TRIBE AND PREJUDICE.
By KATRINA TWEEDIE. 388 words 30 October 2000 Scottish Daily Record 20 English (c) 2000 Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail Ltd
We're slaves to our instincts
IF YOU are too bossy and demanding or too shy and forgiving, there's nothing you can do - it's all in your genes.
Blame it on your ancestors if there are certain characteristics you can't change, no matter how much you try.
New research by scientists shows us why we are the way we are.
They say that everybody is descended from three ancient tribes - warriors, settlers and nomads - which have instilled in us distinct characteristics which can be traced back to our ancestors.
Warriors were demanding and aggressive and settlers were gentle and sharing. Nomads were a combination of both and took to the road to avoid living the stable life or taking orders.
The four-year study by Terence Watts, director of the Institute of Clinical Hypnosis, is being hailed a work of genius by evolutionary experts.
He claims people can identify key characteristics from their ancestors which explains their own behaviour.
He says modern warriors are fiercely ambitious and intolerant of failure. Giveaway signs are their unresponsive body language and ability to think quick.
"Most politicians are warriors," says Watts. "Tony Blair tries hard to be one he just isn't ruthless enough."
Other classic warriors are Anne Robinson and David Coulthard.
The modern settler is a people person and is cheerful and kind. Unlike warriors, they show positive body language.
Prince Charles and Carol Smilie are the epitomes of modern-day settlers, says London-based Watts.
Nomads, on the other hand, demand change and excitement but they can also be embarrassingly noisy and insufferable attention seekers.
Typical nomads include Sir Richard Branson, Elizabeth Hurley and Victoria Beckham.
The problem with today's society is that nobody quite fits into their proper tribe, says Watts, resulting in identity problems.
"The problem is now that people are all jumbled up and forced to live in ways opposed to the way they are programmed.
"Warrior children are told by their settler mothers their natural instincts are wrong. They are taught to suppress their natural urges and be ashamed of them.
"We spend all our time trying to be people we're not and apologising for someone else's mistake.
"Only by recognising our inner warrior, settler or nomad can we be truly happy."