Every day I think about this particular aspect of psychology. When I am walking to class, when I am reading a book and even when I am taking a shower. The part of psychology I will remember in five years is a little abstract; I will remember the effects psychology can have both on an individual and on the general public. The countless tales we were taught about both the positive and negative effects psychology research can have will always remind me of the dangers and breakthroughs people can have. For example, the biologist Konrad Lorenz to whom three baby geese implanted will always make me think of the humor and laughter research can have. But on the other hand, the research that used prisoners' nerves by hooking them up to machines and seeing how their facial reactions would play out will always remind me that psychology can hold many ethical and dangerous questions. There is no doubt that overall psychology has changed this world to be a better place. But we must also remember that, in the words of the great Ben Parker, with great power comes great responsibility. In five years, I hope this saying will still ring true for me.
blake322: April 2012 Archives
In a world in which discrimination already consumes so much of our life, it is not hard to believe that mankind will always find a way to use discrimination to their advantage.With so much new research going into the field of genetics, it's not surprising that scientists are finding that specific genes correlate with specific behaviors. Although this research is exciting and opens up many new and exciting doors, If humans are not careful all of the new research in genetics could lead to a totally new form of discrimination. There is a gene out there that has been labeled the "cheaters" gene. If a person has this gene he or she has been found to more likely cheat and his or her partner. I can see it now; in the future dating companies will advertise having people with the lowest number of this particular genes, or on a date with a potential partner that first question asked will be, hey, do you have the cheaters gene?
We shouldn't only be concerned with genetic discrimination in relationships though. Employers could possibly start scanning their potential employees for certain genetic tendencies, such as anger or even if they are likely to get a fatal disease in the future. I know the government has already passed a law prohibiting such acts, but with the research only becoming so much profound and in our daily live, where people will stop to reach the top?
Discrimination is a part of every day life for people in the United States, hopefully, there won't be an excuse to add more.
