a blonde one, would carry that far forward. Do you know how many generations a generation can be carried without manifesting itself before it dies out? I've heard 6 generations, but have no idea whether or not that's true.

[NEWwoman]

As long as blondes "dye" blondes will not die.

[dighton]

I just wanna say that being chosen as this month's Miss August
Is like a compliment I'll remember for as long as I can.
Right now I'm a freshman in my 4th year at UCLA,
But my goal is to become a veterinarian cause I love children.

[VRWC_minion]

If this is true it would argue that for a limited time since the ark.

[SunnyUsa]

once again you bring an informed and vital topic to the Fr conversation! lol

[Always Right]

An interesting story! I really didn't believe that a gene, especially a blonde one, would carry that far forward. Do you know how many generations a generation can be carried without manifesting itself before it dies out? I've heard 6 generations, but have no idea whether or not that's true.

I think the whole remise of this story is just silly. Jeans don't dye out. Even if by some Google-plex-to-one chance that all blond genes became a lone recessive gene, there would still exist and be waiting to pair up with another recessive gene. I question the intellect of these so-called researchers.

[Bon mots]

There are naturally blonde Italians. Not numerous, but plenty of them. My ancestors came from Southern Italy... via Normandy (Normanni - The Normans ruled the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies), and the Normans came out of Scandinavia originally (before Normandy [France])

I had one Aunt, 100% Italian born blonder than Claudia Schiffer. My sister is blonde, and so is my second son.

[Bon mots]

If you are blonde, do not read this....

Did you hear about the blonde coyote?
Got stuck in a trap.
Chewed off three legs.
Was still stuck.

[vannrox]

.

WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY!

heh...heh...



.

[john in missouri]

Guy to blonde: "Do you realize there is a genetic crisis that could lead to blondes dying out completely in just 200 years -- unless we do something about it -- NOW?"

[aculeus]

Already posted Here complete with photos.

Did the search before I posted and I just did it again. It didn't show up either time.

[the-ironically-named-proverbs2]

"I can't even spell BMW"