Nancy Segal, author of Twin Children of the Holocaust and Gay Fathers, Twin Sons, discusses the fascinating world of twins, including accidental and intentional separations, reunions, and twins in different family arrangements. They delve into twins' history, the gay fathers and twin sons case, immigration and naturalization issues, eugenics, and the relative role of nature and nurture in shaping lives.
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Quick takeaways
Genetic influence on traits is supported by studies on identical twins raised apart.
The legal complexities surrounding immigration were highlighted in a case involving gay fathers and their twin sons.
The gathering of Holocaust twins allowed for a powerful sharing of experiences and a confrontation of a past they believed they could only bear alone.
The genetic similarities observed in twins challenge the idea that traits are solely shaped by environmental factors.
Deep dives
Importance of Twins and Universal Fascination
Twins hold a universal fascination because they challenge our belief in individual uniqueness. We find ourselves drawn to their lives and intrigued by their similarities. Identical twins have a very close social relationship and effortlessly exhibit non-judgmental support and acceptance. Studies comparing identical and fraternal twins show that identical twins are more alike, indicating a genetic influence on certain traits. This genetic influence is further supported by studies on identical twins raised apart, which demonstrate similarities even when environmental factors are different.
The Legal Case for Gay Fathers and Twin Sons
The story of gay fathers and their twin sons highlights the legal complexities surrounding immigration, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the definition of parental roles. The case involved Canadian citizens Andrew and Elod, who turned to surrogacy and egg donation to have a family. Although legally recognized as parents in Canada, they faced hurdles when trying to obtain US citizenship for their twin sons. The case prompted a revision in the Foreign Affairs Manual, altering the language and providing greater clarity and recognition for non-biological parents in transnational families.
The Significance of Twins in Holocaust Remembrance
The author's experience with Holocaust twins and his visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau sparked a profound interest in documenting their stories. The gathering of Holocaust twins allowed for a powerful sharing of experiences and a confrontation of a past that they believed they could only bear alone. The photographs captured during this time illustrate the strength and resilience of these individuals as they faced their stolen childhoods and built meaningful lives. The visual reminders of their history serve as important testaments to the atrocities they endured and the resilience they exhibited.
Exploring Ethical Considerations and Genetic Influences
The fascination with twins also raises ethical considerations and challenges preconceived notions about genetic influences. The genetic similarities observed in twins challenge the idea that individual traits are solely shaped by environmental factors. The studies of identical twins raised apart demonstrate the genetic component in various traits, debunking the notion that everything is purely a result of environmental influences. Understanding the genetic influences in human development enables us to gain insight into the complexities of individual differences and the role of genetics in our lives.
Holocaust atrocities and the role of the Zonderkommandos
The podcast episode discusses the Zonderkommandos, a group of Jewish prisoners in Auschwitz, and their role in providing evidence of the Holocaust. The Zonderkommandos were forced to carry out gruesome tasks in the gas chambers and were given the choice to do the work or face death. While they had some temporary advantages, such as better food and a delay in their own deaths, they were in constant danger and many were killed. One notable account by Dr. Miklos Nyiszli, a physician in the camps, described dissections of twins by Dr. Mengele for his bizarre experiments. The podcast delves into the importance of childhood memories and mentions that certain memories can resurface with safe and secure surroundings. The summary also touches upon the lack of justice for Mengele and the disappointment felt by the survivors. The podcast concludes with mentions of various books on the subject and the work of the Candles Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana.
The complexities of twin studies and the impact of genetics
In this podcast episode, the guest, Dr. Nancy Segal, a renowned twin expert, discusses her work and findings in the field. She addresses the misconception of twin ESP and clarifies that similar responses in identical twins are due to genetic factors and not telepathy. The discussion further delves into twin studies and reveals that identical twins raised apart still exhibit striking similarities, suggesting a strong genetic influence. Dr. Segal also highlights the influence of shared genes rather than shared environments in shaping familial resemblance. The conversation touches on the concept of luck and its role in determining success and opportunities. Furthermore, the discussion covers topics such as genetic programs, eugenics, and the limitations and complexities of human genetic inheritance.
The fascinating world of twins and future research
The podcast episode concludes with a lighthearted conversation about Dr. Segal's work with twins. She discusses the interesting letters and inquiries she receives about twins and shares her excitement about the research she conducts at her lab, which involves graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Segal reveals her current focus on biracial twins and the exploration of their unique experiences and parenting challenges. She expresses a desire to continue her research, develop a new book proposal, and promote her books on the Holocaust and gay father twin sons. Additionally, she mentions her role as a consultant for the Guinness World Records Twin Pages, where she discovers and verifies records related to twins, such as the oldest surviving Mengele twin and the longest duration of conjoined twins before separation.
This episode is a conversation based on two of Nancy Segal’s books The Twin Children of the Holocaust: Stolen Childhood and the Will to Survive and Gay Fathers, Twin Sons: the Citzenship Case that Captured the World.
Shermer and Segal discuss: her historical interest in twins research and behavior genetics • the many different types of twins and family arrangements • twins separated accidentally • twins separated intentionally • twins reunited • a brief history of twins research • Josef Mengele • Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart • the gay fathers and twin sons story • immigration and naturalization law related to IVF, twins, gay couples, etc. • abortion • eugenics and the Nobel Prize sperm bank • the meaning of “heritability” • the relative role of nature and nurture in how lives turn out • the “nonshared environment.”
Nancy Segal is a Psychology Professor, and Director and Founder of the Twin Studies Center at California State University, Fullerton. She has authored over 300 scholarly articles and eight books. Her 2012 book, Born Together-Reared Apart: The Landmark Minnesota Twin Study, won the American Psychological Association’s William James Book Award. Her recent work, Deliberately Divided: Inside the Controversial Study of Twins and Triplets Adopted Apart, was the focus of a July 2022 BBC-TV documentary. She's a member of the editorial board of Skeptic magazine.
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