Chapter 31 Family Ties part 1

[wh33t]

I think what your refering to is epigenetics? Your DNA remains pretty much the same except for any mutations caused by incorrect replication. What changes are the genes turned on and off by external factors. How ever as far as her personality is concerned Phenotypic variables have a much larger impact than Genotypical variables. I think living in a crime family and being raped counts as a major enviromental stimulus.

Yes I have heard Gabor Mate speak of Epigenetics. I would presume the Epigenetic effects occur after birth. But while genes are getting formed and programmed in Utero the mothers Environmental stimulus is also wiring information into the fetus. So the environment plays a role as soon as there is an Environment. The mothers stress levels, sugar levels, fat levels, and all kinds of other things affect the fetus' development. It's pretty amazing how much we know about behaviour and where criminal behaviour and addiction is derived.

To bring this chat back to Scratch, it seems rather obvious that her being tough and cruel affords her respect (or maybe just fear) from those around her. Either way, it's become a mode of survival for her, which is common for criminals. There are times where I see Scratch as this incredibly beautiful expression of feminine power, it's terrifying, but somehow beautiful at the same time.