View of solarization of Phragmites and Japanese Knotweed in the Village Arboretum. Photo Credit, Tom Biebighauser.
“Don’t just sit around and complain, do something!”
Michelle Obama, of whom I am a great admirer, often cites advice from Kamala Harris’ mother, emphasizing the importance of empathy and community, a theme related, to [surprise!] our brains, reflected in the title of this piece.
Here is what I consider a very sensible song on the matter of doing something, regardless of your religious affiliation.
In the following paragraphs, I explore the differences between the brains of people who prefer to do things to lift others up, and those who want to put others down and/or are indifferent to their suffering.
People from different political ideologies and socioeconomic statuses exhibit distinct differences in brain structure, function, and activity, as well as response to crises. If too rigid, negative feedback loops in thinking can result.
The good news is that these can change for the better under the right circumstances, practices and learning environments, promoting more equitable philanthropic engagement.
A U-Turn to the Brain: Tying Politics to Environmentalism
As a psychiatrist, I am interested in understanding great divisions, violent rhetoric and warring conflicts among people. There are more than enough bio-psycho-social-spiritual tomes on the subject, but I decided to look at one biological reason for this phenomena, our brains.
It turns out that there are two opposing areas in our grey matter (cortex), the outer part of the brain surrounding the inner level of the brain called white matter.
The Amygdala
The amygdala is made up of both grey and white matter, located very close to our reptilian brain. It governs our emotional responses, particularly fear, anxiety, or rage. Picture a pot of water gently simmering on the stove; when the heat is turned up, the pot may boil over. Similarly, when the amygdala is triggered by internal or external threats, it can ‘hijack’ our rational thought, leaving us with the instinctual choices of freeze, flee, or fight.”
The insula and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)
The insula is important for our cognitive and language constructions, processing emotions and sensory information, and bridging the gap between various neural systems.
The anterior insula is closely connected to the anterior cingulate cortex, and the two parts work together to filter and respond to the same external or internal threats that the amygdala does, except in a contrasting manner. Instead of flooding us, the network guides our behaviors and emotional reactions. It helps us with cognitive processing, empathy, and self-regulation.
Brain Differences and Political Ideology
“Several studies have explored the brain differences between conservatives and liberals, revealing distinct patterns in emotional and cognitive processing.
- 2011 study of brain structure. Self-defined conservatives tended to have larger amygdala. Self-defined liberals, meanwhile, generally had a larger volume of gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex.
- 2013 study of brain function. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) supported the above study, in that there was more activation of the right amygdala in Republican brains, related to threats. Conversely, Democrats showed more activation of the left posterior insula (remember it is closely related to the anterior cingulate cortex), related to self awareness.
- 2017 study of brain activity. MRI results suggest that liberal participants may be more open-minded and willing to engage with differing viewpoints. They show a higher level of cognitive processing regarding social change and a readiness to listen to diverse perspectives on complex social issues.
- 2022 different responses to crises by liberals and conservatives. In the article Political ideology and pandemic lifestyles: the indirect effects of empathy, authoritarianism, and threat “…political conservatives tend to exhibit lower levels of compassion and empathy (i.e., less concern for the feelings and experiences of others) relative to their more liberal counterparts.”
People often can’t seem to help how they think
- 2023 News from Brown. Researchers at Brown University researchers found that brains bias partisans against new information. People with the same ideology process political words and concepts in a similar way, creating distinct “neural fingerprints.” Each group interprets the information differently, in a self reinforcing loop.
- But, should a person be motivated, one can become more self-regulating and empathic with more balanced emotional and cognitive processing through learning, therapy and intentional practice, leading to more balanced emotional and cognitive processing.
Even though conservatives seem to be more oriented to threats, and liberals more geared toward self-awareness and empathy, functioning humans need the modulation and interaction of both amygdala/insula – anterior cingulate cortex.
A well functioning government would be made up of a coalition of both conservatives and liberals that would balance the varying needs of the people they represent. An imbalance of two much fear oriented behavior, or too few boundaries due to over-sympathizing with destructive personalities creates chaos and increasing polarization as we see in our current news cycle proceeding the rapidly upcoming election.
With motivation and effort on a local level, A Frog House would like to bridge the gap between different political beliefs, social classes, educational levels, ages, races and religions and in a big tent include everyone in collaborative efforts for the betterment of all.
The Neuroscience and Sociology of Wealth
Due to experience such as increased social distance or reduced exposure to diverse social conditions, the insula in wealthier individuals tends to be less developed. This offers an explanation for why they may be less sensitive to others’ suffering or pain.
A prominent factor causing less generosity is high economic inequality. In other words, the greater the disparity between the very wealthy and people of less means, the less generous the former are. Some theories are that very wealthy individuals experience a sense of entitlement and the notion that they have earned privileged standing through hard work and dedication, which leads them to view the current distribution of resources as fair and justified.
Wealthy persons’ sense of security and success is closely tied to economic stability. They exhibit greater self-oriented feelings of pride, contentment, and amusement, but feel the need to be more protective of their assets and influence.
On the other hand, the brain’s inherent plasticity allows for enabling improvements in emotional regulation and cognitive functioning across socioeconomic groups. Therefore, anyone can be motivated to give for altruistic (eg, improve communities), personal fulfillment and values (eg, create a legacy, improve social status, address inequality) and practical considerations (eg tax benefits).
We all can work together toward collaborative solutions that benefit everyone.
In Conclusion
A Frog House believes that almost anyone can learn to care about the environment when they learn of its importance in sustaining all life. We all depend on the health of our regional ecosystem. Working to protect our world is a goal we can all share and an activity that can be a unifying force in our society and culture.
A Frog House hopes to bring people together around the construction of up to three approved vernal ponds in the Pittsford Native Tree Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary. The ponds will support amphibian breeding, will contribute to a key goal of the arboretum to enhance wildlife habitat, and will serve as an educational tool to demonstrate how a key feature of our regional ecosystem works.
You may not share my passion, the most fulfilling work I do (next to family and psychiatric practice), but you are invited to support it. We are raising funds to support construction of the ponds and the planting of appropriate native plants. Every donation of any size, even $5, is welcome, but you can be sure we won’t turn down larger contributions!
Any form of encouragement, whether it be monetary, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, makes a meaningful difference and allows everyone to participate in the effort, regardless of background or stature. The ponds will contribute greatly to the Village Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary’s important community assets and natural treasure that will be enjoyed by many generations to come.
We hope to see you over the next few weekends, especially during our seasonal closing weekend on October 27 and at our fundraising Gala on November 9. The more donations we receive, the more quickly we can construct the ponds.
Please join us at our second Annual Gala Fundraiser
We are excited to invite you to the 2nd Annual Gala Fundraiser for the Frog House Project! Join us on Saturday, November 9, from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Century Club Mansion, located at 566 East Avenue, Rochester, NY.
Event Highlights:
- Special Guest: Broadway Star Carole Demas will be performing alongside acclaimed musical director Ian Herman.
- Purpose: Help us raise funds for three vernal ponds in Pittsford, NY, aimed at combating climate change and promoting biodiversity.
- Enjoy a Wonderful Evening: Delight in fantastic food and great company while supporting a noble cause.
Important Details:
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 9, 6 PM – 9 PM EST
- Location: Century Club of Rochester
- Tickets: $188.58 – sliding scale and scholarships available.
Why Attend?
Your participation helps us create essential vernal ponds for outdoor nature learning opportunities and supports local wildlife. Together, we can make a difference—one frog at a time!
RSVP Today!
Secure your tickets now and be part of this magical evening. We can’t wait to see you there!
