From: Jasper
Date: 20 Apr 2000
Time: 22:09:49
Remote Name: dyn1-tnt14-64.detroit.mi.ameritech.net
Kari,
I think that all of us here know that being the child of an alcoholic does make a person a bigot or a liar. The point is, people brought up under those circumstances have to develop ways to cope. The lying, exaggerating, blaming others, making black and white judgments, etc., are classic ways in which some children learn to cope and carry those traits into adulthood.
I have had personal experience with this and I was not surprised to learn that Fuhrman's mother was an alcoholic (if the primary caregiver is severely schizophrenic, the children run the same risk). It doesn't explain what he is or excuse what he does anymore than poverty or wealth explains or excuses the bad ways other people turn out. Fuhrman didn't have to become what he is and he didn't have to stay that way. Knowing that his mother was Alcoholic (Or rich, or poor or Southen Batptist, etc.) is only a way of predicting that X number of people brought up under Y conditions will behave in a Z manner. If you see Z you can guess Y and you will be right more often than not. I think Charlie was right on the money--Jasper