A new study showed a link between strong right-wing views and fear of disease and increased concern about hygiene.
The study showed that people who are more offended by bad odors are more likely to support authoritarian leaders, such as Donald Trump.
In the past, disgust at bad odors was important for survival. The scientists suggested that the disgust at unfamiliar odors may be linked to a desire to keep apart from "culturally unfamiliar" groups.
[...] In the new study, 160 people were rated on their aversion to bodily odours on a scale to one five and their responses compared to their political views. It found that each point higher on the disgust scale was associated with feeling 7.5 points more positive towards authoritarian leaders.
[...] It showed that people who were more disgusted by smells were also more likely to vote for Donald Trump than those who were less sensitive.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday March 01 2018, @07:16AM
Generally, they *say* they value it but then act contrary to what they believe. Kind of reminds be of when you look at people that are "violently anti-gay" and then you find out they they are gay themselves and it's just an episode of self-loathing.
I would describe myself as a liberal. And I value sanctity and purity too, but I also recognize that people are not perfect and I will not condemn another because they do not live up to my standards (provided they do not affect my and my family's life with their "transgressions")... You know, live and let live??