Political Views May Be Genetic (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206091437.htm)

Alford, who has researched this topic for a number of years, and his team analyzed data from political opinions of more than 12,000 twins in the United States and supplemented it with findings from twins in Australia. Alford found that identical twins were more likely to agree on political issues than were fraternal twins.

On the issue of property taxes, for example, an astounding four-fifths of identical twins shared the same opinion, while only two-thirds of fraternal twins agreed.

"What we found was that it probably is going to take more than a persuasive television ad to change someone's mind on a certain political position or attitude," said Alford. "Individual genes for behaviors do not exist and no one denies that humans have the capacity to act against genetic predispositions. But predictably dissimilar correlations of social and political attitudes among people with greater and lesser shared genotypes suggest that behaviors are often shaped by forces of which the person themselves are not consciously aware."

This is not entirely surprising. I always thought there was an element of political opinions that were not actually chosen. What do you guys think?

On the issue of property taxes, for example, an astounding four-fifths of identical twins shared the same opinion, while only two-thirds of fraternal twins agreed. 80% is 'astounding' but 66% is not? Does the study use twins who were separated at birth or raised under the same roof? My father send fan mail to mayor Daley in Chicago after the Democratic convention of 1968 and framed Daley's thank you note. So, no, I didn't inherit his opinions. I went to a liberal (Quaker) high school and that was much more influential in my mind.

On TV they said that they used twins who had been raised under the same roof, with the the same (supposedly) environmental influences. There IS a big difference between 66% and 80%.

Also, I think you're smart enough to know that things being determined by genetics does not mean inheriting the same thing one of your parents have. For instance, both of my parents and all three of my siblings have dark brown hair and my hair is blond. Yet I would not claim that hair color isn't genetic. My mother has brown eyes, my father has blue eyes, and I have green eyes. That's genetic too.

Due to the political upheavel here at the time-my political opinions were made for me before I knew what political opinions were.

Now I support no political entity.

Also, I think you're smart enough to know that things being determined by genetics does not mean inheriting the same thing one of your parents have. For instance, both of my parents and all three of my siblings have dark brown hair and my hair is blond.
That just proves you're the Mailman's kid. ;) :)

As for being "genetically predisposed" when it comes to your outlook on politics (social or otherwise), I'd say it's entirely environmental. If you're raised around wealthy, educated, and highly driven people, then you're probably gonna have 'conservative' notions in general.

That just proves you're the Mailman's kid. ;) :)

As for being "genetically predisposed" when it comes to your outlook on politics (social or otherwise), I'd say it's entirely environmental. If you're raised around wealthy, educated, and highly driven people, then you're probably gonna have 'conservative' notions in general.
Were you raised around wealthy,educated and highly driven people ?

As for being "genetically predisposed" when it comes to your outlook on politics (social or otherwise), I'd say it's entirely environmental. If you're raised around wealthy, educated, and highly driven people, then you're probably gonna have 'conservative' notions in general.
I don't think it's entirely environmental. I think environment plays a bigger role than genetics, but I wouldn't be surprised if genetics did play a fairly significant role. This would explain the underlying opinions that guide people's political decisions - such as "Is every person equally deserving of health coverage?".

Were you raised around wealthy,educated and highly driven people ?
I certainly wasn't. And Prae, you should know that there are a lot of poor conservatives too.

Were you raised around wealthy,educated and highly driven people ?
Yeah, for the most part. My dad's best friend and down-the-street neighbor just sold his business for 754,000,000.00 dollars. Now, don't get me wrong – my family’s poor in comparison, but I grew up living in a neighborhood rife with leaders of industry, finance, and business. Of the 25 homes in my area, 7 of 'em have Bentley's parked in their garages. We used to have (and attended) many pool parties and backyard BBQ’s, et cetera – and, well, over the years, I guess you could say I was raised by all of them (to a degree, of course). I was lucky, but my point is, those are the people that influence the way you think...about life, politics, and responsibility (and I thank my lucky stars for that every day). Hell, I couldn't hold a candle to any of them.

I certainly wasn't. And Prae, you should know that there are a lot of poor conservatives too.
Oh, trust me, I do. They're called rednecks, and they don't count because their family trees don't fork.

I'd say personality type, family upbringing, cultural history, ethnic background, and social class all have SOME degree of effect on your political view. I'd say with all that influence, any genetic effect would be drowned out.

Political Views May Be Genetic (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206091437.htm)

This is not entirely surprising. I always thought there was an element of political opinions that were not actually chosen. What do you guys think?

This is the old "nature vs nurture" debate.

Honestly, I don't know. I think genetics has an effect, but I do not think it is as important as the environment in which someone is raised. I think there are definitely exceptions to that, in the case of people with a hereditary mental illness or something. But I think the overall trend is that the environment has much more influence on most people.

Of course it's genetic. Brooks, DarkFantasy, Decka, Praetorian, Liquid Fork, me, SmartMouthWoman, OldPhart, and a few others are genetically much brighter than the rest of you. We tend to be conservative. ergo, political leanings are genetic. :hitout:

Maybe-tho seeing you yanks are well educated but dumb :)

That dont make sense.

common sense is the rarest commodity on Earth.

Brooks, DarkFantasy, Decka, Praetorian, Liquid Fork, me, SmartMouthWoman, OldPhart, and a few others are genetically much brighter than the rest of you. We tend to be conservative. ergo, political leanings are genetic.

Gosh, it's wonderful to hear people who are unafraid to poke fun at themselves.

Sarcasm is highly underrated.

_________________________

"Not all conservatives are stupid people, but most stupid people are conservatives."_____John Stuart Mill

Gosh, it's wonderful to hear people who are unafraid to poke fun at themselves.
Yeah, well, I guess we're all good at doing it unintentionally, you especially.
"Not all conservatives are stupid people, but most stupid people are conservatives."_____John Stuart Mill
Mr. Mill's perspicacious notion here can be leveled against liberals too. As a matter of fact, going on an income basis, your base represents the complaint-driven, backseat-taking, fuck-happy, have-nots amongst us. Say what you want about conservatives, but what's that say about your camp?

Keep philosophizing, Mr. Mill....:rolleyes:

"Political Views May Be Genetic"

My parents are not fond of blacks, gays, mexicans (along with other latino groups) atheists, polytheists, non-christian monotheists, Californians, hippies, beatniks, Pepsi-dinkers (all the aforementioned groups apparently drink Pepsi), people who buy japanese cars, and everyone who calls themselves a Democrat. They think the Reagans and Bushes are swell guys, war is fantastic, and American supremacy must be assured at any price.

In closing, the idea that our political beliefs are genetic is a claim my existence throws out the window.

"Political Views May Be Genetic"

My parents are not fond of blacks, gays, mexicans (along with other latino groups) atheists, polytheists, non-christian monotheists, Californians, hippies, beatniks, Pepsi-dinkers (all the aforementioned groups apparently drink Pepsi), people who buy japanese cars, and everyone who calls themselves a Democrat. They think the Reagans and Bushes are swell guys, war is fantastic, and American supremacy must be assured at any price.

In closing, the idea that our political beliefs are genetic is a claim my existence throws out the window.
Must be Polish.

Mr. Mill's perspicacious notion here can be leveled against liberals too. As a matter of fact, going on an income basis, your base represents the complaint-driven, backseat-taking, fuck-happy, have-nots amongst us. Say what you want about conservatives, but what's that say about your camp?

Keep philosophizing, Mr. Mill....:rolleyes:
I must note here that Mill was what we call a "classical liberal" and that the people who are closest to his views in the U.S. today are libertarians.... So when he says "conservative" he doesn't mean conservative in the modern sense.

EDIT: Another note, in case anyone isn't aware, Mill lived in England in the mid 19th century.

I must note here that Mill was what we call a "classical liberal" and that the people who are closest to his views in the U.S. today are libertarians.... So when he says "conservative" he doesn't mean conservative in the modern sense.
Nice point - I was gonna say something along those lines, but I thought for humor's sake that slinging mud would be a tad more fun (especially in light of who quoted him ;)).

Must be Polish.
I knew there was a reason I liked 'em. :D

Political Views May Be Genetic (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206091437.htm)



This is not entirely surprising. I always thought there was an element of political opinions that were not actually chosen. What do you guys think?

Thank you for this thread. This illustrates my long-standing point that homosexuality is not an inherited trait b/c you can use twin studies to demonstrate a "genetic correllation" in just about anything, including your political views.

Thank you for this thread. This illustrates my long-standing point that homosexuality is not an inherited trait b/c you can use twin studies to demonstrate a "genetic correllation" in just about anything, including your political views.
Not to sidetrack the thread here, but do you think homosexuality is genetic, or not?

Sidetracking the sidetrack.... maybe this is latin genetics at play?

Check out the wall hanging in Obama's Houston headquarters... He may want to be a little pickier on his staffing. LOL

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5700252&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Not to sidetrack the thread here, but do you think homosexuality is genetic, or not?

Not directly - however, I think there are inherited traits that may play a role in sexuality (e.g. An effeminate-looking man is more likely to become Bubba's bitch). Primarily, it's nurture at work if you ask me.

"Political Views May Be Genetic"

My parents are not fond of blacks, gays, mexicans (along with other latino groups) atheists, polytheists, non-christian monotheists, Californians, hippies, beatniks, Pepsi-dinkers (all the aforementioned groups apparently drink Pepsi), people who buy japanese cars, and everyone who calls themselves a Democrat. They think the Reagans and Bushes are swell guys, war is fantastic, and American supremacy must be assured at any price.

In closing, the idea that our political beliefs are genetic is a claim my existence throws out the window.
I would note that all those things you say about your parents are prejudices, which are most likely a product of their environment. They don't have anything to do with the political ideologies to which you subscribe. And again, I should explain that things can be genetic without having the child be the same as the parents. Like I said before, I have blond hair and both my parents have dark brown, almost black hair, as do my brother, half-brother, and half-sister. Are you trying to tell me that you wouldn't accept the comprehensive scientific research showing that hair color is genetic because of my example?

Primarily, it's nurture at work if you ask me.
Master Leper, you disappoint me. Allforums holds you in such high esteem...
http://www.stardestroyer.net/ROTS/Dooku-1.jpg

I would note that all those things you say about your parents are prejudices, which are most likely a product of their environment.
It could certainly be argued those prejudices are part of their political views.
Are you trying to tell me that you wouldn't accept the comprehensive scientific research showing that hair color is genetic because of my example?
I would not place hair color and political views on the same pedestal, and I find the idea of the latter being genetic completely laughable.

Sidetracking the sidetrack.... maybe this is latin genetics at play?

Check out the wall hanging in Obama's Houston headquarters... He may want to be a little pickier on his staffing. LOL

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5700252&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1
omg!:lolhit:

"Political Views May Be Genetic"

My parents are not fond of blacks, gays, mexicans (along with other latino groups) atheists, polytheists, non-christian monotheists, Californians, hippies, beatniks, Pepsi-dinkers (all the aforementioned groups apparently drink Pepsi), people who buy japanese cars, and everyone who calls themselves a Democrat. They think the Reagans and Bushes are swell guys, war is fantastic, and American supremacy must be assured at any price.

In closing, the idea that our political beliefs are genetic is a claim my existence throws out the window.
Pepsi or Pepsi products? i'm not that fond of Pepsi cola, so i can see where your 'rents are coming from. otoh-i do likes me some Mt Dew :thumbs:

I would not place hair color and political views on the same pedestal, and I find the idea of the latter being genetic completely laughable.
Of course it's not entirely genetic, but I hope you can see that dismissing the possibility that genetics has something to do with it, because there are examples that would seem to contradict it, is what's laughable.

"Political Views May Be Genetic"

My parents are not fond of blacks, gays, mexicans (along with other latino groups) atheists, polytheists, non-christian monotheists, Californians, hippies, beatniks, Pepsi-dinkers (all the aforementioned groups apparently drink Pepsi), people who buy japanese cars, and everyone who calls themselves a Democrat. They think the Reagans and Bushes are swell guys, war is fantastic, and American supremacy must be assured at any price.

In closing, the idea that our political beliefs are genetic is a claim my existence throws out the window.

It's about time you were told the truth, Evakian. The people you think of as your biological parents actually found you wrapped in dirty rags under a highway overpass. You are actually the child of two torn jeans, flower bedecked, dope smoking hippies who loved blacks, gays, Mexicans (along with other Latino groups) atheists, polytheists, non-christian monotheists, californians, hippies, beatniks, Pepsi-drinkers, liberals and Democrats.

My parents are not fond of blacks, gays, mexicans (along with other latino groups) atheists, polytheists, non-christian monotheists, Californians, hippies, beatniks, Pepsi-dinkers (all the aforementioned groups apparently drink Pepsi), people who buy japanese cars, and everyone who calls themselves a Democrat. They think the Reagans and Bushes are swell guys, war is fantastic, and American supremacy must be assured at any price.
Japanese cars? Are you kidding? Japanese cars are the only cars made in America these days! Most "American" cars are manufactured in either Canada or Mexico!

A persons political views are hereditary mostly,parents vote this this side,their kids grow up and vote for this side,or that side as thecase may be.

Same as a fotball team.Kids follow whoever the old man goes for.

A persons political views are hereditary mostly,parents vote this this side,their kids grow up and vote for this side,or that side as thecase may be.

Same as a fotball team.Kids follow whoever the old man goes for.
My dad voted for Hillary. He is also a St. Louis Cardinals fan. I voted for Obama (despite being ideologically much closer to Ron Paul) and am a Cubs fan. Your hypothesis does not hold water.

Japanese cars? Are you kidding? Japanese cars are the only cars made in America these days! Most "American" cars are manufactured in either Canada or Mexico!

Not true.

http://www.uaw.org/uawmade/cartruck2005.cfm

Not true.

http://www.uaw.org/uawmade/cartruck2005.cfm
I said "made in America", not "made by the union that is the cause of American cars being so shitty". Japanese cars manufactured in the United States are, rightly so, generally not made by union workers.

I said "made in America", not "made by the union that is the cause of American cars being so shitty". Japanese cars manufactured in the United States are, rightly so, generally not made by union workers.
;) Niiiiiice. That's EXACTLY right, Borg.

I said "made in America", not "made by the union that is the cause of American cars being so shitty". Japanese cars manufactured in the United States are, rightly so, generally not made by union workers.

Whatever you think of UAW, that doesn't change the fact that your original statement is not true - American cars are largely made in America.

Btw, the cause of American cars "being so shitty" probably derives from a management problem not the UAW. You see, American workers were long rewarded for producing as much product in as short a time as possible. Sometime after WWII, Japanese workers were rewarded for finding flaws in the manufacturing process. This resulted in more reliable products from Japan. Ironically, that was a management practice which was the brainchild of an American.

It's actually a great example of how a management practice can change an entire industry.

Whatever you think of UAW, that doesn't change the fact that your original statement is not true - American cars are largely made in America.
I know. My statement was hyperbole--the majority of Detroit iron is still manufactured in this country. But the number is shrinking, and that's a fact.
Btw, the cause of American cars "being so shitty" probably derives from a management problem not the UAW. You see, American workers were long rewarded for producing as much product in as short a time as possible. Sometime after WWII, Japanese workers were rewarded for finding flaws in the manufacturing process. This resulted in more reliable products from Japan. Ironically, that was a management practice which was the brainchild of an American.

It's actually a great example of how a management practice can change an entire industry.
This is true, and I agree that it's ultimately manufacturing processes that change the quality of an automobile. However, UAW drives up the cost of labor, and this is why Detroit can't fix their manufacturing process: It'd drive up the cost of their cars to the point where the pricing would be uncompetitive. Also, there's the issue of pride: the Japanese are far prouder of their products than Americans are, though this is more an issue of opinion. UAW is half the reason Mexican-produced Fords like the Fusion have been getting good quality reviews from places like Consumer Reports, the other half being the fact that the Fusion is mostly Mazda-designed.

Getting rid of or fixing UAW would not fix Detroit overnight, but it would be a good first step.

My dad voted for Hillary. He is also a St. Louis Cardinals fan. I voted for Obama (despite being ideologically much closer to Ron Paul) and am a Cubs fan. Your hypothesis does not hold water.
Another cultural difference then.

I know. My statement was hyperbole--the majority of Detroit iron is still manufactured in this country. But the number is shrinking, and that's a fact.

This is true, and I agree that it's ultimately manufacturing processes that change the quality of an automobile. However, UAW drives up the cost of labor, and this is why Detroit can't fix their manufacturing process: It'd drive up the cost of their cars to the point where the pricing would be uncompetitive. Also, there's the issue of pride: the Japanese are far prouder of their products than Americans are, though this is more an issue of opinion. UAW is half the reason Mexican-produced Fords like the Fusion have been getting good quality reviews from places like Consumer Reports, the other half being the fact that the Fusion is mostly Mazda-designed.

Getting rid of or fixing UAW would not fix Detroit overnight, but it would be a good first step.
100% correct.

My dad voted for Hillary. He is also a St. Louis Cardinals fan. I voted for Obama (despite being ideologically much closer to Ron Paul) and am a Cubs fan. Your hypothesis does not hold water.

The jury is still out. I wouldn't expect you to have the same beliefs as your father when he's been around for 20-30 more years.

The jury is still out. I wouldn't expect you to have the same beliefs as your father when he's been around for 20-30 more years.
I am NOT going to become a Cardinals fan.

I am NOT going to become a Cardinals fan.
LOL! That was good. :D

On TV they said that they used twins who had been raised under the same roof, with the the same (supposedly) environmental influences. There IS a big difference between 66% and 80%.

Also, I think you're smart enough to know that things being determined by genetics does not mean inheriting the same thing one of your parents have. For instance, both of my parents and all three of my siblings have dark brown hair and my hair is blond. Yet I would not claim that hair color isn't genetic. My mother has brown eyes, my father has blue eyes, and I have green eyes. That's genetic too.
OK.. have to confess.. you kind of had me at blond hair and green eyes..OY:banana:

OK.. have to confess.. you kind of had me at blond hair and green eyes..OY:banana:
Well it's dirty blond... Although only the top 4 inches or so are my actual color. The rest is an amalgamation of just about every shade of red and blond mixed together. My natural hair also has a lot of colors - from pale blond at the tips and the front to medium brown on the bottom, with everything in between, including some reddish tints and lots of highlights. I suppose it has probably gotten a little darker since the last time I saw it...