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Study: Conservatives and liberals smell different
The Week ^ | 9/16/14 | Bonnie Kristian

Posted on 09/17/2014 7:58:53 PM PDT by 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.


TOPICS: Science; Society; Weird Stuff
KEYWORDS: anotherstudy; liberalism; mentaldisorder; napl; stinkyhippies
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To: Slings and Arrows

I remember reading an article several years ago (Salon?) where a vegetarian threw her boyfriend out because she knew he was CHEATING because his gas smelled like meat.


41 posted on 09/17/2014 11:25:02 PM PDT by I still care (I miss my friends, bagels, and the NYC skyline - but not the taxes. I love the South.)
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To: I still care

[Reply self-censored because I don’t want a time-out from the Mods.]


42 posted on 09/17/2014 11:37:46 PM PDT by Slings and Arrows ("Country Songs Don't Have Happy Endings" - http://youtu.be/W93nc95j1KY)
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To: I still care

You owe circus folk and zoo animals an apology. ;^)


43 posted on 09/17/2014 11:40:04 PM PDT by Slings and Arrows ("Country Songs Don't Have Happy Endings" - http://youtu.be/W93nc95j1KY)
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To: Slings and Arrows

No, the patchouli is supposed to cover up the smell of the social justice.


44 posted on 09/17/2014 11:52:55 PM PDT by RichInOC (No! BAD Rich! (What'd I say?))
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To: Slings and Arrows

I prefer Strawberry Preserves to Grape anything. But Raspberry Jam rocks. As for “conservatives are more generally conscientious and liberals are more open to new experiences.” Does that make any sense at all? How do you compare being conscientious to new experiences. What liberals consider new experiences are actually rehashing the past thinking they are unique. arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!


45 posted on 09/18/2014 2:18:55 AM PDT by Conspiracy Guy (Stop wishing for a perfect world. You may get it. Who will you talk to then?)
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To: Slings and Arrows

This may be true, while standing in line to vote November 08, I noticed a sickening stench all around me.


46 posted on 09/18/2014 6:12:07 AM PDT by PoloSec ( Believe the Gospel: how that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again)
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To: Slings and Arrows

So when someone switches from liberal to conservative, does their scent change, too?


47 posted on 09/18/2014 7:20:25 AM PDT by Nea Wood (When people get used to preferential treatment, equal treatment seems like discrimination.-Sowell)
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To: Nea Wood

Depends whether they start using soap too.


48 posted on 09/18/2014 9:04:06 AM PDT by Slings and Arrows ("Country Songs Don't Have Happy Endings" - http://youtu.be/W93nc95j1KY)
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To: Conspiracy Guy

Some articles are written to be read, others are written to be written.


49 posted on 09/18/2014 9:04:59 AM PDT by Slings and Arrows ("Country Songs Don't Have Happy Endings" - http://youtu.be/W93nc95j1KY)
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To: Slings and Arrows

How much did this study cost the taxpayer?


50 posted on 09/18/2014 9:08:22 AM PDT by Fresh Wind (The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept away.)
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To: I still care

You ever been in a teachers home? Most teachers are liberals. Even if I don’t really know the person or what they do I can tell they are a teacher the minute I walk in their home.


51 posted on 09/18/2014 9:09:49 AM PDT by sheana
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To: Slings and Arrows

Liberals smell of fear.


52 posted on 09/18/2014 9:50:03 AM PDT by Mike Darancette (Do The Math)
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To: Slings and Arrows

You nailed that!


53 posted on 09/18/2014 2:54:35 PM PDT by Conspiracy Guy (Stop wishing for a perfect world. You may get it. Who will you talk to then?)
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