HOMES that looked sturdy were swept off their foundations, their structures ripped to shreds. As monster storms hit large areas around the globe recently, the quality and durability of countless buildings were put to the ultimate test.
A storm of another nature, however, is wreaking havoc on the foundation and structure of the age-old institution of marriage. “For better or worse, marriage has been displaced from its pivotal position in personal and social life,” states family historian Stephanie Coontz.
Can you see the effects of such a trend? Do you feel that marriage is losing its honored place in society? If so, why is this happening? And what hope does anyone have of securing or maintaining a happy marriage? First, though, what is putting marriage in danger?
Marriage Under Attack
The attacks on marriage are not new; they go back to the beginning of human history. Qualities and attitudes that developed in our first human parents have led to the marriage crisis we experience today. Adam and Eve sinned when they gave in to selfish cravings, and thus “sin entered into the world.” (Romans 5:12) The historical record of the Bible states that soon after this, “every inclination of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only bad all the time.”—Genesis 6:5.
Not much has changed since then. Among the corrosive inclinations that plague marriage is the uninhibited pursuit of selfish gratification. Marriage itself might seem an outdated institution, no longer viable in a modern world under the spell of a new morality. And the relaxing of laws that regulate the breakup of a marriage has removed most of the stigma once attached to divorce.
“In a society which is used to disposability, people are likely to have that same attitude towards relationships.”—SANDRA DAVIS, FAMILY LAW EXPERT
Impatient individuals, who seek quick results and instant gratification, give little or no thought to the consequences of divorce. Lured by seductive promises of freedom and independence, they believe that divorce will lead to happiness.
Others when faced with thornlike problems in their relationship turn to therapists and marriage counselors or to books written by such authorities. Sadly, some modern marriage “experts” have proved more adept at promoting divorce than at defending marriage. “For perhaps the first time in human history,” states the book The Case for Marriage, “marriage as an ideal is under a sustained and surprisingly successful attack. Sometimes the attack is direct and ideological, made by ‘experts’ who believe a lifelong vow of fidelity is unrealistic or oppressive.”
Altered Perceptions
Perceptions about the nature and purpose of marriage have also changed. You have probably observed a shift in emphasis from loyal and supportive marriage partners to spouses who primarily expect personal fulfillment—often at the expense of their mate. The transition to this self-centered view of marriage “began in the 1960s and accelerated in the 1970s,” states the Journal of Marriage and Family. Traditional reasons for marriage—such as the desire for love, intimacy, fidelity, children, and mutual fulfillment—have weakened.
Several other recent developments have accelerated the transformation of marriage in many lands. First, the traditional roles of the male breadwinner and the female homemaker have changed in many countries. With the entry of women into the paid workplace, there has been a notable rise in the number of dual-career households. Second, childbearing outside marriage is increasingly accepted, leading to more single-parent families. Third, cohabitation as a replacement for marriage is growing. (See the box “Less Stable Than Marriages.”) Fourth, same-sex unions and the movement to legalize them have gained wide approval. Have these modern trends influenced your view of matrimony?
“Less Stable Than Marriages”
Many couples of the opposite sex live together without the commitment of marriage. Such unions, however, are even “less stable than marriages,” notes a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some of these couples cohabit in order to assess their compatibility prior to marriage. Does such an arrangement eliminate poor matches and improve subsequent marriages? According to the Journal of Marriage and Family, the evidence indicates otherwise. “Among married individuals, premarital cohabitation is related to lower marital satisfaction . . . , more reports of marital problems, and . . . a higher risk of marital dissolution,” says the Journal.
Surging Divorce Rates
Let us look at several countries to see how the popularity of divorce has led to the further erosion of marriage. In the United States, according to a recent report, “the number of divorced couples quadrupled between 1970 and 1996.” Roughly, 1 in 5 adults has been lashed by the destructive winds of divorce. Who are the most vulnerable to marriage failure? Statistics show that about 60 percent of all divorces occur within the first ten years.
In other countries too, divorce rates have soared. The total number of divorces in England and Wales reached 153,490 in 2004. Australians can expect about 40 percent of their marriages to end in divorce. The Republic of Korea saw an increase of 21,800 divorces in just one year—from 2002 to 2003—a total of 167,100 couples divorced. Japan, where 1 in every 4 marriages ends in divorce, is now approaching Europe’s divorce rate. “Once upon a time it was only the very worst marriages that would end in divorce,” observed an expert in family studies at the Japan Red Cross University. “Now it has become a simple lifestyle issue.”
In many countries long-standing religious institutions and social traditions contributed to marriage stability. However, they can no longer stop the rising tide of social acceptance of divorce. For instance, consider the Roman Catholic Church, where marriage is regarded as something sacred. In 1983 the church relaxed its rules concerning marriage bonds and made it easier for Catholics to end a marriage. Hence, annulments have increased since then.
Longevity and Marriage
People today live longer. Even this otherwise positive development has added stress to marriage. Today, divorce ends many marriages that death would have ended in times past. Consider an odd marriage ailment that is afflicting longtime married women in Japan. According to The Washington Post, experts label it “RHS,” or “retired husband syndrome.” Recalling her husband’s retirement, one wife, who had been married for 40 years, said that at the time she thought: “I am going to have to divorce him now. It was bad enough that I had to wait on him when he came home from work. But having him around the house all the time was more than I could possibly bear.”
Obviously, the threads that bind marriage are unraveling. But not all the reasons are obvious. In fact, besides the general breakdown in society, there is another major cause of the increase in failed marriages—one that is hidden from the view of the majority of mankind.
A Hidden Cause of the Storm
The Bible tells us that Satan the Devil, the epitome of selfishness, has an unseen, increasingly pernicious influence over the world. Why is that so? Because he has been cast down from heaven to the vicinity of the earth and is very angry. Indeed, he is bent on causing as much “woe,” or trouble, as possible, and the divine institution of marriage is just one object of Satan’s malicious anger.—Revelation 12:9, 12.
Referring to the time after Satan’s eviction, Jesus said: “Because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off.” (Matthew 24:12) In a similar vein, the apostle Paul wrote: “[People] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural [or, familial] affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:2-4) These repugnant characteristics have always existed to some extent, but they have become much more pronounced in recent times, as most people readily acknowledge.
Copyright © 2009 Watch Tower Bible
Monday, April 27, 2009
When Marital Disagreements Arise
NO HUSBAND or wife of sound mind enjoys marital conflict, but it is all too common. Typically, one spouse says something that irritates the other. Voices are raised, and tempers flare, igniting an emotionally charged argument with caustic remarks. Then comes icy silence, with both mates stubbornly refusing to talk. In time, the anger subsides and apologies are exchanged. Peace is restored—at least until the next disagreement.
Marital spats are the topic of an endless stream of jokes and story lines of television programs, but the reality is far from amusing. Indeed, a Bible proverb says: “Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword.” (Proverbs 12:18, Today’s English Version) Yes, harsh speech may leave emotional scars that linger long after the dispute has ended. Arguing may even lead to violence.—Exodus 21:18.
Of course, because of human imperfection, problems in marriage are sometimes unavoidable. (Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 7:28) Still, frequent and intense disputes should not be dismissed as normal. Experts have noted that a pattern of quarreling increases the likelihood that a couple will eventually divorce. Hence, it is vital that you and your spouse learn to handle disagreements in a peaceful manner.
Assessing the Situation
If your marriage is plagued by arguments, try to determine if there is a pattern to your disputes. Typically, what happens when you and your spouse disagree on a matter? Does the discussion quickly veer off course and deteriorate into a volley of insults and accusations? If so, what can you do?
First, take an honest look at how you as an individual might be contributing to the problem. Are you easily provoked? Are you argumentative by nature? What would your spouse say about you in this regard? This last question is important to consider, for you and your mate may have different views about what constitutes being argumentative.
For example, suppose that your spouse tends to be somewhat reserved, while you are candid and highly intense when expressing yourself. You might say: “When I was growing up, that’s the way everyone in my family communicated. It’s not arguing!” And perhaps to you it is not. Possibly, though, what you see as uninhibited straight talk is perceived by your mate as hurtful and combative arguing. Simply being aware that you and your mate have different communication styles can help prevent misunderstandings.
Remember, too, that arguing does not always involve shouting. Paul wrote to Christians: “Let . . . screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you.” (Ephesians 4:31) “Screaming” alludes to a raised voice, whereas “abusive speech” refers to the content of the message. Viewed in that light, even whispered words can be argumentative if they are irritating or demeaning.
With the foregoing in mind, look again at how you handle disagreements with your mate. Are you argumentative? As we have seen, the real answer to that question largely depends on the perception of your spouse. Rather than dismissing your mate’s view as oversensitive, try to see yourself as that one sees you, and make adjustments where they are needed. Paul wrote: “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.”—1 Corinthians 10:24.
Three Steps to Defusing an Argument
Listen to your spouse.—Proverbs 10:19
Respect his or her viewpoint.—Philippians 2:4
Respond in a loving manner.—1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Pay Attention to How You Listen”
Another aspect of handling disagreements is found in Jesus’ words: “Pay attention to how you listen.” (Luke 8:18) True, Jesus was not talking about communication in marriage. Nevertheless, the principle applies. How well do you listen to your spouse? Do you listen at all? Or do you abruptly interrupt with pat solutions to problems that you have not completely understood? “When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears it, that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation,” the Bible says. (Proverbs 18:13) When a disagreement arises, then, you and your spouse need to talk the matter out and truly listen to each other.
Rather than downplay your spouse’s viewpoint, strive to show “fellow feeling.” (1 Peter 3:8) In the original Greek, this term basically denotes suffering with another person. If your mate is distressed over something, you should share the feeling. Endeavor to look at the matter from his or her perspective.
Evidently, the godly man Isaac did that. The Bible tells us that his wife, Rebekah, was deeply disturbed over a family issue involving her son Jacob. “I have come to abhor this life of mine because of the daughters of Heth,” she said to Isaac. “If Jacob ever takes a wife from the daughters of Heth like these from the daughters of the land, of what good is life to me?”—Genesis 27:46.
Granted, out of anxiety, Rebekah likely overstated matters. After all, did she really abhor her life? Would she literally prefer to die if her son married one of the daughters of Heth? Probably not. Still, Isaac did not minimize Rebekah’s feelings. Instead, Isaac saw that Rebekah’s concern had merit, and he took action accordingly. (Genesis 28:1) Do the same the next time your mate is anxious over a matter. Instead of dismissing it as something trivial, listen to your mate, respect his or her view, and respond in a compassionate manner.
“I feel neglected and unloved”
“You never spend any time with me!”
“I spent a whole day with you last month!”
Do you listen?
Listening and Insight
A Bible proverb states: “The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger.” (Proverbs 19:11) In the heat of a disagreement, it is so easy to react impulsively to every sharp word that is uttered by your spouse. Usually, though, this only serves to escalate the argument. Hence, when listening to your spouse, make it your determination to hear not only the words being said but also the feelings behind the words. Such insight will help you to see past personal annoyances and get to the root of the problem.
For instance, suppose your wife says to you, “You never spend any time with me!” You could be inclined to get irritated and deny the charge with cold facts. “I spent a whole day with you last month!” you might reply. But if you listen attentively, you might find that your wife is not really asking for more minutes or hours. Instead, she may be asking for reassurances, telling you that she feels neglected and unloved.
Suppose that you are a wife and your husband expresses his concern over a recent purchase. “How could you spend that much money?” he asks in utter disbelief. Your impulse might be to defend yourself with facts regarding the family finances or by comparing your purchase with one of his own. Insight, however, will help you to see that your husband may not be talking about dollars and cents. Instead, he may be troubled because he was left out of the decision-making process when it came to a major purchase.
Of course, each couple may have a different way to address how much time they spend together and how purchasing decisions are made. The point is that when matters become subjects of contention, insight will slow down your anger and enable you to perceive the real issues at hand. Rather than impulsively reacting, follow the Bible writer James’ admonition to be “swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath.”—James 1:19.
When you do speak, remember that how you speak to your mate is important. The Bible says that “the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.” (Proverbs 12:18) When you and your spouse are caught up in a disagreement, do your words hurt or do they heal? Do they build roadblocks, or do they pave the way for reconciliation? As we have already seen, angry or impulsive responses only stir up contention.—Proverbs 29:22.
If a disagreement deteriorates into a verbal boxing match, put forth more effort to stick to the point. Focus on the cause, not the person. Be more concerned with what is right than who is right. Be careful that your words do not fan the flames of the argument. The Bible says: “A word causing pain makes anger to come up.” (Proverbs 15:1) Yes, what you say and how you say it may make a difference in whether you elicit your mate’s cooperation or not.
Aim to Resolve, Not to Win
In our dealing with disagreements, the goal is a solution rather than a victory. How can you reach a solution? The surest way is to search out and apply the Bible’s counsel, and husbands especially should take the initiative to do so. Rather than being quick to express strong opinions on the issues or problems at hand, why not look at them from Jehovah’s viewpoint? Pray to him, and seek the peace of God that will guard your hearts and mental powers. (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6, 7) Make an earnest effort to look out for the personal interest of not just you but also your mate.—Philippians 2:4.
What often makes a bad situation worse is letting hurt feelings and uncontrolled emotions dominate your thoughts and actions. On the other hand, being willing to be readjusted by the counsel of God’s Word leads to peace, agreement, and Jehovah’s blessing. (2 Corinthians 13:11) Therefore, be guided by “the wisdom from above,” manifest godly qualities, and reap benefits as “those who are making peace.”—James 3:17, 18.
Really, all should learn to handle disagreements peacefully, even if this means sacrificing personal preferences. (1 Corinthians 6:7) Indeed, apply Paul’s admonition to put away “wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth. . . . Strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality.”—Colossians 3:8-10.
At times, of course, you will say things that you later regret. (James 3:8) When this happens, apologize to your spouse. Continue to put forth effort. In time, you and your spouse will likely see great improvement in how you handle disagreements.
What You Can Do Now
Ask your spouse the questions below, and listen to the answers without interrupting. Then your spouse can do the same with you.
Do I tend to be argumentative?
Do I really listen when you express yourself, or do I impulsively respond before you are finished speaking?
Do my words come across to you as insensitive or angry?
What can we both do to improve our style of communication—especially when we do not agree on a matter?
Appeared in The Watchtower June 1, 2005
Copyright © 2008 Watch Tower Bible and
Marital spats are the topic of an endless stream of jokes and story lines of television programs, but the reality is far from amusing. Indeed, a Bible proverb says: “Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword.” (Proverbs 12:18, Today’s English Version) Yes, harsh speech may leave emotional scars that linger long after the dispute has ended. Arguing may even lead to violence.—Exodus 21:18.
Of course, because of human imperfection, problems in marriage are sometimes unavoidable. (Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 7:28) Still, frequent and intense disputes should not be dismissed as normal. Experts have noted that a pattern of quarreling increases the likelihood that a couple will eventually divorce. Hence, it is vital that you and your spouse learn to handle disagreements in a peaceful manner.
Assessing the Situation
If your marriage is plagued by arguments, try to determine if there is a pattern to your disputes. Typically, what happens when you and your spouse disagree on a matter? Does the discussion quickly veer off course and deteriorate into a volley of insults and accusations? If so, what can you do?
First, take an honest look at how you as an individual might be contributing to the problem. Are you easily provoked? Are you argumentative by nature? What would your spouse say about you in this regard? This last question is important to consider, for you and your mate may have different views about what constitutes being argumentative.
For example, suppose that your spouse tends to be somewhat reserved, while you are candid and highly intense when expressing yourself. You might say: “When I was growing up, that’s the way everyone in my family communicated. It’s not arguing!” And perhaps to you it is not. Possibly, though, what you see as uninhibited straight talk is perceived by your mate as hurtful and combative arguing. Simply being aware that you and your mate have different communication styles can help prevent misunderstandings.
Remember, too, that arguing does not always involve shouting. Paul wrote to Christians: “Let . . . screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you.” (Ephesians 4:31) “Screaming” alludes to a raised voice, whereas “abusive speech” refers to the content of the message. Viewed in that light, even whispered words can be argumentative if they are irritating or demeaning.
With the foregoing in mind, look again at how you handle disagreements with your mate. Are you argumentative? As we have seen, the real answer to that question largely depends on the perception of your spouse. Rather than dismissing your mate’s view as oversensitive, try to see yourself as that one sees you, and make adjustments where they are needed. Paul wrote: “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.”—1 Corinthians 10:24.
Three Steps to Defusing an Argument
Listen to your spouse.—Proverbs 10:19
Respect his or her viewpoint.—Philippians 2:4
Respond in a loving manner.—1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Pay Attention to How You Listen”
Another aspect of handling disagreements is found in Jesus’ words: “Pay attention to how you listen.” (Luke 8:18) True, Jesus was not talking about communication in marriage. Nevertheless, the principle applies. How well do you listen to your spouse? Do you listen at all? Or do you abruptly interrupt with pat solutions to problems that you have not completely understood? “When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears it, that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation,” the Bible says. (Proverbs 18:13) When a disagreement arises, then, you and your spouse need to talk the matter out and truly listen to each other.
Rather than downplay your spouse’s viewpoint, strive to show “fellow feeling.” (1 Peter 3:8) In the original Greek, this term basically denotes suffering with another person. If your mate is distressed over something, you should share the feeling. Endeavor to look at the matter from his or her perspective.
Evidently, the godly man Isaac did that. The Bible tells us that his wife, Rebekah, was deeply disturbed over a family issue involving her son Jacob. “I have come to abhor this life of mine because of the daughters of Heth,” she said to Isaac. “If Jacob ever takes a wife from the daughters of Heth like these from the daughters of the land, of what good is life to me?”—Genesis 27:46.
Granted, out of anxiety, Rebekah likely overstated matters. After all, did she really abhor her life? Would she literally prefer to die if her son married one of the daughters of Heth? Probably not. Still, Isaac did not minimize Rebekah’s feelings. Instead, Isaac saw that Rebekah’s concern had merit, and he took action accordingly. (Genesis 28:1) Do the same the next time your mate is anxious over a matter. Instead of dismissing it as something trivial, listen to your mate, respect his or her view, and respond in a compassionate manner.
“I feel neglected and unloved”
“You never spend any time with me!”
“I spent a whole day with you last month!”
Do you listen?
Listening and Insight
A Bible proverb states: “The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger.” (Proverbs 19:11) In the heat of a disagreement, it is so easy to react impulsively to every sharp word that is uttered by your spouse. Usually, though, this only serves to escalate the argument. Hence, when listening to your spouse, make it your determination to hear not only the words being said but also the feelings behind the words. Such insight will help you to see past personal annoyances and get to the root of the problem.
For instance, suppose your wife says to you, “You never spend any time with me!” You could be inclined to get irritated and deny the charge with cold facts. “I spent a whole day with you last month!” you might reply. But if you listen attentively, you might find that your wife is not really asking for more minutes or hours. Instead, she may be asking for reassurances, telling you that she feels neglected and unloved.
Suppose that you are a wife and your husband expresses his concern over a recent purchase. “How could you spend that much money?” he asks in utter disbelief. Your impulse might be to defend yourself with facts regarding the family finances or by comparing your purchase with one of his own. Insight, however, will help you to see that your husband may not be talking about dollars and cents. Instead, he may be troubled because he was left out of the decision-making process when it came to a major purchase.
Of course, each couple may have a different way to address how much time they spend together and how purchasing decisions are made. The point is that when matters become subjects of contention, insight will slow down your anger and enable you to perceive the real issues at hand. Rather than impulsively reacting, follow the Bible writer James’ admonition to be “swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath.”—James 1:19.
When you do speak, remember that how you speak to your mate is important. The Bible says that “the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.” (Proverbs 12:18) When you and your spouse are caught up in a disagreement, do your words hurt or do they heal? Do they build roadblocks, or do they pave the way for reconciliation? As we have already seen, angry or impulsive responses only stir up contention.—Proverbs 29:22.
If a disagreement deteriorates into a verbal boxing match, put forth more effort to stick to the point. Focus on the cause, not the person. Be more concerned with what is right than who is right. Be careful that your words do not fan the flames of the argument. The Bible says: “A word causing pain makes anger to come up.” (Proverbs 15:1) Yes, what you say and how you say it may make a difference in whether you elicit your mate’s cooperation or not.
Aim to Resolve, Not to Win
In our dealing with disagreements, the goal is a solution rather than a victory. How can you reach a solution? The surest way is to search out and apply the Bible’s counsel, and husbands especially should take the initiative to do so. Rather than being quick to express strong opinions on the issues or problems at hand, why not look at them from Jehovah’s viewpoint? Pray to him, and seek the peace of God that will guard your hearts and mental powers. (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6, 7) Make an earnest effort to look out for the personal interest of not just you but also your mate.—Philippians 2:4.
What often makes a bad situation worse is letting hurt feelings and uncontrolled emotions dominate your thoughts and actions. On the other hand, being willing to be readjusted by the counsel of God’s Word leads to peace, agreement, and Jehovah’s blessing. (2 Corinthians 13:11) Therefore, be guided by “the wisdom from above,” manifest godly qualities, and reap benefits as “those who are making peace.”—James 3:17, 18.
Really, all should learn to handle disagreements peacefully, even if this means sacrificing personal preferences. (1 Corinthians 6:7) Indeed, apply Paul’s admonition to put away “wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth. . . . Strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality.”—Colossians 3:8-10.
At times, of course, you will say things that you later regret. (James 3:8) When this happens, apologize to your spouse. Continue to put forth effort. In time, you and your spouse will likely see great improvement in how you handle disagreements.
What You Can Do Now
Ask your spouse the questions below, and listen to the answers without interrupting. Then your spouse can do the same with you.
Do I tend to be argumentative?
Do I really listen when you express yourself, or do I impulsively respond before you are finished speaking?
Do my words come across to you as insensitive or angry?
What can we both do to improve our style of communication—especially when we do not agree on a matter?
Appeared in The Watchtower June 1, 2005
Copyright © 2008 Watch Tower Bible and
Do You Have color-vision deficiency?
“When I get dressed, my wife checks that the colors I choose match,” says Rodney. “At breakfast she selects a piece of fruit for me because I can’t see if the fruit is ripe. At work I can’t always see where to click on the computer screen, since items are often distinguished by color. When I’m driving, red and green traffic lights appear the same to me, so I observe whether the illuminated light is on top or on the bottom. Horizontal lights, however, can present a problem.”
RODNEY has color-vision deficiency, also called color deficiency or color blindness. He inherited a genetic flaw that causes a defect in the retina—the light-sensitive inner lining of the eyes. Rodney shares this condition with about 1 of every 12 males of European ancestry and about 1 of every 200 females.* Like the vast majority of sufferers, Rodney can see different colors—he does not see only black and white. But some colors do not look the same to him as they do to people with normal vision.
WHY MAINLY MALES?
Inherited color deficiencies are carried on the X chromosome. Women have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y. Thus, if a woman inherits a visual defect in an X chromosome, the normal gene in the other chromosome will likely override it, and her vision will be fine. But a man who inherits a defect on his X chromosome has no other X chromosome to fall back on.
In the human eye, the retina normally contains three kinds of cone-shaped color-sensitive cells. Each kind is tuned to the wavelength of a different primary color of light—blue, green, or red. Light of different wavelengths triggers the corresponding cones, which signal the brain and enable one to perceive colors.# In people with color-vision deficiency, however, the sensitivity of the cones to one or more colors is weak or shifted in wavelength, so that their response to color is altered. Most sufferers have difficulty distinguishing between yellow, green, orange, red, and brown. This defect can make it hard to see green mold on brown bread or on yellow cheese or to distinguish a blue-eyed blonde from a green-eyed redhead. If a person’s red-sensitive cones are very weak, a red rose appears black. Very few sufferers cannot see blue.
TESTS FOR COLOR-VISION DEFICIENCY
Tests to discover the type and degree of color-vision deficiency that a person has often employ patterns of dots in various hues and shades. The widely used Ishihara test consists of up to 38 different patterns. For example, when viewing one of the test patterns in daylight, a person with normal vision should see the numbers 42 and 74 (at left), while someone having a red-green deficiency—the most common—may see no number at the top and 21 at the bottom.*
If testing reveals a defect, an eye doctor may recommend further tests to determine whether it was inherited or has some other cause.
* These diagrams are presented only for the purpose of illustration. Diagnostic tests should be performed by a qualified professional.
Color-Vision Deficiency and Children
Defects in color vision are usually inherited and present at birth, and children with the condition often learn unconsciously to compensate. For instance, even if they cannot see the difference between certain hues, they may perceive differences in contrast and brightness and associate these variations with the names given to the colors. They may also learn to identify objects by surface patterns and textures instead of by color. In fact, many young people remain unaware of their disability throughout childhood.
Because schools often use color-coded teaching tools, especially in the early grades, parents and teachers may mistakenly think that a child has a learning disability when, in fact, he may have a color-vision deficiency. One teacher even punished a five-year-old boy for painting a picture that had pink clouds, green people, and trees with brown leaves. To a child with color-vision deficiency, these colors may seem perfectly normal. For good reason, therefore, some authorities recommend routine color-vision testing in early childhood.
Although there is no known cure for this condition, it neither worsens with age nor increases the risk for other defects in vision.% Still, color-vision deficiency is a disability that can be frustrating. Under God’s Kingdom rule, however, Jesus Christ will remove every trace of imperfection from God-fearing humans. Thus, people who had visual defects of any kind will see Jehovah’s handiwork in all its glory.—Isaiah 35:5; Matthew 15:30, 31; Revelation 21:3, 4.
* Color-vision deficiencies can be found in all racial groups, but it is most common among Caucasians.
# Many animals can discern colors, although their color vision differs from ours. Dogs, for example, have only two kinds of cones in their retinas—one for blue and the other for a hue between red and green. Some birds, on the other hand, have four kinds of cones and can detect ultraviolet light, which is beyond the human range.
% Color-vision deficiency can sometimes be caused by disease. If you notice changes in your color vision later in life, you may want to see an eye doctor.
HOW WE SEE COLORS
Light from objects passes through the cornea and the lens and is focused on the retina
The image is inverted but corrected later by the brain
Cornea
Lens
RetinaTHE RETINA contains cone cells and rod cells. Together they give the full range of vision
THE OPTIC NERVE carries visual impulses to the brain
Rods
ConesTHE CONE CELLS are sensitive to red, green, or blue light
Red
Green
Blue
Appeared in Awake! July 2007
RODNEY has color-vision deficiency, also called color deficiency or color blindness. He inherited a genetic flaw that causes a defect in the retina—the light-sensitive inner lining of the eyes. Rodney shares this condition with about 1 of every 12 males of European ancestry and about 1 of every 200 females.* Like the vast majority of sufferers, Rodney can see different colors—he does not see only black and white. But some colors do not look the same to him as they do to people with normal vision.
WHY MAINLY MALES?
Inherited color deficiencies are carried on the X chromosome. Women have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y. Thus, if a woman inherits a visual defect in an X chromosome, the normal gene in the other chromosome will likely override it, and her vision will be fine. But a man who inherits a defect on his X chromosome has no other X chromosome to fall back on.
In the human eye, the retina normally contains three kinds of cone-shaped color-sensitive cells. Each kind is tuned to the wavelength of a different primary color of light—blue, green, or red. Light of different wavelengths triggers the corresponding cones, which signal the brain and enable one to perceive colors.# In people with color-vision deficiency, however, the sensitivity of the cones to one or more colors is weak or shifted in wavelength, so that their response to color is altered. Most sufferers have difficulty distinguishing between yellow, green, orange, red, and brown. This defect can make it hard to see green mold on brown bread or on yellow cheese or to distinguish a blue-eyed blonde from a green-eyed redhead. If a person’s red-sensitive cones are very weak, a red rose appears black. Very few sufferers cannot see blue.
TESTS FOR COLOR-VISION DEFICIENCY
Tests to discover the type and degree of color-vision deficiency that a person has often employ patterns of dots in various hues and shades. The widely used Ishihara test consists of up to 38 different patterns. For example, when viewing one of the test patterns in daylight, a person with normal vision should see the numbers 42 and 74 (at left), while someone having a red-green deficiency—the most common—may see no number at the top and 21 at the bottom.*
If testing reveals a defect, an eye doctor may recommend further tests to determine whether it was inherited or has some other cause.
* These diagrams are presented only for the purpose of illustration. Diagnostic tests should be performed by a qualified professional.
Color-Vision Deficiency and Children
Defects in color vision are usually inherited and present at birth, and children with the condition often learn unconsciously to compensate. For instance, even if they cannot see the difference between certain hues, they may perceive differences in contrast and brightness and associate these variations with the names given to the colors. They may also learn to identify objects by surface patterns and textures instead of by color. In fact, many young people remain unaware of their disability throughout childhood.
Because schools often use color-coded teaching tools, especially in the early grades, parents and teachers may mistakenly think that a child has a learning disability when, in fact, he may have a color-vision deficiency. One teacher even punished a five-year-old boy for painting a picture that had pink clouds, green people, and trees with brown leaves. To a child with color-vision deficiency, these colors may seem perfectly normal. For good reason, therefore, some authorities recommend routine color-vision testing in early childhood.
Although there is no known cure for this condition, it neither worsens with age nor increases the risk for other defects in vision.% Still, color-vision deficiency is a disability that can be frustrating. Under God’s Kingdom rule, however, Jesus Christ will remove every trace of imperfection from God-fearing humans. Thus, people who had visual defects of any kind will see Jehovah’s handiwork in all its glory.—Isaiah 35:5; Matthew 15:30, 31; Revelation 21:3, 4.
* Color-vision deficiencies can be found in all racial groups, but it is most common among Caucasians.
# Many animals can discern colors, although their color vision differs from ours. Dogs, for example, have only two kinds of cones in their retinas—one for blue and the other for a hue between red and green. Some birds, on the other hand, have four kinds of cones and can detect ultraviolet light, which is beyond the human range.
% Color-vision deficiency can sometimes be caused by disease. If you notice changes in your color vision later in life, you may want to see an eye doctor.
HOW WE SEE COLORS
Light from objects passes through the cornea and the lens and is focused on the retina
The image is inverted but corrected later by the brain
Cornea
Lens
RetinaTHE RETINA contains cone cells and rod cells. Together they give the full range of vision
THE OPTIC NERVE carries visual impulses to the brain
Rods
ConesTHE CONE CELLS are sensitive to red, green, or blue light
Red
Green
Blue
Appeared in Awake! July 2007
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