Band explores scientific research into the role of dark brain matter in the hard-wiring of hate
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Dark matter refers to the area of the brain where sensory perception is processed and converted into an action. This area contains an integrated neural network, evaluating whether the sensory input is familiar or strange, friendly or hostile, and moral or immoral. The outcome of this evaluation is whether to "fight or flight" or "tend and befriend."
It's been well established two hormones play a significant role in defining social behaviors and emotional perceptions: oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP). OXT and AVP have been implicated not only in aggression and social withdrawal, but also moral judgment.
Social scientists who study moral judgment often focus on extreme conditions such as utilitarian or deontological dilemmas in their investigations. Utilitarianism encourages altruistic behaviors that maximize the wellbeing of the group while deontology strictly adheres to rules and regulations when evaluating dilemmas even when it worsens the outcome.
Through imaging techniques, scientists at the University of Iowa concluded patients with brain lesions in areas with a high concentration of OXT and AVP receptors were more likely to single out someone innocent in order to save the group–the sacrifice of one life in order to save the lives of others was considered morally acceptable.
In 2012, the first genetic evidence for the role OXT plays in moral judgment emerged from a neuroscience research group at the University of Bonn. These scientists showed individuals with mutations to the OXT receptor have a greater propensity to assign blame and seek punishment for someone who accidentally committed harm.
Genetic and imaging studies trying to understand the biological mechanisms underlying morality are in the early stages of research. However, similar strategies have already proven useful in identifying genes associated with and developing treatments for chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease.
"If science can correlate genetic factors to human morality, then it's possible to modulate the behavior of hate groups and improve America's social welfare," noted Samuel Bergson, Marketing Director at Cause Static Productions. "And Long Day Sin's new song 'White Pride' calls attention to this fact."
From 2000 to 2011, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported the number of hate groups in America increased 69% to 1,018 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation recorded the number of hate crimes decreased 23% to 6,222. The majority of hate crimes targeted individuals of African American or Jewish descent and male homosexuals.
"While the decrease in the number of hate crimes is positive, the fact hate groups have increased consistently over the last 12 years in the U.S. is concerning," claimed Bergson. "It raises the question as to whether hate groups may have become more adept in marketing the business of hate to Americans."
About Long Day Sin
Long Day Sin (http://ldsin.com) is rock's political conscience. The group blends Mediterranean inspired beats with guitars and arduino technology, creating a raw sound fueled by incendiary politics, an avenue where like-minded musicians share their cultural and musical experiences.
About Cause Static Productions
Cause Static Productions is committed to promoting artists whose music invites and demands involvement. Music is a positive tool to promote peace and social change.
For more information contact:
Samuel Bergson
Cause Static Productions
PO Box 400939
Cambridge, MA 02140
617-335-7630
Email
http://ldsin.com/