Changes

I’m going to try for one more here:  When we were talking about the myths of gender, Monjoronson, another myth came to my mind, and that has to do with the effects of our hormones.  For instance, in my reading—and this has been about little boys, so that’s why you are getting “male” references here— we are finding one of the hormones that’s been overly construed is testosterone, and it’s referenced as being the major cause of male aggression and violence.  I think that we all understand that environment plays an important role here, so I guess what I’m asking is, could you discuss the degree in which gender specific hormones plays in determining behavior?

I’m going to try for one more here:  When we were talking about the myths of gender, Monjoronson, another myth came to my mind, and that has to do with the effects of our hormones.  For instance, in my reading—and this has been about little boys, so that’s why you are getting “male” references here— we are finding one of the hormones that’s been overly construed is testosterone, and it’s referenced as being the major cause of male aggression and violence.  I think that we all understand that environment plays an important role here, so I guess what I’m asking is, could you discuss the degree in which gender specific hormones plays in determining behavior?

===='''''[[Sexuality]]'''''====

===='''''[[Sexuality]]'''''====

Understanding the roles of environment and hormones on behavior

*Understanding the roles of environment and hormones on behavior

   

   

MONJORONSON:  Most certainly.  When you view the social activities of children before pubescence and before pre-pubescence, you will see a tremendous equity between these children.  You will see very specifically, what they have learned from the roles of their parents, which are gender specific in many, many ways.  When hormones begin to assert themselves in the growing bodies of these children, the hormones bring out the dominating gender factors of each child, as they are male or female.  The hormones are simply enhancers of the gender development.  Physically, the gonads develop and the body develops to the point of capacity of reproduction, but the behavior of the individual is affected by those hormones.  Young boys will become more manlike and the more dominating or influence the hormones have in him, he will express more and more of the dominant, domineering characteristics of a powerful male.  This is the aspect of hormones both for males and for females.  

MONJORONSON:  Most certainly.  When you view the social activities of children before pubescence and before pre-pubescence, you will see a tremendous equity between these children.  You will see very specifically, what they have learned from the roles of their parents, which are gender specific in many, many ways.  When hormones begin to assert themselves in the growing bodies of these children, the hormones bring out the dominating gender factors of each child, as they are male or female.  The hormones are simply enhancers of the gender development.  Physically, the gonads develop and the body develops to the point of capacity of reproduction, but the behavior of the individual is affected by those hormones.  Young boys will become more manlike and the more dominating or influence the hormones have in him, he will express more and more of the dominant, domineering characteristics of a powerful male.  This is the aspect of hormones both for males and for females.  

   

   

Vicki:  I think that really clarifies this misconception.  I appreciate that.  Before we conclude this session, I’m going to move away from our discussion about gender to address a concern that was brought to our attention.  In our communication with friends in Chile, they spoke of the pervasive fear that many are feeling toward the continual earthquake activity that they’re living with.  In this communication, they specifically mentioned their appreciation for your spiritual presence, as they read these transcripts, and so I’m wondering, could you offer them some advice, and possibly some things to meditate upon?

Vicki:  I think that really clarifies this misconception.  I appreciate that.  Before we conclude this session, I’m going to move away from our discussion about gender to address a concern that was brought to our attention.  In our communication with friends in Chile, they spoke of the pervasive fear that many are feeling toward the continual earthquake activity that they’re living with.  In this communication, they specifically mentioned their appreciation for your spiritual presence, as they read these transcripts, and so I’m wondering, could you offer them some advice, and possibly some things to meditate upon?

===='''''[[Spirituality]]''''', '''''[[Peace]]'''''====

===='''''[[Spirituality]]''''', '''''[[Peace]]'''''====

*Words of comfort for those in Chile

*Words of comfort for those in Chile