For quite some time now I have thought about this topic, and what causes it. Is it taught? What if it was born into people?
So many times people put blame on our education (by parents, and etc.), not saying that they’re wrong, but what if it wasn’t, what if it was in our blood. To make this point I would like to use the shrimps. As we all know the continents were all one piece at one time in our earth’s geological timeline, named Pangaea. Somewhere along the line the tectonic plates started to shift, what once was separate became one and what once was together came apart. I’m going to focus on the part where continents were once apart became connect. In this specific example we’re talking about the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. These two big bodies of waters were connected but now separated by the lower part of Mexico.
Where there were once one species of shrimp that lived there couple millions year back, but soon that species of shrimp became separated. After millions of year they have seemed to develop in different directions, what was one species now became two. Completely identical in genetic make up; these species of shrimp no longer recognizes each other as the same ‘kind’. Was this taught? I don’t believe so. Though these species of shrimp are perfectly compatible mates; in each others eyes they are nothing but enemies, when put together they would kill to the death.
I believe that in the human line of evolution, homo-sapiens although still under the same classification of ‘animals.’ The races in which all had once originated in Africa went there different ways became different ‘species’ or races.
Through this it is plausible that we may infer that racism and hatred towards other races isn’t ‘taught’ rather inborn in every persons blood. Can you really say you don’t look down or dislike a specific race? Not even one bit?
The shrimp example doesn’t make much sense to me.
First of all, it is hypothetical. There is no evidence of an identical species of shrimp hating one another.
Secondly, it is natural for two species to compete with one another. Competition for survival is not the same as genuine hatred.
Third, evolution teaches us that the shrimp do grow distinct through generations. They would be of a different species entirely given the huge timespan of the example. It would be like a gorilla and a rhesus monkey-they’re ancestrally linked, but definitely different.
Fourth, shrimp are not humans. Humans are fundamentally different from shrimp because of our mental capabilities. Shrimp can not analyze, judge, and have opinions about things. Our developed mind can not be compared to shrimp.
Fifth (this doesn’t really concern the shrimp, but oh well), just because I may be racist does not mean racism is inborn. I believe that my society, my culture, my parents, my friends, the list goes on and on, all infuenced me when I was younger.
But nevertheless, I find the article fascinating. Perhaps, Jeff, there is another example in nature that supports your opinion. Expanding on this topic, though, I ask this. Is homosexuality inborn too? Or is it “taught” by some part of society?
I think its guilt by association, and a lot of ignorance stirred up by the media which causes “racism”. Racism is just more prejudices which are formed by experiences for each individual. For example, the media sets up stereotypes that asians are cheap, indians own quickie marts, blacks are dangerous, whites can be hokey, and italians are greasy. Now that I have offended you all, it is clear that not every single asian is a cheap bastard. It is just society and labels (like religion) so that we can recollect or satisfy our expansive imaginations.
Homosexuality is inborn, it is usually caused by a deficiency of hormones, I believe. Anyone can correct me if I’m wrong. But also there is a small percentage who I would like to address as the “Ugly Duckling” type of syndrome. Whereas the ugly duckling was surrounded by different animals such as puppies so he believed he was a puppy, many ‘homosexuals’, just because they are hanging around homosexuals somehow pyschologically convince themselves that they are gay. I’m not stating that every single homosexual is a self-confidence lacking brainwashed individual, but a small minority wishes to conform with an identity or be part of a trend. It is not really taught by some part of society. Homosexuality, can be viewed also by many as instinctive. For example, in US society we are taught to have a sort of skepticism and distrust towards homosexuality. Many youths may feel a sort of rebelliousness towards this attitude and try to explore the uncharted realms of “bisexuality”. Just my two pesos.
Frank, addressing your fifth statement.
We’ll where did the 1st sigh of racism begin in your line of “racist” family. Couple hundred years ago, a chinese man decided not sell your great great grandfather noodles? so now all chinese man are cheap? Dont you think there is a chance people look down/repelled/feel disgusted by people that are different [in skin color or etc]?
Addressing homosexuality. Do you get a hard on looking at another guy? LoL i hope not… [no offence to gays, I just dont find them attractive]. Is that taught too? Does society tell me to be attracted to men? We all know the penis doesnt go into the ass. To procreate we must insert into the vagina… not ‘fude pack’. Pardon my language.
Maybe the shrimp isnt part of our line of evolution but we can surely use them as an example.. as we study rats to find human cure and etc. we can surely use the shrimp as a ‘simpler’ example, as we are more ‘complex’ creatures to study.
-Jeff
Hey, I know what your saying. Shrimp on Shrimp crime is very heinous and reprehensible.
LoL :)
viva la shimp !
It’s ridiculous to assume that shrimp will act in the same manner as humans. They act on a purely physical level-we on a metaphysical level. Sure, we study rats to see if they grow tumors because of some new shampoo, but physical reactions have little connections with mental ones. Can you say a rat ponders questions of existence? Of philosophy? I don’t think rats have their own FFT.
Also, though I’m no anthropologist, racism probably began with the tribal society, where competing tribes of different races developed a hatred of oneanother. But this doesn’t mean that it was inborn; rather, it was circumstantial, the result of social alignment or geographical proximity.
And lastly, I’m not gay. But lots of people defend homosexuality saying that it is inborn, when, like racism, it is the product of societal influences.
(sound of one hand clapping)
congrats Jeff, for your brilliance. I never knew shrimps could kill each other, let alone kill each other TO THE DEATH.
I think someone has something againest shrimps “FRANK ADVICE”!… We are all animals living on earth, some may have an lower intellengence than others but the animal’s basic instincts will always be the same.
I think someone has something againest shrimps “FRANK ADVICE”!… We are all animals living on earth, some may have an lower intellengence than others but the animal’s basic instincts will always be the same.
I admit-I am guilty of having something against shrimps and other animals. I mean, our basic instincts are so similar. We’re just like dogs. We mark our territory with urine. We’re just like turtles. We remember the place of our birth and go back there every year to lay eggs. Oh but it goes the other way too. Animals behave just like humans. When they have a dispute, they discuss the issue and never ever resort to violence right away. When they eat, they always cook their food. When they look at art, they contemplate the aesthetic message and analyze its construction. When they ponder about fundamental questions, they log onto this forum to express their philosophy. Sure, we’re just like animals after all.