Arushi Naidu - Week 13: Memory through the Generations
Generational trauma is the topic that I researched heavily for my English 9 Honors public speaking final and the science behind trauma is proof that memory can last through several generations.
One day, while my grandmother was still pregnant with my mother, my grandmother was taking a nap after a very long, tiring day. That afternoon, my grandmother woke up to her mother-in-law hysterically throwing all the kitchen utensils on the floor. Culturally, daughter-in-laws in India are expected to pick up all the chores of the household and my grandmother rushed to clean up the mess. This incident rattled my grandmother consciously and subconsciously to such an extent that she refuses to sleep soundly till this day. When a woman is pregnant, she not only carries her child, but also her potential grandchild, causing future generations to exhibit trauma driven behavior or carry forward the effects of the experience even when they have not experienced the event themselves. This means that this particular incident was experienced not only by grandmother, but my mother and I as well. As a result, my mother struggled with insomnia for a very long time. This is a personal example of how ancestral trauma has affected my family.
Traumatic experiences trigger epigenetic changes in the brain, which are inheritable changes to the way genes are read. These changes, although they do not alter or impair DNA sequences, can be passed down to upcoming generations. The memory is recorded by the body and our reactions to certain events are a direct result of the experiences of our predecessors.
Breaking the cycle is possible. Taking the initiative to understand your family tree and understanding where behavior stems from helps lay the blueprint for overcoming these trauma driven mannerisms. By consistently working on herself through visualization and mediation, my mother has successfully ensured that this trauma caused insomnia will never pass on to me or my sister or generations that follow. This particular trauma cycle did not start with my mother but she ended it.
Arushi, your argument on how trauma can cause epigenetic changes in future generations is interesting, but I’m not quite convinced. Theories on epigenetics are similar to Lamarckian views of evolution in that they assume organisms’ acquired traits are passed on to their offspring—but these views fail to address the role one’s environment plays in their development. As an alternative theory for your example, your grandmother and mother may have had similar experiences in the past that led them both to develop insomnia.
ReplyDeleteI generally believe that environment has a bigger impact on personality, growth, and habits, and I see this in the differences between my sister and I. We have the same parents, but we had different experiences growing up. Whereas I spent my days learning magic and performing, she spent her days drawing, making art, and watching animations. As a result, we have vastly different personalities—I, having spent more time performing around people, am highly extroverted and outgoing. By contrast, my sister keeps to herself, and isn’t as outgoing as I am.
ReplyDeleteHey Arushi, I had so much fun reading your blog! The story you provide about your grandma’s insomnia passing down to your mother is very interesting. This is actually the first time I’ve heard about generational trauma, and all the points you make in your blog about this topic are very compelling. However, I do agree with James to some extent. In my AP Biology course, I’ve learned about gene expression. One of the most important facts I've gotten to know is that the environment plays a huge factor in the way our genes are expressed. Though an organism’s genetic makeup would be similar to its parents, the organism might or might not display similar characteristics depending on how and where it was raised. So, your mom also displaying insomnia might also be because of the heavy expectations placed on Indian wives and mothers in general. Obviously, I am not an expert in any way. And, generational trauma does seem like a very likely explanation to your experiences and observations. Thank you for writing your blog! It was very insightful and thoughtfully written.
Hi Arushi, it's really interesting that memories and experiences can be passed down through generations and inherited even if they aren't your own. I was always under the impression that generational trauma stemmed from emotional projection rather than physical biology, so I learned a lot from reading this blog, especially with your good descriptions of epigenetics! I really like how you blend your personal experience with scientific research, and I can see how this was an appealing topic for your presentation. I like your final resolution about the importance of breaking the cycle. Thanks for sharing!
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