Nature versus Nurture
Posted: June 20, 2007 at 2:02 pmThere’s a lot to be said for either side of the argument. Those involved in open adoptions, or even closed adoption but have entered reunion, can see what exactly nature does and what nurture does to the nature. Yeah, we’re one big social experiment (gone awry)! Anyway, I hate the arguments normally.
Those who believe that nature has nothing to do with a person’s outcome will insult the genetic material of those who place to beat all heck. Those who only support the nature arguement can’t see that, yes, being raised by someone else can have a different outcome (even if it’s, gasp, not good). No one listens to one another. No one wants to hear the other side. No one wants to admit that it’s basically halvsies. Debate doesn’t exist. It’s basically, “I win, the end.”
But, I’ve got a prime example of nature over nurture. This isn’t saying that nurturing doesn’t happen; oh, it does. Munchkin is different than how she would be if raised by her biological parents. She’s different than how she would be if she was raised with me and TheHusbandMan; one biological, one not. And note that I am not saying different is bad. I see things in her that please me to no end. She’s an amazing girl and her parents (ahem, all of them) have taught her some mighty cool things about life thus far.
That said, it’s true. Nurture can’t teach you everything. There are some things that are solely genetic. If you don’t believe me, look at the picture below.
Have you ever witnessed someone who doesn’t have the genetic ability try to make this face? Basically, you make your lips go in opposite directions as well as the upper and lower portions of your jaw. If you can make this face, or a variation thereof, I am sure you have amused yourself by trying to “nurture” someone into making this face. Truth is: if your face wasn’t genetically predisposed to stretch in this manner, you’re not going to make it without surgery.
Okay, all that aside, this was just a humorous way of showing off a very funny picture. I was honestly and pleasantly shocked to find that Munchkin can make this face. We were busy making funny faces and I said, “Yeah, well, can you do this.” Imagine my surprise when she could! (Though, if you look, she goes the opposite way. I didn’t think to ask if she could go the same way I am in the picture. I can go both.)
As a random note of the debate: J can also make the face, however, he didn’t nurture Munchkin into making it. So, I’m sure that would/will throw debaters for a loop in general. But really, if you want to be amused, try to make the face yourself or try to teach someone to make it.
The Discussion
see what everyone is saying
Okay, so here I sat in my office for at least 20 minutes trying to make this face. At least two people walked by and saw me doing this to my computer monitor and asked me if I was feeling okay.
No, I dont think I can make that face. But I can roll my tongue!
And alas, once again the Mighty Jenna has provided me a writing prompt. I have been thinkin about this topic a bit. It is not well gelled yet…still struggling with not making it offensive but basically it comes down to nature nurture.
Did you try to make the face in the MIRROR so YOU could see what you look like? I wish I was a fly on your wall. :) You just made me giggle.
I look forward to reading what you wrote. I’ve, personally, never been able to find a way to state how I feel about the nature/nurture debate without being offensive to BOTH sides. LOL. My Dad and I have “philosophical” discussions about it from time to time and I only get further confused with how I actually feel.
Perhaps it would be easier for me to differentiate some of Munchkin’s personality traits and attribute them to nature/nurture if I hadn’t chosen a Mom for her that so closely resembled myself except in hair color. She’s also a bit less stubborn… but not much! ;) (Love ya, D.)
I kept trying to make the face dangit! I was sitting in front of the computer when the sailor walked in and he just stares at me and laughs and walks away.
Great now he thinks I’m out of my mind.
thanks Jenna LOL
I was very sad that Noah didn’t inherit this ability from the Friedmans. All three of us (sister, brother, me) can do it but I’m not sure if my half-siblings can do it or not!!
I totally cannot make this face. I can, however, do horselips. Like anyone cares about that. Anywho, imagine my surprise when my Non-verbal Autistic child started doing horselips to copy mommy. I was never so proud. DH just rolled his eyes. But it is so nice to have those little things, because they mean more to me than anything. He may not say Momma (well, he does now, obsessively) but he can do horselips…
THat picture is priceless!!! Absolutely priceless! And I am so with you… as I watch my kiddos so much of their mannerisms and facial expressions are definitely from their genetics. We haven’t had lots of contact sadly but I can still see it. Especially in Bug, who sets her jaw is such a way that is only her First Mom and sisters.
That is the best picture EVER!!! I lurve it!!
Also, the nature/nurture argument is used on all parents, interestingly enough — check out this article in yesterday’s Akron Beacon about parents not trying to change a child. I think it’s directed to all parents, adoptive or bio.
There’s definitely a strong component to nature. Nate had a strong personality already at 4 months old when we adopted him, and his personality is much the same. I’m sure we’ve influenced it, but not changed it fundamentally.
ROFL Oh thank you for the mid-day giggle!
Lee
Tammy; I’ve noticed that with BigBrother, while he has my eyes and lips and some of my stubbornness, he has SO MANY of the Hatfield facial expressions. Sometimes he makes one and I gasp, “WOW, Little JOsh!” Then there are those that look like Great-Grandpa… those are the best.
Judy; Well, any kid of yours, biological or adopted, would have to have a strong personality… no? ;) The article gives me some food for thought. Thank you for the link. :)
LOVE the photo Jenna.
Thank you for sharing it.
Poss. xxx
*giggles*
I love that you’re MIRRORING each other and you didn’t realize it at the moment the photo was taken.
I can do the face…my husband can’t. ;-)
Remember the post you made a while back about your eyes being a dominant gene?
You have a lot of them. Both the kids are the spitting image of you. :)
This post (and the face) made me smile. She’s lovely.
[...] previous post about nature vs. nurture inspired some to make faces at work. As Husband was away during the posting time, I didn’t have [...]