Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: What I've learned about conservatives in the last few months [View all]TrogL
(32,822 posts)98. I've found most conservatives to be horribly afraid
At best, old-school conservatives (eg. C.S. Lewis, C. K. Chesterton) are afraid of change, especially change for change's sake, will put up a reasoned argument and will expect you to do the same.
This new lot are simply afraid of everything and lash out in hatred, exacting pain to meet their own pain.
Apparently I'm not alone
Why is the conservative brain more fearful? The alternate reality rightwingers inhabit is terrifying.
Research suggests that conservatives are, on average, more susceptible to fear than those who identify themselves as liberals. Looking at MRIs of a large sample of young adults last year, researchers at University College London discovered that greater conservatism was associated with increased volume of the right amygdala ($$). The amygdala is an ancient brain structure that's activated during states of fear and anxiety. (The researchers also found that greater liberalism was associated with increased gray matter volume in the anterior cingulate cortex a region in the brain that is believed to help people manage complexity.)
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
108 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
It's the Democrats who have been given that label, though. Keep trying to work with the GOP beast,
freshwest
May 2012
#49
When you read the right message boards, race, hate and stupidity all are tied for #1.
sarcasmo
May 2012
#6
Unfortunately, what you say is the case. It may not have always been the case - at least not with
Douglas Carpenter
May 2012
#13
Yep.The plan they have is sold and bought by Republican leaders who then sells it to the T_Pty.
The Wielding Truth
May 2012
#44
Yep, some folks have simply swallowed the propaganda hook, line, and sinker
Martin Eden
May 2012
#23
I'm sure he is just as you say, but I'm just as sure that he is not representative
Egalitarian Thug
May 2012
#47
I try to remember that internet posters are not necessarily a representative sampling of
maggiesfarmer
May 2012
#18
Many voting conservatives are too dumb to know that they are actually liberals.
Gregorian
May 2012
#26
I know there are plenty of more damaging examples out there but I've seen it firsthand too.
pa28
May 2012
#74
The people at the top of the conservative movement really are that mean
Lydia Leftcoast
May 2012
#39
Succinct. I view them as the last refuge of primate behaviors learned ten million years ago.
byronius
May 2012
#82
They are true believers dedicated to their cause and Democrats are too F-ing nice to them
dinopipie
May 2012
#85