A severe impairment of cognitive function as a result of repeated exposure to bigoted views (see “Bignorism”).
Neural activity that would normally travel to the neocortex (in the upper brain) for analysis and evaluation is diverted to the amygdala (in the lower brain, a center of emotion) where it excites fear and hatred.
This diversion of brain signals is a survival mechanism that evolved in
early mammals to react to dangers, where immediate action is needed before the neocortex has
time to
mull over incoming information.
The amygdala does not apply
logic as it scans for danger. If information is non-threatening, it allows transfer to the neocortex. When it senses danger, other parts of the brain are activated, and this can lead to aggressive responses driven by the lower (reptilian) brain.
An example is when people respond to a
mass shooting by saying, “We should enact laws to restrict semiautomatic weapons and
large clips”. Someone who has been Limbaughtomized instead hears, “Let’s have the gummint
break into houses and seize any guns they find — next week we’ll
go after swords, knives, needles and then
rocks. Hell, let’s take their women while we’re at it”.
