Genetic Predisposition!

[Sissyfoo]

Just wondering what people think about the notion that a person can be genetically programmed to commit acts of senseless violence/perversion.

For example, if I had in my family an uncle who raped 15 teenaged girls and cut their bodies into kibble and fed them to his horses, is there a gene or combination of genes that made him more prone to commiting these acts of violence than somebody else AND if I share his genetic material to some extent, does that mean that I am more likely to commit similar acts than the guy/gal next to me?

It has been shown that certain addictions such as alcamaholism or gambling are traits that can be passed down from parent to child but how much of that is due to the environment that the child is brought up in and how much of it is a genetic drive/instinct to get rat arsed and spend all yer cash at the dog track?

It would be logical to assume that a child born of a violent rape would be more prone to violence (not 100% but more likely than most given that the father was a violent person) but would that make the child someone for the authorities to keep an eye on?

Orrr...are we all in control of our own destiny/actions and is the concept of pre-disposition a flimsy excuse to cover up our own inadequecies?

 

[BlitheringIdiot]

I wouldn't say we are incontrol of it all ourselves.

But I think nuture has a much bigger part to play than nature. For instance I have pretty shitty confidence, and I can kind of see where thats come from, I don't think it's just something that would have happened to me regardless of how I was brought up and live.

You really need one of the science lads to answer, genes confuse me.

 

[Tom]

Its proven that certain human characteristics can be defined by their genetic makeup. For instance, some people are predisposed to being heavier (or fatter) than others, so its not beyond the grasp of believeability that certain characteristics like violent tendencies are also passable.

Much more influential on what kind of people we become is our environment. If you grow up witnessing violence at the hands of your immediate brethren, then chances are you're going to be predisposed to acts of violence yourself. However, some people can go the opposite way. I'd say that strength of character is the defining trait there.

You can't blame genes for your actions. Well, you can, but you'd be thick as fuck, and therefore unlikely to pass your genes on anyway.

 

[swords]

No.

 

[yaruar]

Well i could find you answers to the nature/nurture debate.

If only they start alloing me to start legally cloning people for experiments.

 

[Sissyfoo]

Can't you just use homeless people or war veterans like any other self-respecting scientist?

 

[swords]

Can't you just use homeless people or war veterans like any other self-respecting scientist?

we use rats/mice/hamsters and Monkeys mainly!
No war vets!

 

[BlitheringIdiot]

Well this begs the obvious question...

What about War Veteran Hamsters?

 

[Alithiel]

Well i could find you answers to the nature/nurture debate.

If only they start alloing me to start legally cloning people for experiments.

The ideal test subjects for such an experiment would be Australians, since the country was basically used as a prison colony for all the dregs of British society that even the prison service wouldn't look after and we desperately wanted to get rid of...

If theres any gene for criminal behaviour, Australia is where you'll probably find it!

After that, I guess Merseyside would be the next logical place to start looking!

 

['Shy]

It's too late for this crap. If it's still a serious thread in the morning I'll contribute

 

[Raven]

I think it just part of the bigger picture, the genes making someone weak to the temptation of drugs/gambling/violence, however, up bringing, piers, family and a load of other factors make someone who they are in my opinion. just because soeone in your family was a raving loon who got his kicks from hurling bricks off bridges, doesnt mean you will turn out like or anything like him.

 

[swords]

Tom was almost right btw.
Genes set the boundaries of what you could become.
So everyone has a maximum and a minimum height they could achieve, depending on environmental factors such as a healthy diet and regular exercise they can achieve the maximum height. malnourishment and hardship (yet more environmental factors) could stunt growth.

In my opinion however it is simply environmental factors which mould someone into a life of violence.

 

[Sissyfoo]

The ideal test subjects for such an experiment would be Australians, since the country was basically used as a prison colony for all the dregs of British society that even the prison service wouldn't look after and we desperately wanted to get rid of...

If theres any gene for criminal behaviour, Australia is where you'll probably find it!

After that, I guess Merseyside would be the next logical place to start looking!

I sometimes wonder if the convicts pulled the ol' switcheroo and stayed in England and sent the decent folk off to Ozland. Case in point: Liverpool, Brummieland, London, all of Essex...need I go on?

 

[Digitally_Remastered]

Yes. I truly am a scumbag.

 

[evzy]

Enviroment to blame for everything in my opinion..
Just because say you parents are English and speak french , german and italian - if you are then given to a family in switzerland you are never going to have an urge to speak anything but swiss (presuming thats all they teach you)..
- i know the above isnt the best example but its the first one off the top of my head..

 

[Sissyfoo]

You owe me 3 p btw!

 

[evzy]

You owe me 3 p btw!

Bugger..



~runs away~