Saturday, October 11, 2008

M*A*S*H

Spearchucker, Trapper John, Hawkeye Pierce, Frank Burns

In the television show M*A*S*H, Major Frank Burns is routinely ridiculed by Captains Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John. 

In one episode, Hawkeye identifies Frank as an "M.D." - waits a beat - then clarifies that he means Manic Depressive. Hawkeye finishes his thought with the quip that Frank is also Schizoid.

Harsh insensitive words especially from the revolutionarily tolerant, liberal, enlightened, gifted medical doctor character on the most watched series in the history of television. 

Personality development is affected by genetic tendencies as well as environmental factors, particularly during childhood. Factors that increase the risk of developing schizoid personality disorder include:

• Having a parent or other relative who has schizoid personality disorder
• Experiencing a childhood environment of neglect or scorn
• Suffering child abuse or mistreatment
• Having an emotionally detached parent

More on Schizoid Personality Disorder here.