Sexual Orientation Determined by Genes

[John Dibble]

I just read this elsewhere, interesting stuff. Of course, as you mentioned, humans are vastly more complicated creatures, so this is not necessarily indicative of what determines human sexual orientation.

[John Dibble]

Sexual orientation is genetic. This will be proven beyond reasonable doubt in our lifetimes.

As I said, humans are more complex. For instance, I've seen studies that show that when a mother drinks while pregnant with a girl, there's a slight increase in the chance that the girl will be a lesbian. There probably are genetic factors, but given that we are such complex creatures other factors must also be given consideration. Still, I don't think sexual orientation is a choice, but I'm not willing to chalk it up to being entirely genetic.

[John Dibble]

If sexual orientation is genetic, how can you have identical twins where one is gay and other straight?

Dave

Did you read the article? It said it's purely genetic for fruit flies, not humans. Humans are vastly more complex creatures, so our genes will obviously affect us differently than fruit flies.

As I said, genetic factors are likely involved, but my guess is they only set the stage. Having one genetic trait might give one an increased chance of becoming gay, just as certain genes do for other traits. For example, schizophrenia is partially linked to heredity - if one of your parents had it, you have a greater chance of getting it yourself, but there is no gaurantee you will develop it. Outside forces that can trigger it would thus likely have a greater chance of doing so than someone who does not have schizophrenia in their family. So, if there are genetic factors in human sexual orientation, this same logic likely applies - even in identical twins that would have the genes that could increase their chances of being homosexual, it won't necessarily be true that both will become so.

[John Dibble]

Genetics is a major factor in tendency to commit murder.

I'm pretty sure this is sarcasm, but actually it can be. Genetics and brain chemistry can affect behavioral patterns(however, as humans we do have the ability to choose and reason, so it's not an excuse for the act of murder). For instance, some people have 3 chromosomes instead of 2 - one section of these are men who have 2 Y chromosomes and 1 X. Having 2 Y chromosomes generally inceases aggressive tendencies. Studies have shown that there are a good number of such people in prison populations, greater than the ratio in the population at large.

[John Dibble]

Genetics is a major factor in tendency to commit murder.

I'm pretty sure this is sarcasm, but actually it can be. Genetics and brain chemistry can affect behavioral patterns(however, as humans we do have the ability to choose and reason, so it's not an excuse for the act of murder). For instance, some people have 3 chromosomes instead of 2 - one section of these are men who have 2 Y chromosomes and 1 X. Having 2 Y chromosomes generally inceases aggressive tendencies. Studies have shown that there are a good number of such people in prison populations, greater than the ratio in the population at large.

No, not sarcasm. It's the truth.

Oh, ok then, I just never know with you.

[John Dibble]

If that is the case then so much for the Land of the Free that's all I can say

It's not as bad as he's making it out to be, especially among the younger crowd. At least that's my experience, and I live in the conservative South.

[John Dibble]

Yeah, I don't see that at all.  I don't even think I know ANY liberals that view gay as bad.
Off topic: In Japan, 80% of the population view homosexuals as being a bad citizen.

Japan is very interesting to me, sociologically. I think that much of this is attributable to the family honour structure that is so essential in Japan. This structure, at least to me, emphasizes traditional "values" systems and makes cultural shifts toward acceptance of taboo subjects much more gradual. This is, I think at least in part, why the role of females in Japan is generally much more traditional than in the U.S.

Japan is wierd, sort of. They are very traditional when it comes to family and whatnot, but there's some weird things that would be very taboo in our own culture - for instance, you can read porn on the subway and nobody would look at you funny. Also, some of their porn is...disturbing.

[John Dibble]

Yeah, I don't see that at all.  I don't even think I know ANY liberals that view gay as bad.
Off topic: In Japan, 80% of the population view homosexuals as being a bad citizen.

Japan is very interesting to me, sociologically. I think that much of this is attributable to the family honour structure that is so essential in Japan. This structure, at least to me, emphasizes traditional "values" systems and makes cultural shifts toward acceptance of taboo subjects much more gradual. This is, I think at least in part, why the role of females in Japan is generally much more traditional than in the U.S.

Japan is wierd, sort of. They are very traditional when it comes to family and whatnot, but there's some weird things that would be very taboo in our own culture - for instance, you can read porn on the subway and nobody would look at you funny. Also, some of their porn is...disturbing.

Yeah, it's called hentai.

I know what it's called, and the genre in itself isn't bad, but there is a really wierd variety involving tentacle monsters.