Can we blame our ancestors for our own shortcomings? (page 38)

SixofNine

The issue is to what extent should it be used to rationalize despicable behavior in African-Americans.

Really? Because I haven't seen that idea introduced anywhere. Understanding the origin of a cultural phenomenom, is not "rationalization". Of course, talking to your enemy is not "appeasement" either, so maybe it's just that Americans are incapable of any sort of intelligent and/or empathetic thought wrt "other" people? I know that's a broad generalization, but it seems to hold true judging from this discussion board.

undercover

But not between me and UC.

I'm crushed...

I guess I'll go sit with Purps...

mrsjones5

I'm sorry but I refuse to believe that any stupid behavior on my part is somehow related to the fact that my great-great-great grandfather was a slave in Georgia.

Josie

P.S. It might be great-great, I have to take another look at the tree during the family reunion come October.

purplesofa

I guess I'll go sit with Purps...

Only if you bring your parrot and wear the eyepatch!!!

SixofNine

I don't think anyone has suggested otherwise.

It seems to be exactly what UC is suggesting.

undercover

"Slavery had absolutely ZERO to do with anything that is Michael Vick".

That's not quite what I said. Paraphrasing the above, this would be closer "slavery had absolutely ZERO to do with anything that is Michael Vick's crime against animals"

But it's all good...Sylvia's cutting up some watermelon for us...

Mastodon

6of9, wanna split a bucket of KFC with me... since they took all the watrmelons?

journey-on

In a way we can blame our ancestors for some behaviors. It's explained in the field known as Behavioral Genetics. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/behavior.shtml

Criminal behavior has always been a focus for psychologists due to the age old debate between nature and nurture. Is it the responsibility of an individual's genetic makeup that makes them a criminal or is it the environment in which they are raised that determines their outcome? Research has been conducted regarding this debate which has resulted in a conclusion that both genes and environment do play a role in the criminality of an individual. This evidence has been generated from a number of twin, family, and adoption studies as well as laboratory experiments. Furthermore, the research has stated that it is more often an interaction between genes and the environment that predicts criminal behavior. Having a genetic predisposition for criminal behavior does not determine the actions of an individual, but if they are exposed to the right environment, then their chances are greater for engaging in criminal or anti-social behavior. Therefore, this paper will examine the different functions that genetics and the environment play in the criminal behavior of individuals. http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/jones.html

undercover

Only if you bring your parrot and wear the eyepatch!!!

LOL...oh man, somebody remembers that photo...

SixofNine

6of9, wanna split a bucket of KFC with me... since they took all the watrmelons?

lol, I'll bring the mayo.

Can we blame our ancestors for our own shortcomings?

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