Study: Conservatives and liberals smell different

The Week ^ | 9/16/14 | Bonnie Kristian

[Slings and Arrows]

A new study from the American Journal of Political Science indicates that different political affiliations may actually correspond with different body odors.

The researchers, led by Brown University political scientist Rose McDermott, found that conservatives and liberals smell dissimilar. While the difference is small, it is apparently significant enough that we subconsciously prefer the scent of those who vote like we do. "It appears nature stacks the deck to make politically similar partners more attractive to each other in unconscious ways," the researchers wrote.

Previous research has found a number of other political view correlations with unknown degrees of biological and cultural influences. From eating preferences (the left likes strawberry jelly, while the right favors grape) to alcohol choices (Republicans like brown liquors; Democrats drink the clear stuff), conservatives and liberals live as distinctly as they vote.

Other differences are more psychological: Conservatives will look at an unpleasant image 15 percent longer than liberals, and they're also more likely to keep an organized dorm room in college. In fact, one study showed that conservatives are more generally conscientious and liberals are more open to new experiences. Libertarians display some psychological aspects of both groups, albeit with a far lighter helping of respect for authority.

[Slings and Arrows]

That's not patchouli, that's SOCIAL JUSTICE!

[Slings and Arrows]

---

[Secret Agent Man]

did we not know this from hippees? occupy - ie poop on - wall street?

[Gay State Conservative]

Having visited “Occupy Wall Street” when it was getting all that national,and international,coverage I can confirm that Maoists of various stripes do have a pungent aroma to them.

[Slings and Arrows]

did we not know this from hippees? occupy - ie poop on - wall street?

And cop cars.

[ClearCase_guy]

conservatives are more generally conscientious and liberals are more open to new experiences

What an odd pairing of observations.

[a fool in paradise]

Hey, at least there are some innovative new jobs in the Obameconomy.

[RJS1950]

Smelly hippies. They were right about that subgroup of my generation back in the 60s.

Stank then, still stink regardless of age.

[Jet Jaguar]

[Slings and Arrows]

Journalism is dead.

[HiTech RedNeck]

strawberry jelly forever

[smokingfrog]

The posting of Helen Thomas images explained.

Conservatives will look at an unpleasant image 15 percent longer than liberals,

[Secret Agent Man]

conservatives - any name brand deodorant, shampoo or soap.

liberals - warm head cheese, pot and swamp-ass.

[HiTech RedNeck]

I think the point is that there are some things that conservatives will just say no thank you about... that liberals won’t.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Let’s study it.... yup, my research is complete. It’s ugly.

[Slings and Arrows]

That’s long enough.

[dandiegirl]

This is the stupidest thing I have read in a long time. Who cares about this crap?

[BenLurkin]

Man, I hope that job pays well.

Real well.

[Drango]

dirty, stinkie hippies.

[Slings and Arrows]

Who cares about this crap?

People looking for a good laugh.