Sunday Musings - September 1, 2024
If we are human, we have hurt others; sometimes in a reactionary way to a real or perceived danger; sometimes planned. When a hurtful action appears planned it would seem as if the person had a choice.
Justice systems in most countries, including the United States, are based on the belief that one has chosen to injure another physically, sexually, emotionally or financially. Most, if not all, religions are based on the belief that the God who is the head of a particular religion rewards or punishes believers on the basis of their choices. There may be differences in the beliefs in what behavior is offensive to a God, but the basic model of justice is the same.
We imprison a great many people in the United States because we believe they made a choice to engage in behavior which was hurtful or unjust to another person, community or some other part of the world.
In the United States we are extremely adept in holding two competing beliefs. We believe that mental illness is real and believe all people make choice. Thus, a great many people with a diagnosed mental illness, including addiction, are in prison. Although there are some loving medical professionals serving some prisoners, the basic goal of prison is to punish individuals for making bad choices.
What if, however, the development and function of the brain is much more complicated? What if mental illness is real. “Mental” implies that the brain is involved. If the brain is involved than the ability to make decisions is affected. Actually, as I have previously suggested, the distinction between mental and physical is inaccurate. It is all physical. A great many parts of the brain have to function in a certain manner in order for a person to make a decision to act. If any of those parts are impaired or do not communicate well with other parts than one may be unable to access moral or ethical core values; to make a decision in line with those values.
All of us, I am sure, have found that we are more prone to react rather than act when we are tired or not feeling well. To react is to rely on instincts which generally mean fight or flight. We may also find we react rather than act when a past trauma is triggered.
We have undoubtedly noticed the brain for some of us is able to remember certain situations and call up a previous response which we then label as a habit One might talk about habits which are one’s muscle memory. Thus, in combat, when flying an airplane or engaging in any repeated behavior one may not “think” but do what one has trained oneself to do. One may have noticed that sometimes one “finds” oneself performing an act one had not intended. For example, if one drives daily or often to a specific location one might intend to drive someplace else and suddenly find oneself at the frequent location.
Sections of the brain which allow one to evaluate a situation and make a decision based on one’s core values are not developed in a young child. The child also has not internalized core values. The young child reacts with no ability to consider the rights and needs of others. Authors such as Gabor Mote in his book The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture suggest that when a child experiences trauma before those parts of the brain are developed it may reduce or hinder the development of brain circuits which allow one the flexibility to make decisions or make choices. We also know genetics, birth defects, nutrition and other factors affect the development of the brain. Scientists are researching how a range of other factors may affect the development of the brain and other functions of the body. Screen time, environmental factors, food dyes, war and many others are being examined.
Some such as Gabor Mote and Resmaa Menakem (My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathways to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies) suggest specific exercises or techniques which one can use to diminish the affect of trauma; even multigenerational trauma. We know the human body may, at times, be capable of healing. Some early damage may not be repairable. One thinks of the many young children living in war torn countries or regions and who have little or no access to food, water or other necessities. How permanent is their damage? Many of we health care professional are also familiar with acute mental illness which may be treated, but which leave one vulnerable or restricts one’s functioning one’s entire life. There are, of course, the exceptions. Some children survive acute trauma and, yet, become highly competent judges, doctors, scientists and other professionals.
The bottom line is that although we know a lot more about “mental” illness and healing from trauma and deprivation, there is much left to learn. We do know that “choice” is not simple or possible for many individuals. The human brain is dependent on many factors in order to be able to “decide” to act rather than act. Assuming that everyone is equally able to make a choice to act in a way which considers the needs of others as well as mother earth is profitable for some religious leaders and for industries such as the jail/prison industrial complex. Such assumptions also make good sound bites for politicians. They are not consistent with what we know about how the human brain functions. Perhaps, if some of us have brain circuitry which have developed to be able to make choices, we can choose to be guided by science, common sense and yes, “love” of others which it turns out is also love of self.
Written September 1, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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