Re: Re: Three words
 

I guess the IET environment would have different rules apply... Either that or USASMA is supply me with some serious bad info.:D

Blaaaw! "Where do you go to school?"

"University of Northern Iowa"

NDD- I had to do some psychology coursework on this topic, and the issue is absolutely not resolved. It is likely that there is a genetic predisposition to homosexuality that is 'activated' by the environment the subject is in. Sometimes, however, it's simply a lifestyle choice made by an individual in the same vein as other abnormal sexual practices (S+M etc). Nothing is definite, but statistics point in this general direction, and it's plausible (has 'face validity').

One thing I learnt is that EVERYONE has an opinion on this, and the dubious statistics to back it up. This is a socially sensitive subject, so I would be very careful beliveing what I read. The above conclusion was reached by a large number of tests from various highly accredited sources.

I hope that helped a little, I can grab statistics if necessary.

Solid

leave Darwin out of it
 

As a molecular biologist, I agree that most of what we are going to read in popular press about "found genes" is going to be sound bytes that do not mean anything in themselves. I am reading an excellent book right now called Brave New Brain (Nancy Andreasen). In one chapter, she explains in an accessible way the methods, practices, and problems of locating genes. Many diseases are "complex", and cannot be explained by one gene. Also, genes are more flexible than you would think. An example of a complex disease is cancer.

Mental and behavioral diseases are though of as complex, with VERY few exceptions. Progress may be made, but the goal of disease research is to help people that are in distress, not to prove that anything is "genetic". Homosexuality is not a disease, only Sexual Orientation Disturbance is a disease. The Amercian Psychiatric Association has not considered Homosexuality a disease since 1973, when they changed the entry in the DSM-II (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Short, recommended reading if interested.

I wouldn't make any generalizations about whether gays want there to be a genetic basis or not. There is a pretty good reason for that particular group to not want it.. its called eugenics, some would say its the concept that was misused by Hitler. The idea behind eugenics is that we can breed out genetic impurities (diseases). Eugenics also had a bad run in the U.S., with forced sterilization of thousands of women of "weak character". James Watson, a co-discoverer of the double helix structure, is a current proponent of eugenics (is trying to clear its name of the bad associations). He thinks we should use eugenics to give parents more choices, and to make prettier women.


*edit: spell

Hillybilly Style
 

Are people born gay?

Re: Hillybilly Style
 

Common sense tells me that sexuality doesn't really begin in infancy, if not delayed until puberty itself. I think at the very least, the mind must have developed beyond ontogeny to develop preferences.

or do you mean a cultural statement in which is implicit the belief that being "born" is a process that lasts beyond the womb?

Its a pretty interesting question, actually.

As a group, too. How did it come to be that communists, and democracy, be united in feeling threatened by homosexuals as a group? Is homosexuality the product of capitalism? How long have homosexuals been around?

Is it just me or do SOLID and PULQUE both seem to be graduates of the same "Using BS big vocabulary to avoid taking a stand on a issue" seminar?

Or are you guys just afraid to be on the wrong side of an issue with NDD? come one...buck up. It is fun to see a little butt kickin!:munchin

Come on Pulque.. the title of "AProfSoldier resident LIB" hasn't been claimed yet. Go for it! LOL

oh! you said hillbilly style.

As a simple old woman from the hills, people are born to be wild. I do not enjoy seeing people prosecuted by either law or institution for who they are.

You still haven't answered the question. DAMN!

That's it my lady. Now take that theme and RUN with it.

"Feel the force of the dark side run through your veins... LIBERALISM is powerful yougn Jedi-ess. LEt yourself feel the anger of repression and discrimination.... get in touch with your need for entitlement and special treatment"

NOW post....:D

I've noticed the lack of lib. People are going to feel sorry for you. I know I do :boohoo



LOL

Re: Hillybilly Style
 

Am I confused or is this not the question you wanted answered?
You probably know what I think already, but no, I do not believe they are.

Pulque's turn...

It would be interesting to read Nancy Andreason's answer to that question, since she was quoted.

Thank you MiQuebradaClara. Now that's an answer.

Everyone is entitled to fight, even liberals. How is that special? Are you suggesting, NDD, that when gay people say "I was born gay" that they are using that as a tactic in their fight? I see.