SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
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, Interesting) by knarf on Thursday March 01 2018, @08:13AM (12 children)
It would be interesting to see whether there is a link between toxoplasmosis infection [1] and left-wing political views. Infection with this parasite has been shown to inhibit natural aversion from predators in rodents. In humans it has been shown to promote promiscuous sexual behaviour [2] and increase risk-taking in men. People infected with this parasite have a reduced sense of self-preservation, something which might help the parasite spread but is detrimental to the host. I do see parallels between the irrational behaviour of many left-wing politicians who seem to be bent on "cultural suicide" and the mentioned effects.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasmosis [wikipedia.org]
[2] http://www.psypost.org/2016/11/study-toxoplasma-gondii-parasite-can-alter-humans-sexual-desires-45990 [psypost.org]
(Score: 5, Insightful) by Azuma Hazuki on Thursday March 01 2018, @08:27AM (2 children)
You really think the so-called conservatives in this country *aren't* committing cultural suicide? Look at what it is they stand for and the results of their policies. The most charitable thing that can be said relating to your idea is that the extremes of both sides are committing cultural suicide by different paths.
I am "that girl" your mother warned you about...
(Score: 1, Troll) by knarf on Thursday March 01 2018, @12:36PM
I did not target "this country" (which I assume to be the USA) specifically, more the general lapse of reason among those who identify themselves with the current-days left. That does not say anything about others, be they center or right or off the scale. The world is not black and white, the enemy of your enemy is not necessarily your friend, objects in the mirror are closer than they appear, smokey says "don't play with matches". In other words, think for yourself.
As to whether the "so-called convervatives in this country" are or are not committing cultural suicide I can not give a good answer. Who are those "so-called conservatives"? Seen from afar it is hard to identify them, the term could mean anything from the remnants of the tea party movement to some lost democrats. In general it looks like the dichotomy between "democrat" and "republican" in the USA is a recipe for disaster as it forces people to think in black/white friend/enemy good/bad terms. In other words, time for an upheaval in the US election system. It is not as if the current system is any more workable than one which allows for multiple parties and coalition governments after all. When the Senate and the House are in different hands the system is often paralysed more than it would be when both parties were forced to come to a compromise beforehand.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by i286NiNJA on Thursday March 01 2018, @06:41PM
Don't forget that the extremes are now being revealed to be paid shills. One nazi, one sjw, and one "confused" guy you're supposed to relate to.
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday March 01 2018, @03:09PM (1 child)
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201306/do-politics-matter-when-it-comes-loving-cats-or-dogs [psychologytoday.com]
It does seem to support the idea that Ds like cats more than Rs. It doesn't address actual cat ownership as far as I saw, so you definitely can't make a real leap to toxoplasmosis, but there is definitely a hint there.
(Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Thursday March 01 2018, @03:29PM
Damn. That means I'm married to a liberal? Damn. My wife is the cat lady. Damn! Obviously, 30 years is enough! Time for a divorce! I can't have liberals living in my home!! </sarcasm>
(Score: 2) by DeathMonkey on Thursday March 01 2018, @05:08PM
You'd probably want to demonstrate that liberals own more cats and/or eat more infected meat before you jump to that conclusion.
(Score: 3, Funny) by khallow on Thursday March 01 2018, @06:34PM (5 children)
(Score: 4, Insightful) by aristarchus on Thursday March 01 2018, @07:23PM (4 children)
I concur, khallow! In fact, it is something of an obvious concurrence! The only thing is that you may be in error about who is hosting the parasite!
(Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday March 01 2018, @10:37PM (3 children)
I almost took the opening myself, you'd think for someone with his towering intellect he wouldn't leave such obvious openings.
(Score: 3, Funny) by aristarchus on Thursday March 01 2018, @11:40PM (2 children)
Hmmm, AC, do you think khallow is alright? Could he be developing a sense of humor, or, god forbid, humility?
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Azuma Hazuki on Friday March 02 2018, @03:16AM (1 child)
No, he saw a chance to spout off, shot his stupid flapping foodsucker off at Mach 1.3 as usual, and fed us all the kind of straightline that gets knocked so far out of the park it ought to have free peanuts and ginger ale on it.
I am "that girl" your mother warned you about...
(Score: 1) by khallow on Friday March 02 2018, @02:56PM