(short thread)
Hi, Deborah,
The article I usually cite for brain differences is this one from Current Biology (see next tweet), which gives the research via MRI scans that reveals that self-described conservative students have a larger amygdala than liberals, and that . . .
Hi, Deborah,
The article I usually cite for brain differences is this one from Current Biology (see next tweet), which gives the research via MRI scans that reveals that self-described conservative students have a larger amygdala than liberals, and that . . .
1/ . . . the amygdala (an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain) is active during states of fear and anxiety.
Thus, to a conservative, “The world really is a frightening place.”
Link: cell.com/current-biolog…
Thus, to a conservative, “The world really is a frightening place.”
Link: cell.com/current-biolog…
2/ Liberals, OTOH, have more gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that helps people cope with complexity.
I'm not a psychologist, so I accept the conclusion: Liberals find it easier to cope with complexity & nuance; conservatives are more fearful.
I'm not a psychologist, so I accept the conclusion: Liberals find it easier to cope with complexity & nuance; conservatives are more fearful.
3/ It explains the different reaction to Fox News. Fox reassures conservatives that someone understands their fears. As one of my conservative friends told me, “Fox News, and Trump, tell people what they want to hear.”
4/ Liberals, who don't experience the world as a fearful place, turn on Fox News and feel repulsed by what looks like shameless fear mongering.
Understanding this stuff, I think, will help later when we try to repair the damage done to our country by the far right wing.
Understanding this stuff, I think, will help later when we try to repair the damage done to our country by the far right wing.
