reate a concrete definition of why there is cultural diversity among human beings. The Origin Myth performs a like function as well; “It expresses, enhances, and codifies belief; it safeguards and enforces morality.” The purpose of myth is very similar to the purpose of explaining Biological determinism. They both reason from human experience to establish cultural truth. They create a perfect world for themselves. Furthermore, Lewontin explains that we differ as humans because we were genetically trained to be unique by our parents. The struggle to define ones culture is relative to the past; Lewontin explains this by “biological inheritance,” while the Trobrianders explain by claiming their creation stemmed, “from underground where men were organized” to explain this. Again, they both create a perfect situation from their past to give truth and meaning to their culture today. Additionally, Biology as Ideology goes on to argue, “there are certain inborn similarities among us all.” But one must realize these innate similarities in both cultures are from an emic perspective.The two texts are similar because one must understand the assumptions within each culture before one may understand the myths themselves. In Biology as Ideology, one must understand the nature of the genome before one can understand how the gene determines individual and social character. In the Origin Myths, most Trobrianders pass on stories explaining why things have came to be as they are; why they eat certain foods, worship certain gods, and admire certain animals. “Without the context it remains lifeless.” The Origin Myth and Biological Determinism are only significant if one can understand the past from which they were created. Furthermore, it is necessary to understand the context and myths before one can take them as truth. The context around the Myth Origin, and how the stories fits into their cu...
