Blood Type Personalities

Introduction:

I find these things fascinating. Specifically I am thinking of astrology, numerology, and all those other ologies that dictate personality and disposition. I can’t say that I am entirely sold on the idea, but I am often shocked at how accurate the definition of a scorpio matches my own personality. I haven’t done a lot of research on blood type personality so I figured I’d give that a look.

What I’ve found, mostly, is that the concept is heavily popular in Japan. In fact a set of guide books on blood type personalities have been top sellers for years. I have also read that in Japan, some kindergarten classes are separated by blood types and that many employers ask potential employees their blood type during interviews.

I have not been able to confirm those things, however. What I am trying to do in this article is to make sense of the concept and I hope that it is tolerable to read.

History:

The ABO Blood group System:

Before the ABO Blood Group System, physicians performed blood transfusions with little success. Either the patient would live or the patient would die and no one could explain why. Until Karl Lansteiner discovered blood types A, B, and O, no one was able to predict the outcome of a single transfusion (Jan Jansky discovered “AB” as well as the other 3, but was documented a little later).

As shown in the chart, each type has a mixture of antigens and antibodies. Blood type A has Antigen A and Antibody Anti-B. Blood type A can only receive blood from O or A because B type has Antibody Anti-A in it. It would attack the Antigen A in blood type A individuals, hence why it was difficult to transfuse successfully without this knowledge.

With this discovery came debates on which was the better blood type (leave it to a small group of humans to feel so insecure they need to know that their blood type is better than others...). This led to many political and societal problems, specifically the German's trying to weed out undesirable bloodlines during WWII

Inspired by possible blood type differences, Takeji Furukawa, in 1927, wrote “The Study of Temperament Through Blood Type" which got the Japanese government interested. He led a study on two ethic groups, the Formosans from Taiwan and the Japanese from Hokkaido.

The history behind this study: the Japanese had been occupying Taiwan, and the Formosans were relentlessly attacking them. Takeji wanted to know why the Formosans were so violent towards the Ainu Japanese, and thought it had something to do with their blood. His research did bare fruit, it turned out that the Formosans had a huge percentage of type O individuals, however I don't think it quite adds up when we look at what each type means.

Theoretical Personality Types:

Blood Type O: You are the social butterflies. Often popular and self-confident, you are very creative and always seem to be the center of attention. You make a good impression on people and you're often quite attractive. Organized and determined, your stubbornness will help you reach your goals. You make good leaders.

Blood Type A: Type As may seem calm on the outside, but inside, you're filled with anxiety and worry. You're perfectionists and often shy and sensitive. Usually introverted, you're stable and thoughtful. You make good listeners and are sensitive to color and your surroundings. You like to be fashionable and are up on the latest trends, but never flashy or gaudy. You like romantic settings and often shun reality for fantasy worlds.

Blood Type B: You can be very goal-oriented and often complete the ambitious tasks set before you. Outgoing and very charming, you're good at reading people and providing support. Though critical of appearance (but not your own), you aren't picky and are unlikely to dwell over the little things. Type Bs are impulsive individualists who often create their own path in life. You are very strong and optimistic.

Blood Type AB: Not surprisingly, ABs can be quite dualistic, possessing both A and B traits. You may be shy and outgoing, and hesitant and confident. You often stand out from others, don't like labels, and are nice and easy going. You are logical and determined to do things correctly. Usually trustworthy, you like to help others. You often speak in a serious manner. Your patience, concentration, and intelligence are admirable.

Now I only scratched the surface with this topic, however I doubt I can go further into it (exhausted by the idea). How do I feel about the topic? I'm a type O. The description I placed in the article, I semi agree with. But there are many other differing descriptions out there. I personally don't think that it is legit, but I found it interesting.

https://hrexach.wordpress.com/tag/by-popular-demand-a-handy-blood-type-chart/
http://www.businessinsider.com/graphic-find-out-what-your-blood-type-says-about-your-personality-according-to-japanese-tradition-2012-7