Sunday, October 7, 2012
Biology and Voting? Interesting......
The Sunday, October 7th New York Times' Sunday Review section includes and opinion piece titled "Is American Man Enough to Vote" (see link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/opinion/sunday/is-america-man-enough-to-vote.html?ref=opinion&_r=0) After reading the article and summarizing its main points, state your views in the blog. Be ready to discuss the author's views and yours in class for extra credit points.
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The low turnout at the voting polls are and can be for many reasons. I can't really buy into the whole testosterone and possibly estrogen (which wasn't tested) deal. However, serotonin sounds a little more realistic to me because it is a principle component of maintaining social and emotional balance. The worse part is that when they determine exactly the tweaks of this neurotransmitter, that blue pill will be manufactured and the cycle continues; we continue to feed ourselves and our minds with the next cure. There has to be better strategies than any of these tests. Like for example, the whole theory on electoral dysfunction. Maybe ergonomics can grow a couple of extra limbs and work its way to the polls. This would definitely make a drastic impact.
ReplyDeleteThe article talks about several different points, all of which are very interesting. It points out a correlation between low voter turn out and a disconnect between people and the laws that govern them. Apparently, when people vote they are part of the process, they obey the laws of the land as opposed to disrespecting the laws primarily, because they don't feel like they are part of it. When American men vote for their candidate and loose they get depressed and are not as eager to do it again. This is being blamed on a hormone called serotonin. People with systems efficient in the production of serotonin were likely to return to the poles and vote even after disappointments. Although, voting behavior is not uniform across socio economic groups. Young people, Latinos and poor people vote less than "rich, white, older people." As a result, politicians cater to the good of the voter and not the general public good. All this coupled with long lines at polls, ID confusions, understanding ballots, and staying registered creates a discouraging process for most voters. The solution, take a little blue pill to raise our serotonin levels to be able to deal with the process or change the process and make voting easier for all. Most people who do not vote, believe that their vote do not count, so why bother. It's attitudes such as these that drive the political process. The more people who feel this way the less effects we have in making a difference in this country.
ReplyDeleteI find this article interesting, because it presents a view of why some male voters decide not to vote or feel discouraged after their favorite candidate loses. The author pushes this article with a view point based on a study done in 2008, by Scientists from Duke University and the University of Michigan showing the analyzed biological effects of voting on more than 150 voters. The study used hormone samplings from chewing gum, which found out that male McCain voters “felt significantly more controlled, submissive, unhappy and unpleasant” after learning that McCain had lost. However, according to Bassetti, women had no change in testosterone levels, regardless of for whom they voted. The author also presses on the idea that, we must make going to the polls easier for men’s sense of masculinity. I also think the author believes some American men won’t hit the polls this November out of fear, they might endure should their candidate lose; based on this study. Regardless, i believe people(Men & Women) should exercise their right to vote regardless of the past outcomes. Every vote counts. Vote for your Candidate!
ReplyDeleteThis article is interesting because I did not know us "male" take voting serious! I assume that us guy we be laid back while the female goes crazy to vote and all that other craziness but I thought wrong. But it does not surprise me that we get hype on something we went to do when we lose,we get depress because that in our male genes. But it kind of sad that male do not go out and vote while the women vote in group but i hope these election season all that changes!
ReplyDeleteThe Article "Is America Man Enough to Vote" is based on some men who levels of testosterone drops because of the candidate they hoped on being the next president ends up not being the winner. Such as McCain voters ended up being demoralize because of him losing presidential race for the white house. Which may cause them not to go out and vote anymore.Where women nothing changed in their testosterone levels, for women it doesn't matter as long as they participate in voting. Research also say,
ReplyDelete"men who voted President Obama fared better." Also, stated or declared that there might be an Obama baby boom, and etc.I find it absurd, or laughable because a persons testosterone shouldn't change levels, fluctuate unless they're aging and lack of exercising, or eating unhealthy. Life is life and it goes on, whatever happens happens. Nothing should bring anyone down much less a man, but apparently some men get depress, and etc if life doesn't go their way. I guess some men voters had very high expectations for McCain.