Are people born mean? Or is meanness learned?

Answer 1

I think it is like the professionals say, by the age of 5 or so, the child is imprinted with the way the parents are and just becomes a miniature of them. If meanness is their forte then the child will be mean too. And stay that way all of his/her lives. Unless something truamatic happens to change their views to a better outlook. But that is extremely rare, especially today, in my opinion.

Answer 2

We all have a certain amount in us.Now when we learn to control it,others can make us show it.Control is the key after you are grown....Happy New Year...

Answer 3

Think it takes a fair amount of study and practice.

Answer 4

Babies when born have definite personality traits, some are sunny and easy to be around, others are more sensitive, some are cantankerous and angst filled.

However generally it's nuturing and one's experiences that shape things like sociability. There isn't such a thing as a ' bad seed' being born, however under the right kind of nurturing or should I say lack of nurturing babies can become less friendly, less empathetic, more remote and isolated and angry which can lead to what we might say is being mean.

Answer 5

Babies are born innocent and meanness is learned behavior.

Answer 6

It is hard to envision a "mean" baby. I suppose "mean" babies might exist, but I have never actually seen one.

Mean parents teach children, who know no difference, to be mean by example.

Certain schools and professions teach and cultivate "meanness". For example, you have heard of the "adversarial" system of American justice.

If suing someone for something, most people do not want a friendly, likable, eager-to-please lawyer. That lawyer will be a popular member of the local bar association. People want a mean, aggressive, take no prisoners type of lawyer, who gets the most for their aggrieved clients.

Answer 7

The brain scans done on criminals have shown inexplicable, unusually over-or-under-developed areas. Your answerer who asked if you'd ever seen a mean baby may never have seen an unusual baby, one who doesn't react normally and is never tested for genetic abnormalities until a criminal act is commited. I have a hard time accepting that the absence of nurturing could cause toddlers who bite, playground bullies and subsequent criminal behavior. I don't have a hard time accepting that many parents should never have had a child.

Answer 8

No one is born mean. It's learned behavior.

Answer 9

I think a person's meanness evolves when people are not willing to let go of past hurt. Abuse, neglect, emotional and physical trauma all are contributing factors too someone becoming thoughtless, careless, and emotionless.

Most people who are mean, don't know the meaning of the word "forgive". So holding on to hurt can only be turned into bitterness, thus spawning the meanness we witness on a daily basis.

Answer 10

90% learned or adopted as a behavior and mind set and 10% preordained by genetics. My Mother is one of the meanest people on the earth. She likes to show a photo of a grandmother several generations back from the 1880's and remark on this womans mean reputation. My siblings and I use to laugh when she brought this out.
She is basically all the trigger points of a sociopath.
Fakes love and care and it is obvious she has shallow to no emotions. Has a caring voice and her natural one. Is manipulating, guilt tripping, her way is the only way, has outbursts of anger over trivial things then curses, blames and demeans who ever is closest to her during these tirades. Witholds love, affection and approval. Grandiose sense of self makes her think she is entitled to whatever she wants the moment she wants it. Never shows guilt or remorse for the pain or trouble she causes to others. Blames others for everything never accepts any blame. Not concerned that she wrecks others lives or dreams. Had three siblings die early never have had her love or approval.