The Genetics of Alcoholism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Genetics of Alcoholism - Essay Example Building a tolerance for alcohol can explain this discrepancy to a point but biology plays a bigger role. It’s been speculated that heritage determines a person’s alcohol tolerance. Though some have dismissed this theory as racist and stereotyping it may have some validity. The Irish and Germans seem to â€Å"handle their liquor† better than say, Native Americans. The alcohol limit for beer sold in Oklahoma is 3.2 percent. Oklahoma has a large Native American population. Scientists agree with the stereotype. They have discovered a certain gene carried by up to 20 percent of the U.S. population that has a â€Å"big, big effect† on the way people handle their alcohol. This minority is programmed to be especially susceptible to the effects of alcohol. â€Å"The gene carries the blueprint for an enzyme called CYP2E1, known to be involved in metabolizing ethanol alcohol.† (Rubin, 2010). This finding changes the perception that people who can’t â€Å"handle† their liquor are somehow weak in other areas of life. Drinking games are designed to determine who is the strongest in the group. The winners claim bragging rights over their weakling friends. According to the scientists findings, bragging about how much you can drink is like bragging about having red hair, dark skin or being tall. Not only is being able to drink large amounts nothing to brag about in the first place, it’s now proven it has nothing to do with being strong or weak.

Analysis Summary of the movie 12 Angry Men using group dynamics Essay

Analysis Summary of the movie 12 Angry Men using group dynamics - Essay Example When the group of jurors first meet during the orientation phase, they are chatting, making jokes and talking about a random list of things such as their jobs and things they could be doing instead of being in a jury room. The orientation phase is characteristic of acquaintance, positive attitudes on similarities and clarity. At this stage, the group is only creating opinions, nothing intense. (Robbins, 1974, para 4). There is a general feeling for most of the jurors that this will be a quick case, nothing intense. However when the foreman of the jury; juror number one takes an initial vote the tone is set for a long drawn process and the development of the group dynamics. In the initial vote eleven jurors have already declared the defendant is guilty. Only Juror number eight votes â€Å"not guilty† on the grounds of reasonable doubt. It is never easy to be part of the minority because it goes against our natural desire to be accepted (Johnson, 2007, p. 153). Out of this minor ity, the true leader begins to emerge and group formation begins. Positioning of power becomes apparent as the jurors biases, backgrounds and personalities begin to unfold. The jury’s deliberation begins when the first vote is taken. Several jurors observe others voting and they raise their hands. It is only juror number eight who has the courage to stand alone and has strong convictions that the defendant is not guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Questions arise as they begin to examine the different parts of the testimony. These testimonies were not initially considered in the first vote. Normative influence by juror eight begins to revert from guilty to not guilty. Through the process, personalities unfold and the pressure of social influence is clear among the jurors. Team members have to create a new social identity and forfeit their own in order for a team to be built. (Levi, 2014, p.