| MadSci Network: Genetics |
You said: "I have read articles and such that sorta explain the chromosome mystery of criminals. From what I understand most criminals have an extra y chromosome." This is ABSOLUTELY false. That said, some males, though it is a very rare disorder, do have an extra Y chromosone. These males are universally sterile, meaning they can't have children, and they do tend to be more agressive than the typical male. This means that these individuals, as they are naturally more aggressive, have a higher percentage than normal individuals that commit a violent crime - such as spousal abuse, bar fights and so forth. VERY few criminals actually have an extra Y chromosone, and just because you have an extra Y chromosone doesn't magically make you a criminal. So what is true is that if you have an extra Y chromosone it is more difficult not to be agressive. That said there are certaintly some men with an extra Y chromosone that are by no means aggressive. Criminal behaviour is both a cultural and in individual act. We each make our choices every single day, it is true that some people are naturally more agressive than others, but it is still mostly a cultural and individual choice that leads to violent behaviour. People resist the strongest of urges every single day, but others choose not to resist those urges. They would like to blame their genes so that they don't have to feel responsible, but each person is responsible for their own choices. And you must choose to rape, murder, or steal, just like you must choose to be honest, charitable, and benevolent. No matter what any one says, that choice will always be an individuals choice.
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