Origins of Human Aggression

A sobering, important film that should prove to be an eye-opener for new parents, daycare employees, and teachers of very young children, Jean-Pierre Maher's Origins of Human Aggression allows that violent behavior is in many ways tied to environment, but argues there are other causes as well, and not all are bad or unnatural. In fact, our capacity for aggression is entirely natural (as a survival defense mechanism) and emerges very early, after babies have established the muscular skills to begin what experts call "explorational aggression" (mostly defined as the ability to grab, pull, bite, etc.). Then, during the "terrible twos," children become self-aware (feeling pride, shame, etc.) and learn to control their aggressions for desired effect (after the age of five, aggressive behavior typically goes into decline, only to emerge again during adolescence). Physical factors are also important, such as child abuse (which can damage the prefrontal cortex, the brain's center of behavioral control), and, surprisingly, a child's exposure to nicotine. Suggesting that human aggression can be properly channeled and maintained, potentially resulting in significant reductions in crime, murder, and domestic violence, the program also explores how isolation and concentration of aggressive behaviors (in foster homes, juvenile facilities, and prisons) often only escalates these same learned behaviors, essentially confirming the old adage that violence begets violence. A thought-provoking look at a sadly perennial hot topic, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Shannon)