Humans are naturally capable of acquiring a new language, but Genie could hardly utter any word at thirteen. Genie was deprived of attention and time during her childhood, which are essential aspects of proper development. Hardwired by nature, humans have the capacity to develop fully however, their growth is stifled when support is not provided. In other words, nurture plays a critical role in enhancing human behavior, personality, and intelligence. Human beings require support in order to develop their full potential. In general, nurture entails helping someone develop particular aspects which are essential to them. Genie’s case is of profound importance as it shows the results when some fundamental levels of development are absent. Children often socialize with micro-level members at an early age. As such, the early stages of development are essential to every child’s growth. Children need to be exposed to affection, human contact, and interaction in order for them to develop a strong sense of self. If Genie made any noise, she was physically beaten.One of the major questions involving “Genie: Secrets of a Wild Child” documentary is whether or not her behaviors had been inherited or influenced by her environment. Genie’s father was intolerant of noise, so no TV or radio was played in the house. Although she lived with her father, mother, and brother, her father and brother would only bark or growl at her and her mother was only permitted very brief interactions. She was only fed cereal and baby food and wasn’t spoken to. The windows were curtained and the door was kept closed. She was completely cut off from any kind of stimulation. She spent most of her time naked and tied to a potty chair where she was given limited use of her hands and feet. Genie had been isolated in a small room starting at the age of 20 months until her discovery at 13 years and 9 months old. Genie was discovered by a social worker when her mother, who was partially blind, went to apply for social services. The case of Genie Wiley came to light on November 4, 1970. Genie's case presented an ethical dilemma between prioritizing her care or prioritizing research on her development.Of special interest was whether she could acquire language, as she was no longer within the "critical period" for language development. Known as the feral child, Genie became an important subject of research.
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