Republican/Democrat brains wired differently.

From this story on Yahoo, we have the fascinating revelation that Republicans' brains may actually be physiologically different than Democrats:

Nonetheless, some differences appeared between the brain activity of Democrats and Republicans. Take empathy: One Democrat's brain lit up at an image of Kerry "with a profound sense of connection, like a beautiful sunset," Freedman said. Brain activity in a Republican shown an image of Bush was "more interpersonal, such as if you smiled at someone and they smiled back."

And when voters were shown a Bush ad that included images of the Sept. 11 attacks, the amygdala region of the brain -- which lights up for most of us when we see snakes -- illuminated more for Democrats than Republicans. The researchers' conclusion: At a subconscious level, Republicans were apparently not as bothered by what Democrats found alarming.

Thoughts below...

This makes me ponder two things that may be relevant here. First, it seems that BC04's ads invoking 9/11 and the like may be actually more effective in persuading democrat-leaning swing voters than republicans, as the democrats will have a greater emotional (fear) response. The corollary is that in order to persuade republican-leaning swing voters, KE04's ads must try to appeal on an interpersonal level. Having watched a few of them, I'm not convinced that they do, as they tend to concentrate on the issues ;)

Second, in the future, our tinfoil hats may actually be made redundant as voting preference may actually be determined by fMRI machines, therefore the metal would prevent the scan and render meaningless any votes from conspiracy theorists. Ahem.

•  I have actually been

  wondering along these lines after several pointless conversations with Repub friends.  They literally don't see the world the way I do - its like we live in two entirely different countries... no, make that two different planets.

  I wonder if undecideds and people who tune out completely have different "wiring" as well ...

  by Catriana on Thu Oct 28, 2004 at 04:02:19 PM PDT

  •  Study Spiral Dynamics

    This is a mapping of consciousness/value systems by a Dr. Clare Graves from Utica College. It is an excellent explanation of "why they don't get it" or why it seems (beyong physical wiring) the other side seems to be from another planet.

    The value system mapping is color coded, just like homeland security alert levels, and runs the gamut from pure survival consciousness/values to transcendant values. Generally speaking, liberals are "green" and conservatives are "blue" or "orange" and green is higher on the scale.

    Check these related websites for information:
    http://www.spiraldynamics.org
    http://www.clarewgraves.com
    http://www.spiraldynamics.com
    

    by philo on Thu Oct 28, 2004 at 04:33:09 PM PDT

•  Republican's have brains?

  Oh, yeah, I guess it's just hearts they lack.

  by DJ Adequate on Thu Oct 28, 2004 at 04:41:41 PM PDT

•  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

  I hate snakes

  by Toonsis on Thu Oct 28, 2004 at 05:38:49 PM PDT

•  Dem brains are wired...

  ..to spinal cords Reps brain are wired to trigger fingers.

  by cvcobb01 on Thu Oct 28, 2004 at 05:41:34 PM PDT