Study: Liberals Are Mutants

[Conan71]

Bahahahaha! I knew it!

"Liberalism as a genetic mutation

For years many people have pondered just how it can be that some people will allow their liberalism to fly in the face of common sense and even in many instances, their own personal safety and that of their families.

The answer may have been found....
.
Don't hold liberals responsible for their opinion -- they can't help themselves.
A new study has concluded that ideology is not just a social thing, it's built into the DNA, borne along by a gene called DRD4. Tagged "the liberal gene," DRD4 is the first specific bit of human DNA that predisposes people to certain political views, the study's authors claim.
"We hypothesize that individuals with a genetic predisposition toward seeking out new experiences will tend to be more liberal, but only if they are embedded in a social context that provides them with multiple points of view," wrote lead researcher James H. Fowler -- a professor of medical genetics and political science at the University of California, San Diego.
So..... apparently, there is a genetic for liberalism."

http://primeswormhole.blogspot.com/2010/10/liberalism-as-genetic-mutation.html

"Just when you thought the whole "nature vs. nuture" arguments were done with, out comes this...

Researchers have determined that genetics could matter when it comes to some adults' political leanings.

According to scientists at UC San Diego and Harvard University, "ideology is affected not just by social factors, but also by a dopamine receptor gene called DRD4." That and how many friends you had during high school.

The study was led by UCSD's James Fowler and focused on 2,000 subjects from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Scientists matched the subjects' genetic information with "maps" of their social networks. According to researchers, they determined that people "with a specific variant of the DRD4 gene were more likely to be liberal as adults." However, the, subjects were only more likely to have leanings to the left if they were also socially active during adolescence.

So, mutant social butterflies grow up to be liberals... who knew?"

http://radioviceonline.com/liberalism-mutation-or-genetic-defect/

[Gaspar]

More importantly. . .is there a cure yet?

Can we start a telethon or something?

Please Support Kerry's Kids!

[Teatownclown]

Could you be genetically gay then? 

[Gaspar]

Could you be genetically gay then? 

Are you insinuating it could be caused by the same gene?

[Conan71]

Could you be genetically gay then? 

No teh ghey is something you catch.

[carltonplace]

Wait, XMEN mutants or Morlock mutants...I need to know how to dress now.

[Gaspar]

Good chance it could be treated with Olanzapine. . .considered as the first Obamabiotic. 

[TheArtist]

 Ooooh niiiice.  So if your the approximately half of the population that is liberal leaning, then your genetic difference is a "variant" or mutation from the other half that is the "normal/standard"?   Who got to choose which was the variant mutation vrs the normal standard? lol   Oooh thats right its those mutant Conservatives.   

Btw, read the science article months ago, had none of the spin this does lol.

[heironymouspasparagus]

And as the human species as a whole has evolved through change to the very biology of the species, according to this mutant theory, becoming more liberal must be the next evolutionary step.  It is much like occurred 10,000 years ago, with the neo-cons being the neanderthal, and the more rational and better adapted moderate/progressives, more suited to survival, being the homo-sapiens of today.

[we vs us]

I read this awhile back, too, but when I started thinking about it it seemed self evident.  Liberals value "the new" and "change," while conservatives value "the old" and "tradition." Underneath all of our policy differences is that essential difference.  Obviously your mileage may vary for each individual's tolerance for each of these things, but it's a good general marker for political sympathies.

I read once that there was a similar genetic difference between introverts and extroverts.  Extroverts have genetically duller dopamine receptors and thus seek out more stimulative situations.  Introverts have genetically more sensitive dopamine receptors, and hence feel stimulative situations very strongly.  Turns out it all comes down to how your body works with the happy chemicals.

[Red Arrow]

I read this awhile back, too, but when I started thinking about it it seemed self evident.  Liberals value "the new" and "change," while conservatives value "the old" and "tradition." Underneath all of our policy differences is that essential difference.  Obviously your mileage may vary for each individual's tolerance for each of these things, but it's a good general marker for political sympathies.

I read once that there was a similar genetic difference between introverts and extroverts.  Extroverts have genetically duller dopamine receptors and thus seek out more stimulative situations.  Introverts have genetically more sensitive dopamine receptors, and hence feel stimulative situations very strongly.  Turns out it all comes down to how your body works with the happy chemicals.

All progress is change but not all change is progress.  Depends on what someone thinks is progress.  As you say, that is a prime difference.

I'd also like to reiterate that often the top level goals of conservatives and liberals are similar.  How to get there is the big difference.

Better living through chemicals: DuPont

[Red Arrow]

And as the human species as a whole has evolved through change to the very biology of the species, according to this mutant theory, becoming more liberal must be the next evolutionary step.  It is much like occurred 10,000 years ago, with the neo-cons being the neanderthal, and the more rational and better adapted moderate/progressives, more suited to survival, being the homo-sapiens of today.

Nice try.  Not all mutations work out in favor of the mutant.

[Ed W]

Nice try.  Not all mutations work out in favor of the mutant.

You're right, of course.  Mutations occur constantly and the successful ones make their carriers more likely to pass those mutations on to their offspring. 

Thag - who put the 'neo' in neolithic - opposed most new fangled innovations.  He was particularly opposed to the new fad of using fire to cook meals and keep the cave warm.  He didn't like spears either, preferring the more traditional rock or club.  It limited his hunting ability, and as a result, the Thag clan died off.



So mutations can cut both ways.  In another thread, I pointed out that the Republicans are arriving late at the sex scandals - which are more traditionally held by us Democrats.  Now I ask you, which group is more likely to reproduce, the one that celebrates sexuality and all it entails, or the one that closes its eyes tightly and tries to deny their normal human urges? 

The world will eventually be populated by Democrats, though I'm sad to say, not enough of them will resemble me.

[Red Arrow]

So mutations can cut both ways.  In another thread, I pointed out that the Republicans are arriving late at the sex scandals - which are more traditionally held by us Democrats.  Now I ask you, which group is more likely to reproduce, the one that celebrates sexuality and all it entails, or the one that closes its eyes tightly and tries to deny their normal human urges? 

The world will eventually be populated by Democrats, though I'm sad to say, not enough of them will resemble me.

You misunderstand.  Republicans really only want to curb the sexual activities of Democrats.  I have to admit that I don't understand the reasoning for Republicans to deny Democrats the right to an abortion.   

[Red Arrow]

Thag - who put the 'neo' in neolithic - opposed most new fangled innovations.  He was particularly opposed to the new fad of using fire to cook meals and keep the cave warm.  He didn't like spears either, preferring the more traditional rock or club.  It limited his hunting ability, and as a result, the Thag clan died off.

Actually Thag's clan survived.  They recognized that smoke filled caves often killed the occupants.  All the Thags had to do was wait until the smoke cleared and a free cooked meal was available.  Then they stole the furs of the former cave occupants to keep warm when away from the Thags' geothermally warmed caves.  Some called it the beginning of Banking.