biology and politics - does our biology really influence our politics
By evanslf
@evanslf (484)
September 19, 2008 5:02am CST
I've come across this interesting article, the link is www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article4783077.ece
Basically, the article talks about an experiment in Nebraska and how this apparently shows that our biological makeup affects that way we vote. The experiment shows that if you have strong reactions to frightening images or loud noises, you are more likely to vote conservative/republican whilst if you have a lower sensitivity to such images and noises, you are more likely to vote democrat/liberal.
Anyway I hope you find the article interesting and wonder what you think?
2 responses
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
19 Sep 08
On the face of it, it would make general sense but I also think that environmental factors and life experience plays a part, too. I don't have strong reactions to frightening images or loud noises yet I've always been more of a conservative than a liberal, but there are things that I believe in that fall into the realm of liberalism, too. My husband is a vet with PTSD so, while he doesn't react to frightening images in general, he won't watch anything having to do with Nam and has strong reactions to loud noises. He, too, is more of a conservative but has recently developed some liberal views due to some of the issues in this election campaign. Interesting article though.
@evanslf (484)
•
19 Sep 08
hi spalladino, I entirely agree with you. It was an interesting article so I posted it but I am not convinced that your biology is the major factor when you make political decisions. I think life experiences are very important, your social background and the people/friends you mix with, etc as these will have an influence on your politicial views.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
19 Sep 08
And don't forget the value of information. Too many times I read posts where the poster doesn't understand something because he/she doesn't know the history behind it...or what the end result could be because it's happened before. Some of my views are also based on what I've learned about this country's past.
@jonastabuena (2307)
• Philippines
19 Sep 08
don't read the article yet, but it sounds interesting, i will check, thanks for the information.
