You know the feeling, that intense rush that follows a perceived threat.\u00a0\u00a0 The flushed face, the perspiration, and the increased heart rate: they are all signs of activation of the sympathetic nervous system.\u00a0 This system\u2019s job is to ready you for a fight or fleeing when danger appears. \u00a0This incredibly adaptive and automatic system has facilitated our very survival as a species.\u00a0 But here is the rub – this response is non-specific.\u00a0 In other words, it doesn\u2019t always differentiate between physical and psychological threats.\u00a0 And, as it turns out, the brain’s psychological threat detector is very sensitive.<\/p>\n
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I have long wondered why people (including myself) get so emotional when discussing issues such as politics and religion.\u00a0 The human brain’s threat detector, you see, interprets challenges to our core beliefs as if they are indeed threats to our personal safety.\u00a0 And unfortunately, this response is accompanied by a diminished capacity to use reason and by an intensification of emotion.\u00a0 Rarely are these latter two factors helpful in conflict resolution.<\/p>\n
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Think about it.\u00a0 Do you recall getting upset when someone has challenged one of your deeply held beliefs?\u00a0\u00a0 Or perhaps experiencing a similar reaction when someone shows contempt for something you like or enjoy?\u00a0 It\u2019s a general rule in my family \u2013 “Never discuss religion or politics at social gatherings<\/em>.”\u00a0 I think this rule came to be part of my culture because of the general futility of such discussions, but perhaps more so, because of the interpersonal damage done when this rule has been ignored.\u00a0 Little did I know – it’s the brain’s fault!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t take much effort to see this phenomena in action.\u00a0 All you have to do is post something of a provocative or controversial matter on facebook and you may see the emotional decay that follows.\u00a0 Or likewise, you could say something equally provocative to an acquaintance with diametrically opposed beliefs.\u00a0 While many people hold their tongues, some get upset and respond with vitriol or personal attacks.\u00a0 At the root of this latter response, is that same brain system that really evolved to ready you for fight or flight.\u00a0 In the belief arena, however, this autonomic arousal tends to be anything but adaptive.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A recent study found that the scope of this non-specific response includes even the brands we identify with.\u00a0 Yep!\u00a0 Even attacks on your brands may be misinterpreted by your brain as an attack on you.\u00a0 Think about the acrimony aroused in conflict between those who have strong feelings about Apple vs. PC, iPhone vs. Android, or the pissing<\/em> matches that ensue between fans loyal to Chevy or Ford.\u00a0 I’m sure you have seen the stickers in the back windows of pickup trucks of a boy urinating on the emblem of the opposing brand.\u00a0 This loyalty, I think, is best evidenced by the intense loyalty people develop for their hometown sports teams.\u00a0 Some fans have brutalized other fans at NFL football games for cheering for the wrong team. \u00a0 If you throw alcohol into the mix, things can get ugly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You see, from your brain’s perspective, you are your beliefs and your brands.\u00a0 Perhaps understanding this will help you cope with the feelings that rush forth in the moment – or help you assess the relative futility of walking into such conflicts.\u00a0 You must understand that when you attack<\/em> someone’s beliefs (or brands), they will likely respond, unbeknownst to them, as if you are attacking them personally.\u00a0 Reason and objectivity become irrelevant in such circumstances.\u00a0 Know this, anticipate this, and weigh your words carefully.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You know the feeling, that intense rush that follows a perceived threat.\u00a0\u00a0 The flushed face, the perspiration, and the increased heart rate: they are all signs of activation of the sympathetic nervous system.\u00a0 This system\u2019s job is to ready you for a fight or fleeing when danger appears. \u00a0This incredibly adaptive and automatic system has … <\/p>\n