Love and the brain
September 9, 2024
As the Democratic National Convention wraps up on August 25, 2024, Dr. Gloria Wu explores the role of emotions in politics and their impact on public opinion. Central to this discussion is the amygdala, a brain region crucial for processing emotions like anger and fear. These emotions can lead to physiological responses such as sweating and a rapid heartbeat, which in turn influence political attitudes and behavior. Emotional reactions, particularly those fueled by anger and anxiety, can exacerbate political polarization, leading to the dehumanization of political opponents. This dehumanization manifests in two primary ways: viewing the out-party as robotic or as subhuman, which heightens group-based animosity and can increase the likelihood of political violence.
Dr. Wu also highlights how media portrayals, such as those of the January 6th Capitol riot, contribute to ongoing political divisions and emotional reactions. The differing perceptions of this event underscore the polarized nature of contemporary American politics, where emotions are leveraged to mobilize voters and deepen societal rifts. This phenomenon is not unique to the U.S. but is seen globally, particularly in autocratic regimes where emotions are used to reinforce narrow viewpoints and diminish empathy.
References
Angela, Lisa et al. (2023). Educational Journal of History and Humanities.
