| Author |
Message |
Charles Riggs
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 10:20 pm
Post subject: Mongrels |
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A mongrel dog, as opposed to a purebred, may make for a better dog as
some claim, but if a parallel can be drawn between dogs and men (Hi,
Dena), I wouldn't say the mixing of breeds, or "races", improves the
appearance of the offspring in either case.
I think the evidence is clear when it comes to dogs -- as nice as a
mutt may be, purebreds are more cherished, particularly when it comes
to appearance, and for good reason. With people, my evidence is based
solely on my observations of European people over the years and of
Americans -- a mixed breed, in general, if ever there was one -- over
the past two weeks in particular (so great was the shock over the
differences, after being away for ten years, that my observations of
Americans over the past two weeks stand out to me).
On arriving in Chicago, almost entirely gone from view were the
well-defined, clearly-drawn features of the Irish and the English
faces I'd become particularly accustomed to, among the various
Europeans faces I've known, not that I'm unfamiliar with some other
varieties of humans on that great continent, both from an appearance
standpoint and also behavioral ones, but that my be a more complicated
subject best left for another post.
Yes, certain characteristics do tend to stand out, country to country,
no matter what anyone says. More obvious in women than in men, at
least to me, but there exists a purity and even innocence of facial
expression in Ireland that is noticeably lacking in the US. Whether
this is due to genetics or the driven way many Americans pursue life,
who knows? Make-up may have a little something to do with it since
Irish women rarely overdo their make-up, when they use it at all.
I may address the grim problem of American obesity in another post,
since it hits a "foreigner" in the face as soon as he arrives in the
country, but since the fact that most Americans are overweight, and
some disgustingly so, has been well-advertised and often written
about, perhaps I won't dwell on the subject any further in this forum.
--
Charles Riggs
They are no accented letters in my email address
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Don Phillipson
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 10:51 pm
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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"Charles Riggs" <chriggs@comcást.net> wrote in message
news:k4fso09cof9014fv4tps0ntlblj8m0d83k@4ax.com...
| Quote: | A mongrel dog, as opposed to a purebred, may make for a better dog as
some claim, but if a parallel can be drawn between dogs and men (Hi,
Dena), I wouldn't say the mixing of breeds, or "races", improves the
appearance of the offspring in either case.
|
The documentation on "hybrid vigour" may deal adequately
with the empirical point that appearance is valued by some
animal owners but not by others.
| Quote: | I think the evidence is clear when it comes to dogs -- as nice as a
mutt may be, purebreds are more cherished, particularly when it comes
to appearance . . .
|
Many family pets are acquired in the interest of the children
(whether parents themselves had a pet as children or not) and
children may be the least likely to value appearance over other
characters (loyalty, skill in doing tricks etc.)
| Quote: | On arriving in Chicago . . . more obvious in women than in men, at
least to me, but there exists a purity and even innocence of facial
expression in Ireland that is noticeably lacking in the US. Whether
this is due to genetics or the driven way many Americans pursue life,
who knows?
|
For what it is worth, I met briefly decades ago the most obviously
depraved and criminal physiognomy Lombroso could ever have drawn,
belonging to the doorman at a French monastery, who in all the
time we spent with him was the most charming, friendly, courteous
and honest person. (I.e. if he had been an ugly dog I would have
kept him with every confidence.)
--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada) |
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Stan Brown
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 11:03 pm
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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"Charles Riggs" <chriggs@comcást.net> wrote in alt.usage.english:
| Quote: | More obvious in women than in men, at
least to me, but there exists a purity and even innocence of facial
expression in Ireland that is noticeably lacking in the US.
|
I've been gone for a couple of years, but evidently some things
never change. :-)
--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://OakRoadSystems.com/
"And if you're afraid of butter, which many people are nowa-
days, (long pause) you just put in cream." --Julia Child
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Maria Conlon
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 11:42 pm
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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Don Phillipson wrote, in part:
| Quote: | Charles Riggs wrote, in part:
On arriving in Chicago . . . more obvious in women than in men, at
least to me, but there exists a purity and even innocence of facial
expression in Ireland that is noticeably lacking in the US. Whether
this is due to genetics or the driven way many Americans pursue life,
who knows?
For what it is worth, I met briefly decades ago the most obviously
depraved and criminal physiognomy Lombroso could ever have drawn,
belonging to the doorman at a French monastery, who in all the
time we spent with him was the most charming, friendly, courteous
and honest person. (I.e. if he had been an ugly dog I would have
kept him with every confidence.)
So, the old saying "you can't tell a book by its cover" was proved yet |
again to be a good guideline.
Maria Conlon |
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Rushtown
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 12:25 am
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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| Quote: |
Yes, certain characteristics do tend to stand out, country to country,
no matter what anyone says. More obvious in women than in men, at
least to me, but there exists a purity and even innocence of facial
expression in Ireland that is noticeably lacking in the US.
|
The Irish are a mixed race. The reason for the freckles is that a light
skinned race mixed with a dark skinned race. The prevalence of green eyes also
show racial mixture.
Good looks come from even features and overall genetic health. Crossing breeds
increases the health of the offspring, ie hybrid vigor. That's why ranchers
introduce new blood into their cattle every so often. |
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Areff
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 12:28 am
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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Stan Brown wrote:
| Quote: | "Charles Riggs" <chriggs@comcást.net> wrote in alt.usage.english:
More obvious in women than in men, at
least to me, but there exists a purity and even innocence of facial
expression in Ireland that is noticeably lacking in the US.
I've been gone for a couple of years, but evidently some things
never change. 
|
Weren't you the fellow in Cleveland, or am I thinking of someone else?
--
Steny '08! |
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Adrian Bailey
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 12:56 am
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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"Charles Riggs" <chriggs@comcást.net> wrote in message
news:k4fso09cof9014fv4tps0ntlblj8m0d83k@4ax.com...
| Quote: |
A mongrel dog, as opposed to a purebred, may make for a better dog as
some claim, but if a parallel can be drawn between dogs and men (Hi,
Dena), I wouldn't say the mixing of breeds, or "races", improves the
appearance of the offspring in either case.
|
Oh dear.
Adrian |
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Michael Nitabach
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 1:42 am
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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"Adrian Bailey" <dadge@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:Xktjd.3686$hp4.1432@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk:
| Quote: | "Charles Riggs" <chriggs@comcást.net> wrote in message
news:k4fso09cof9014fv4tps0ntlblj8m0d83k@4ax.com...
A mongrel dog, as opposed to a purebred, may make for a better
dog as some claim, but if a parallel can be drawn between dogs
and men (Hi, Dena), I wouldn't say the mixing of breeds, or
"races", improves the appearance of the offspring in either case.
Oh dear.
|
Indeed.
--
Mike Nitabach |
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Don Phillipson
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 3:11 am
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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|
"Rushtown" <rushtown@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041107122535.06111.00000114@mb-m23.aol.com...
| Quote: | The Irish are a mixed race. The reason for the freckles is that a light
skinned race mixed with a dark skinned race. The prevalence of green eyes
also
show racial mixture.
|
Is there any reason why either of these propositions
should be taken as true (of all people with freckles or
green eyes, not just the Irish)?
--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada) |
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Robin Bignall
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:06 am
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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On Sun, 7 Nov 2004 11:42:13 -0500, "Maria Conlon"
<mariaconlon001@hotmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Don Phillipson wrote, in part:
Charles Riggs wrote, in part:
On arriving in Chicago . . . more obvious in women than in men, at
least to me, but there exists a purity and even innocence of facial
expression in Ireland that is noticeably lacking in the US. Whether
this is due to genetics or the driven way many Americans pursue life,
who knows?
For what it is worth, I met briefly decades ago the most obviously
depraved and criminal physiognomy Lombroso could ever have drawn,
belonging to the doorman at a French monastery, who in all the
time we spent with him was the most charming, friendly, courteous
and honest person. (I.e. if he had been an ugly dog I would have
kept him with every confidence.)
So, the old saying "you can't tell a book by its cover" was proved yet
again to be a good guideline.
In that case, maybe we ruling males should ban makeup. <Smiley |
--
wrmst rgrds
Robin Bignall
Hertfordshire
England |
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Maria Conlon
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:43 am
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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Robin Bignall wrote:
| Quote: | Maria Conlon wrote:
So, the old saying "you can't tell a book by its cover" was proved
yet again to be a good guideline.
In that case, maybe we ruling males should ban makeup. <Smiley
|
Wouldn't bother me. I generally don't wear makeup.
Be warned, though, that even *attempting* to ban makeup could get you
into some serious, much-to-be-regretted trouble. Not all women have the
same attitude about makeup as I do. (And men should probably be grateful
for that.)
By the way, I notice you picked up on what I said "Mr" stands for.
Surely, you understand that I was joking, Robin....
Maria Conlon
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Jess Askin
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:02 am
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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"Michael Nitabach" <mnitabach@acedsl.com> wrote in message
news:Xns959A8B713CE3Dmnitabachacedslcom@216.196.97.140...
| Quote: | "Adrian Bailey" <dadge@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:Xktjd.3686$hp4.1432@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk:
"Charles Riggs" <chriggs@comcást.net> wrote in message
news:k4fso09cof9014fv4tps0ntlblj8m0d83k@4ax.com...
A mongrel dog, as opposed to a purebred, may make for a better
dog as some claim, but if a parallel can be drawn between dogs
and men (Hi, Dena), I wouldn't say the mixing of breeds, or
"races", improves the appearance of the offspring in either case.
Oh dear.
Indeed.
|
An appropriately on-topic response to Mr. Riggs's post might be to list some
of the famous people who have applied the term "mongrel" to particular
groups of human beings. Would somebody else like to do it? I don't feel up
to it. |
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Stan Brown
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:23 am
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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|
"Areff" <me@privacy.net> wrote in alt.usage.english:
| Quote: | Weren't you the fellow in Cleveland, or am I thinking of someone else?
|
You may be thinking of someone else, but I did formerly live in
Cleveland. I moved in 2000, though. I didn't _think_ I'd been
gone from a.u.e that long, but Google shows next to nothing after
April 2000, just one thread in August 2002 and a couple of
crossposted threads that I followed up on.
--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://OakRoadSystems.com/
"And if you're afraid of butter, which many people are nowa-
days, (long pause) you just put in cream." --Julia Child |
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don groves
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 12:02 pm
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
|
|
In article <20041107122535.06111.00000114@mb-m23.aol.com>,
Rushtown at rushtown@aol.com poured forth...
| Quote: |
Yes, certain characteristics do tend to stand out, country to country,
no matter what anyone says. More obvious in women than in men, at
least to me, but there exists a purity and even innocence of facial
expression in Ireland that is noticeably lacking in the US.
The Irish are a mixed race. The reason for the freckles is that a light
skinned race mixed with a dark skinned race. The prevalence of green eyes also
show racial mixture.
Good looks come from even features and overall genetic health. Crossing breeds
increases the health of the offspring, ie hybrid vigor. That's why ranchers
introduce new blood into their cattle every so often.
|
Charles didn't mention "good looks" and I think with good reason.
Physical robustness and mental alertness show in our faces. The
purity of expression Charles does mention are manifestations of
this as well as lack of stress. Faces that show interest in life
rather than boredom and disconnectedness are pretty to me no
matter how they measure up to standards of "good looks".
--
dg (domain=ccwebster) |
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R H Draney
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 1:30 pm
Post subject: Re: Mongrels |
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don groves filted:
| Quote: |
In article <20041107122535.06111.00000114@mb-m23.aol.com>,
Rushtown at rushtown@aol.com poured forth...
Yes, certain characteristics do tend to stand out, country to country,
no matter what anyone says. More obvious in women than in men, at
least to me, but there exists a purity and even innocence of facial
expression in Ireland that is noticeably lacking in the US.
The Irish are a mixed race. The reason for the freckles is that a light
skinned race mixed with a dark skinned race. The prevalence of green eyes also
show racial mixture.
Good looks come from even features and overall genetic health. Crossing breeds
increases the health of the offspring, ie hybrid vigor. That's why ranchers
introduce new blood into their cattle every so often.
Charles didn't mention "good looks" and I think with good reason.
Physical robustness and mental alertness show in our faces. The
purity of expression Charles does mention are manifestations of
this as well as lack of stress. Faces that show interest in life
rather than boredom and disconnectedness are pretty to me no
matter how they measure up to standards of "good looks".
|
In re the original question of the beauty of "pure" races: I've seen many a
stunning person of heritage mixed six ways from Sunday...still, there's
something glorious about the looks of a person from just about any part of the
world who could pass for his or her ancestor of a thousand or more years
ago....r |
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