Study: Conservatives have larger ‘fear center’ in brain

[RamboLiberal]

Political opinions are considered choices, and in Western democracies the right to choose one's opinions -- freedom of conscience -- is considered sacrosanct.

But recent studies suggest that our brains and genes may be a major determining factor in the views we hold.

A study at University College London in the UK has found that conservatives' brains have larger amygdalas than the brains of liberals. Amygdalas are responsible for fear and other "primitive" emotions. At the same time, conservatives' brains were also found to have a smaller anterior cingulate -- the part of the brain responsible for courage and optimism.

If the study is confirmed, it could give us the first medical explanation for why conservatives tend to be more receptive to threats of terrorism, for example, than liberals. And it may help to explain why conservatives like to plan based on the worst-case scenario, while liberals tend towards rosier outlooks.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/conservatives-fear-center-brain/

And the damn Repukes & RW talkers know just how to play to their fears!

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Are they using the term "brain" in a manner with which I am not familiar?

[hlthe2b]

5. Amygdala is the "lizard" brain.... makes sense.

[hlthe2b]

2. Start breeding , Dems!

[DCKit]

12. Unfortunately, we keep thinking about baseball, politics and shit.

Apparently breeding and thinking are anathema.

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Yes we are getting more of these things come out

By the way while I am not susceptible to fear messaging... I also realize that sometimes planning for the worst case scenario does pan out. (Like when responding to an MCI and spiking IV bags on the way)

Of course those are major exceptions. So spiking three bags is usually sufficient.

Yes I used a real life example... a few times you need more but those three buy time with the real critical patients.

[SpiralHawk]

4. kinda explains the Republicon chickenhawk thingy, too

Always of interest -- the great number of Republicon chickenhawk 'leaders' and propaganda pimps

Repubs just luv them their chickenhawks, whereas most Americans recognize them as lacking integrity & honor

[Duer 157099]

6. So then.... mass amygdalectomies might be good for a population?

I wonder what happens if someone has their amygdala removed completely? I suppose it's bad, but how?

[HillbillyBob]

7. So lily livered chickenhawks is an accurate portrayal?

nt

[EFerrari]

8. LOL! And they call us "primitives".

Too funny.

Fear is what propels projection as well. Makes sense.

[theophilus]

9. Idiocracy, for reals. I MEAN it! For reals. Not. Good. n/t

[Drale]

10. The problem is they never learned to control their fear

Everyone in the world has fears, but we don't let them interfere with our normal lives for the most part. Conservatives do let it interfere, in fact they base everything they believe around those fears.

[StarsInHerHair]

11. I've said the Right is fear & hate based for years, this is just more proof

nt