(Image Source: Wasted News)
 

BY STEVEN HSIEH

Lean left?  A new study suggests it could be in your DNA.

Researchers say they’ve identified a gene that predisposes people to liberal political ideologies.  The study, from Harvard and UCSD, says individuals carrying a specific variation of the DRD4 gene are more likely to be liberals - But only if they were socially active growing up.

We’re analyzing media reactions to the study.  But first - some headlines:

From New York Daily News: “Being a liberal and hating Sarah Palin may be genetic trait, scientists say”

The Guardian says: “Reading the Guardian? It could be down to your 'liberal genes'”

And The Washington Post writes: “There's a liberal gene? Cue the 'Where's the cure?' jokes.”


Researchers say DRD4 has been previously associated with – quote “novelty seeking.”  The Young Turks’ discussed the significance of linking the gene with liberalism, but also noted that we shouldn’t jump to conclusions.


Kasparian: “This is interesting when it comes to the question of nature versus nature.  Right?  You have this gene that will make you liberal and also you’re social setting matters.
Uygur: “Right, you interact with people.  You’re more open to differences. You’re more open to change.  Those are also part of it.  And of course, this is just one study.  It’s not definitive.”


RT’s Alyona Minkovski jokes about spreading the gene to make more liberals, but remains seriously positive about its hereditary implications.


“Well, I totally give my stamp of approval to this research.  I’m just wondering if there’s anyway to spread this gene to others.  You know, maybe start a genetically engineered world full of liberals.  Just kidding.  No, the best part of this research is actually that liberalism runs in the family and parents could pass it down to their children.


On the other side, a blogger for The American Thinker jokes about a cure for DRD4-carriers.


“This may be the single most significant medical breakthrough in human history … I'm certain that a vaccine can soon be developed to insure that our children lead healthy and happy lives, free from illogic, confusion, anger, hypocrisy, and projection.”


Finally, a blogger for the Telegraph says he has no sense of humor when it comes to science.  He says conservatives joking about the ‘liberal gene’ are missing the point, considering it links liberalism to -quote ‘having lots of friends.’—and that calling it a ‘liberal gene’ is a stretch in the first place.

“If I were in the mood for writing lazy jokes, I might want to point out that being a lonely teenager is an environmental risk factor for being a Tory. Instead, I’m just going to say that this is an interesting study, but calling it a ‘gene for liberalism’ is a huge overstatement.”


So, what do you think?  Could politics be pre-determined?