genetic vs cultural diffusion

[Azrael]

Genes mix faster than folk tales

>> If folk tales simply spread by diffusion, like ink blots in paper, one would expect to see smooth gradients in these variations as a function of distance. Instead, researchers found that language differences between cultures create significant barriers to that diffusion.

These barriers are stronger than those for the exchange of genes — a message that might be crudely expressed as: “I’ll sleep with you, but I prefer my stories to yours.” <<

>> our cultures act almost like distinct biological species <<

[Simple Minded]

Genes mix faster than folk tales

>> If folk tales simply spread by diffusion, like ink blots in paper, one would expect to see smooth gradients in these variations as a function of distance. Instead, researchers found that language differences between cultures create significant barriers to that diffusion.

These barriers are stronger than those for the exchange of genes — a message that might be crudely expressed as: “I’ll sleep with you, but I prefer my stories to yours.” <<

>> our cultures act almost like distinct biological species <<

Very true in my experience Azrael. People do seem to define themselves and others more by their stories (ie: common experiences) than by any other trait.

Whether in the locker room at the yacht club or the manufacturing facility, or a bar, or a classroom tell a good yacht, lawyer, sports, millwright, welding, academics, occupation, etc. story and suddenly you are part of the tribe and no one cares about your race, religion, politics, income, etc.

Of course the opposite is true as we often read on this site and others, people also enjoy defining themselves as "different" ("superior" or "victim", for example) for many reasons, but probably often because arguing and interacting with "the others" is fun..... or, of course, because they are selling something......

[Azrael]

Genes mix faster than folk tales

>> If folk tales simply spread by diffusion, like ink blots in paper, one would expect to see smooth gradients in these variations as a function of distance. Instead, researchers found that language differences between cultures create significant barriers to that diffusion.

These barriers are stronger than those for the exchange of genes — a message that might be crudely expressed as: “I’ll sleep with you, but I prefer my stories to yours.” <<

>> our cultures act almost like distinct biological species <<

Very true in my experience Azrael. People do seem to define themselves and others more by their stories (ie: common experiences) than by any other trait.

I've had that experience, too. Even in my own family. There are some second cousins that I'm closer to than some of my first cousins due to similar experiences. It's kind of neat that someone has actually done scientific research to back up what a lot of people have been noticing.

Whether in the locker room at the yacht club or the manufacturing facility, or a bar, or a classroom tell a good yacht, lawyer, sports, millwright, welding, academics, occupation, etc. story and suddenly you are part of the tribe and no one cares about your race, religion, politics, income, etc.

That seems to happen a lot.

Of course the opposite is true as we often read on this site and others, people also enjoy defining themselves as "different" ("superior" or "victim", for example) for many reasons, but probably often because arguing and interacting with "the others" is fun..... or, of course, because they are selling something......

Sometimes.

[Simple Minded]

Every wake I have ever attended has rapidly become (devolved?) into group story telling of the participant's time spent with the deceased.

Every campaign I have ever seen has been a source of mini fiction stories. And if the candidate wins election, followed by more fiction after winning election as to why as incumbents they are doing the same as the evil, stupid, incompetent person they vowed to replace, but not imitate.

"Those who oppose me playing God with their lives are racist, unpatriotic, mean-spirited, socialists, etc."

Stories seem to be not only cultural/personal identification anchors for our selves, but also short hand for the labeling of others.

I recall an ad in the local classifieds for a "Christian babysitter" looking for work. Hmmmm.... the possible interpretations of that mini-tome boggles my amygdala....... slightly more descriptive than "human babysitter" I guess.

Two additional short hand versions are personalized license plates, and those stick figures people paste in the window of their cars.

How we love to broadcast and imagine the audience is interested.....

hello?....... hello?.... anyone?

Bueller?..... Bueller?.... Bueller?