I think I'm finally really beginning to understand

[Duer 157099]

That is, how conservatives can think and behave the way they do.

Recall that there was a recently published studies showing the anatomical and physiological differences between liberal and conservative brains. There were threads here on DU discussing it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=843154&mesg_id=843154

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=853808&mesg_id=853808

(and probably others)

Many of those discussions focused on the overdeveloped right amygdala, which is involved in fear. And clearly fear has a big role in their lives.

But the other stucture that is different, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), is actually more interesting to me.

Know what the ACC does?

In the simplest terms, it's primary function is to detect errors and make appropriate course changes. To proofread, as it were. To find the errors and correct them.

So it's not surprising that a defect in this type of cognitive processing is associated with conservatives. It's right there in the word, conserve. To keep the same. To stay on course, NO MATTER WHAT.

They can't help it.

I advise that anyone who is trying to use logic to convince these people of anything, need to rethink their strategy. If their brains are hard-wired that way, you can't reason them out of it.

However, there ARE other things that can be done. Exercises that stimulate that portion of the brain to return it to normal function. There are probably other things too, certain foods, etc. We should start thinking in these terms.