Liberals. Genetic Freaks or the Next Step in Human Evolution?
Written by Dr. Jeffery Herman // February 3, 2012 // Science // No comments
Apparently University of California — San Diego researchers have found a gene that might make people choose a liberal lifestyle in political and personal choices. As mentioned by Researchers find a ‘liberal gene’, a press release by Inga Kiderra, researchers found that in a study of 2000 subjects, people with a specific variation in the DRD4 gene, exhibited increased liberal tendencies.
DRD4 is an acronym for the dopamine receptor D4. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a protein found in the brain that controls various aspects of neuronal function, including important roles with the emotional response as well as the pain/pleasure response. Subtle differences in dopamine signaling has been connected to increased intelligence and increased creativity, but also has strong connections to increased psychosis.
Many think that the old moniker “it’s a fine line between genius and insanity” can actually be laid at dopamine’s feet (that is if dopamine actually had feet. It doesn’t it’s a protein 
.
Personally as a self-professed liberal, I feel I am both a genetic freak and the next step in evolution. Just as much as I am a creative genius and insane (or not)
But seriously, do we really need to provide a label for everything? Trust me I’ve known many conservatives that are also quite creative, intelligent and a bit psychotic too. So don’t feel left out.
It should be noted that when dealing with studies that look at genetic variations, we’re dealing with statistical correlations. A correlation do not necessarily equate to tangible ideas and genetic variation do not equate to who you are in real life. In no way shape or form, should any of this be taken as fact.
Good science never deals with facts, because facts do not exist. Paradigms can always shift.
And this doesn’t always apply science. I think the concept of facts should be removed from our collective consciousness.
Facts are simply opinions that we’ve grown tired of arguing.
Down with facts! Up with ideas!
