Born To Rage? (2010)

Explorers Inside the Warrior Gene examines some scary new science that links a single gene with violent behavior. Ex-punk rocker, turned commentator, Henry Rollins has struggled with feelings of aggression his whole life. Hes on a mission to find out if his rage is the product of his upbringing or if its in his genes. Henry recruits a colorful cast of characters in his quest for the truth: Outlaw bikers, mixed martial arts fighters, Buddhist monks, gang-bangers and the most aggressive NFL linebacker of them all, Dick Butkus. A DNA test reveals which of them carries the Warrior Gene and the results provide an extraordinary insight into the human psyche. This gripping human journey seeks to answer some of mans oldest questions like who are we and who controls our destiny?
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The Warrior Gene and Me
By Henry Rollins

When I was first made aware of the Monoamine oxidase A gene, also known as the "Warrior Gene," and that it potentially pre-determines aggressive or violent behavior in 30% of males, I became very interested in learning more.

My questions were many. Were there any studies being done to generate a better awareness and understanding of symptoms to create preventative measures? What about young males and school, socialization and all that comes with living amongst other people in a society? What would the courts make of this gene? Would the justice system tolerate more science coming into their longstanding institution of moral constructs like the law and the Constitution?

On a personal level, could this gene perhaps be the thing that makes me prone to anger and aggressive behavior? Since the age of ten at least, I have had a constant level of anger and continually have to monitor myself to retain my composure. Could I have this gene? Could that explain why I am the way I am?

One is tested for the gene by an examination of their DNA. As part of the Born To Rage special, I submitted samples of my DNA, gathered by scraping the inside of my cheek with a stick, inserting it into a tube and sending it in.

Over the period of two weeks, we interviewed men in our test group who had submitted their DNA to be checked. We asked them about their levels of aggression, how they resolved conflict, if they thought they had the gene, did they want to have it, and would they be disappointed to find out that they didn't.

Almost every one of the men we asked thought they had the gene and hoped they had the gene. That said to me that this thing needs some re-branding. What man doesn't want to be considered a warrior? Obviously there are some but if given the choice between the warrior gene and the flouncing nellie gene, I think most men would chose the former.

What does it mean to you if you have this gene? Does it mean that your aggressive behavior is excusable? Is it a hassle, like your trick knee or your shoulder that aches before it rains? 'The warrior gene ate my homework' won't cut it in major markets. You are responsible for your actions, warrior gene or not.

So, what is society supposed to make of the fact that there are potentially millions of men all over the world who are predisposed to aggressive and violent behavior? It's not as if it's a new gene and, therefore, neither are its symptoms. Perhaps we have unwittingly sought to deal with this occurrence. Perhaps that's why football stadiums are built to accommodate so many people, guns are so easy to shoot, and beer is so readily available.

I think it's a good thing that we as a species have been given more information as to how we tick. We are, ultimately, social creatures. You will have to deal with a human eventually — if you have noticed, they are all over the place. For the good of our bright future, we should know all we can about ourselves.

I am a tattooed man of middle age who often raises his voice. Do I carry the Warrior Gene? There's one sure way to find out. I hope you enjoy the show.

Henry Rollins is a Grammy winner, radio and television broadcaster, and successful author. After fronting legendary punk band Black Flag in the '80s, Henry formed Rollins Band and has been making records and touring the world ever since. Beyond just his music career, Henry does speaking dates all over the world. He won a Grammy for the performance of his book Get in the Van. Recently, Henry filmed a series of documentaries for IFC, and is currently hosting a weekly LA radio show and running 2-13-61, a publishing company he created to release books, CDs and DVDs.