Neil Voight
2020-11-26 21:11:26 UTC
Science has shown that the conservative brain has an exaggerated fear
response when faced with stimuli that may be perceived as threatening. A 2008
study in the journal Science found that conservatives have a stronger
physiological reaction to startling noises and graphic images compared to
liberals. A brain-imaging study published in Current Biology revealed that
those who lean right politically tend to have a larger amygdala a structure
that is electrically active during states of fear and anxiety. And a 2014
fMRI study found that it is possible to predict whether someone is a liberal
or conservative simply by looking at their brain activity while they view
threatening or disgusting images, such as mutilated bodies. Specifically, the
brains of self-identified conservatives generated more activity overall in
response to the disturbing images.
These brain responses are automatic and not influenced by logic or reason. As
long as Trump continues to portray Muslims and Hispanic immigrants as
imminent threats, many conservative brains will involuntarily light up like
light bulbs being controlled by a switch. Fear keeps his followers energized
and focused on safety. And when you think youve found your protector, you
become less concerned with offensive and divisive remarks.
response when faced with stimuli that may be perceived as threatening. A 2008
study in the journal Science found that conservatives have a stronger
physiological reaction to startling noises and graphic images compared to
liberals. A brain-imaging study published in Current Biology revealed that
those who lean right politically tend to have a larger amygdala a structure
that is electrically active during states of fear and anxiety. And a 2014
fMRI study found that it is possible to predict whether someone is a liberal
or conservative simply by looking at their brain activity while they view
threatening or disgusting images, such as mutilated bodies. Specifically, the
brains of self-identified conservatives generated more activity overall in
response to the disturbing images.
These brain responses are automatic and not influenced by logic or reason. As
long as Trump continues to portray Muslims and Hispanic immigrants as
imminent threats, many conservative brains will involuntarily light up like
light bulbs being controlled by a switch. Fear keeps his followers energized
and focused on safety. And when you think youve found your protector, you
become less concerned with offensive and divisive remarks.