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National Geographic and Henry Rollins explore 'warrior gene'
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Henry Rollins
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National Geographic Television
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Henry Rollins with Buddhist Monks from the San Gabriel Valley tested for the warrior gene.
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National Geographic Television
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About 30 percent of all men carry what’s known as “the warrior gene” – a tiny bit of DNA that predisposes them to violent behavior. A National Geographic show tonight called “Born to Rage” surveys the effect of this genetic material on the lives of various men from Southern California.
One of those men is punk rocker Henry Rollins, who hosts the program.
Rollins says he has struggled with feelings of aggression his whole life. He's on a mission to find out if his rage is the product of his upbringing or if it's in his genes. He says the warrior gene raises some interesting questions in the nature versus nurture debate.
In "Born to Rage," Rollins talks to hardcore bikers, mixed martial arts fighters, Buddhist monks and former gang-bangers who work with Homeboy Industries. All of these men take a test involving a simple cheek swab to determine whether or not they carry the warrior gene.
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Rollins himself took the test... but to find out the results, you'll need to watch the program tonight.
In the meantime, here's a sneak preview:
You can also take the warrior gene quiz.
Audio: KPCC's Alex Cohen speaks with Henry Rollins.
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