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Related: About this forumDrug 'reduces implicit racial bias,' study suggests
Drug 'reduces implicit racial bias,' study suggestsPropranolol is a beta-blocker used to treat heart disease that blocks activation in the peripheral 'autonomic' nervous system and in the area of the brain implicated in fear or emotional responses. The researchers believe propranolol reduced implicit racial basis because such bias is based on automatic, non-conscious fear responses, which propranolol blocks.
Sylvia Terbeck, lead author and experimental psychologist at Oxford University, said: "Our results offer new evidence about the processes in the brain that shape implicit racial bias. Implicit racial bias can occur even in people with a sincere belief in equality. Given the key role that such implicit attitudes appear to play in discrimination against other ethnic groups, and the widespread use of propranolol for medical purposes, our findings are also of considerable ethical interest."
She added: "Many people with medical conditions are probably already on drugs which affect subconscious bias and more research is needed into how drugs which affect our nervous system affect our moral attitudes and practices."
TalkingDog
(9,001 posts)And given that this is a political board, the question becomes: How do we spike the GOP with it?
longship
(40,416 posts)But that's typical of early studies. I'd recommend a large double blind study using Republican congress critters nation wide. At best maybe the non-placebo group will all end up switching parties and caucus with the Dems.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)Makes sense to me.
Chemisse
(30,817 posts)Perhaps that's why they cling so feverishly to their guns and religion (beyond the healthy moderate positions on both of these).
bemildred
(90,061 posts)Probably safer
Warpy
(111,338 posts)and the results weren't pretty. It just makes their hearts race and makes them paranoid.
Pot is no panacea. Different people react to it very differently.
However, we used high dose beta blockers 30 years ago in patients with anger issues stemming from some sort of insult to the brain. The effect on anger (and bigotry is usually misdirected free floating rage) has been known for a very long time.
bemildred
(90,061 posts)As with most drugs, the setting and dosage matter a great deal.
I don't think it's a panacea, but it is a cheap and effective drug, and can be very useful to relieve anxiety (especially if it's not illegal.)