The Wild Wild East: X Marks the Spot

Friday, April 13, 2007

X Marks the Spot

I was reading a Times article (so you know it HAS to be true) called, "Pas de Deux of Sexuality Is Written in the Genes" - discussing the recent discoveries of the links between genetics and brain function as delineated by gender.

And I quote:

Several profound consequences follow from the fact that men have only one copy of the many X-related brain genes and women two...Men, as a group, will have more variable brain phenotypes,” Dr. Arnold writes, because women’s second copy of every gene dampens the effects of mutations that arise in the other. Greater male variance means that although average IQ is identical in men and women, there are fewer average men and more at both extremes.”

If I'm interpreting this correctly (and for the sake of ease, we'll just agree that I am), this brings up quite an interesting scientific phenomenon. And here is an experiment/exercise I have invented expressly to move this from theory into practice:

Step 1: Find a mirror (a hand mirror or a wall mirror, either will suffice for our purposes).

Step 2: Analyze your appearance and determine from that (as well as several other factors) whether you are male or female. If you find that you are a female, your part of the experiment is over. If you find that you are indeed male, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Assess whether or not you possess the ability to solve problems of an average to complex nature, succeed in academic pursuits, and just generally act in a competent manner.

If you answered yes to at least two of the aforementioned three conditions, Congratulations! You fall into the "smart" extreme of the male IQ spectrum and you will live a wonderful life filled with moments of genius and inspiration. If not, better luck next time. Which I guess would only work if you're Hindu. Sorry.

I realize that my male IQ "extremes" experiment is taking the article's claim to, well, an extreme. And though we made the tacit agreement earlier that I was interpreting this with 100% accuracy, I know there are those who may be, let's say, miffed at my suggestion that males can only be either really smart or really...not.

So, to preempt the angry non-fan mail and cover my theoretical experimenting tuchis:
This product is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. Contents may shift during flight. Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Postage will be paid by addressee. Apply only to affected area. May be too intense for some viewers. For recreational use only. All models over 18 years of age. If condition persists, consult your physician. No user-serviceable parts inside. Freshest if eaten before date on carton. Subject to change without notice. No postage necessary if mailed in the United States. Breaking of seal constitutes acceptance of agreement. For off-road use only. As seen on TV. One size fits all. Slippery when wet. For office use only. Edited for television. Post office will not deliver without postage. List was current at time of printing. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform. At participating locations only. Not the Beatles. Penalty for private use. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Do not write below this line. Falling rock. Lost ticket pays maximum rate. Your canceled check is your receipt. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitized for your protection. Employees and their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show. Limited time offer, call now to ensure prompt delivery. You must be present to win. No purchase necessary. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Keep away from fire or flames. No Canadian coins. Not recommended for children. Pre-recorded for this time zone. Reproduction strictly prohibited. No solicitors. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. Restaurant package, not for resale. Driver does not carry cash. Do not fold, spindle or mutilate. No transfers issued until the bus comes to a complete stop. Your mileage may vary. This supersedes all previous notices.

There, that should do it. Makes me rubber. Guess who's glue? Go on, guess. Here, I'll give you a hint. Step 1: Find a mirror...

posted by Rachel @ 2:17 PM

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THE WILD WILD EAST: Everything you never knew you didn't know about life on the other side.

In China, the people are represented by two separate, yet equally important groups. The Chinese, who call this land "home," and the expats who migrate here. My name is Rachel. I am an expat. These are my stories.

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