As mothers, we learn to read the faces and expressions of our children. We also learn to understand the facial expressions of others.
Presidential Candidate John Edwards presents an uneven expression, leading to distrust. Neuroscience can show us that true emotions play on one side of the face and masking on the other. I forget which side is which for the "real" emotions but this is why Bush's smirk makes us uncomfortable.
Reason and logic are sometimes not used as much as gut feelings and emotions, especially with politics.
The role of semantics and neurology in politics is something I'm interested in. Drew Westen, a professor of psychology at Emory University, has a book, “The Political Brain: The Role of Emotion in Deciding the Fate of the Nation,” and it is one that might make for good reading.
Hello, I just refound your blog (the link was in a mile long favorite places folder). I'm not sure if you remember me. I used to be Musings of a middle-aged woman on Blogger, but I've since moved to Typepad.
Anyway, reading faces fascinates me, and I'd like to learn more about it. Are their any books you recommend?
Posted by: musing | September 24, 2007 at 08:47 PM
Weird face. I think he looks like he's trying to explain something away.
Posted by: Kathy | September 25, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Make that *there*
Posted by: musing | September 27, 2007 at 04:19 PM