When You Think About It: Nature vs. Nurture

F LoBuono

There are many who will find fault in what I'm about to write. In fact, there are many who find fault in EVERYTHING that I write! Be that as it may, I am still compelled to do so.

Triggered by the accusations of sexual abuse and exploitation of women by movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and others, a revolution is occurring. Tens of millions of women have come forward to share their own experiences with sexual violence, intimidation, and abuse. Hopefully, this will create an epiphany in ALL men to realize that women will no longer tolerate being treated simply as objects of their pleasure (IF they ever did).

However, I've been searching for answers as to HOW we got to this point in the first place. Despite the objections of others, I believe that I have put forth some reasonable explanations as to why in a number of posts. NOTHING happens in a vacuum and this situation is certainly no exception. As I posted previously, many scientific disciplines are necessary to be involved to come to any reasonable understanding of the problem.

One of those disciplines is Evolution. You know, that Darwinian Thing that shapes the very world around us and determines just what we are supposed to be in the bigger picture. ALL animals got to where they are now by following the process of evolution.

And, it's a beautiful thing.

The scientific name for evolution is NATURAL SELECTION (a.k.a. the survival of the fittest). Simply put, it means that nature has a master plan for every living creature. And, those that can adapt the best to the surroundings are the species most likely to survive.

So, how does that apply to human beings and the current situation?

Well, if you REALLY understand evolution as a theory, the sexual tension/conflict between men and women is perfectly natural and, in some ways, essential.

Allow me to explain.

Men's brains are wired to procreate - and, as much as they possibly can. Alpha males in almost EVERY species (especially mammals) compete to pass their own genes on to as many females as possible. This is true of so many animals including lions and tigers and bears - oh, my!! Males will fight, sometimes to the death, for the privilege of mating. That's some pretty powerful drive! Humans think and, feel so, that must be added to the equation. But, make no mistake about it, the urge for men to sew their seeds is real and potent.

Now, women's brains are, generally (remember their are variations in ALL species), programmed completely differently. Females need the right conditions to mate. They have to be fertile. And, they will not mate with an "inferior" male. It's important that they also know that THEIR offspring will genetically sound. So, they resist even persistent males until it is right for THEM.

This doesn't seem to make sense - right? Why should humans be at odds when it comes to something as important as survival of the species?

Well, that's the beauty of the theory - it really works!

And, it's a simple as this: Humans are the most successful species on the planet - by far. In fact, we dominate the earth to the point of abuse. Many scientist say that within the next few years we may seriously overpopulate the planet to its destruction, if we haven't already. Can you imagine how many trillions of people would inhabit the earth if we did not have this simple check and balance?? And, that's exactly what it is - men want it and women reject it - unless they are ready.

Therefore, the HUMAN issue is how do we balance nature vs nurture. A man's nature, if you will, is to be aggressive sexually. A woman's is to wait. However, we must nurture our young men to understand that we are complex beings with thoughts, desires, dreams, and emotions. ALL of these things must be considered if we are to be truly successful as animals AND human beings.

So, When You Think About It, This is our challenge: striking the balance of what we are as creatures in the natural world and what we are as thinking, feeling HUMAN beings will be the key. And, it always has been.