If you are easily revolted, what does it say about your politics?
We may say that we find opponents’ political views “sickening”, but did you know that your sensitivity to various forms of ickiness correlates with political views? To find out how, rate each of the following from 0 (not at all disgusting) to 100 (the most disgusting thought imaginable)
• Watching someone eat ice cream with ketchup on it.
• Seeing a rat run across your path.
• Smelling urine in a doorway.
• Hearing about a 30-year-old who had sex with an 80-year-old.
• Seeing a man who’s been involved in an accident bleeding heavily.
• Having to pick up the body of your friend’s dead pet cat.
• Taking a sip of drink, then realising it’s a friend’s glass.
• Eating a piece of chocolate in the shape of a dog poo.
Now take the average of your scores (add up and divide by 8).
When this study was done at the University of Pennsylvania, the average was 54. If you scored 71 or above you’re likely to be right-wing; 37 or below and you are likely to be left-wing. Anywhere in between and your politics are hard to predict.
A recent study found the link held across 30 countries. Why? High sensitivity to disgust is associated with placing importance on cultural norms. None of the above harms you – they’re just things “we don’t do”. This in turn is associated with traditional, conservative views. So the term “disgusted of Tunbridge Wells” really does hold true.
See a fully referenced version of this article at benambridge.com. Order Are You Smarter Than A Chimpanzee? by Ben Ambridge for £11.04 at bookshop.theguardian.com
