In a recent study, researchers have discovered that culture not only shapes our likes and dislikes, it effects the hard wiring of the brain. It influences the decisions we make and how we make them.The studies included using MRI’s which graphically illustrated the differences.  It influences how we think. Although the study compared American and East Asian populations, the ramifications are significant. Consider, if you will that this means that Confederate and Yankee brains are different. We always knew that Yankees thought different, now there is research to show it was not just a figment of our imagination. It also raises some concerns in my mind about multiculturism. With the blending of cultures, are we not watering down the ability to have unique thinking? By creating a polyglot of culture is society creating a polyglot in thinking as well? Does this not also imply that multiculturalism poses a danger to our ability to problem solve?

Given that the study population was small, (10 Americans and 10 East Asians), the results will need to be viewed with some caution, although it would be worth keeping an eye on further research in this area, especially when they start finding differences in how Yankees and Southrons think and identifying what those various differences are in how they think and solve problems.

What is does show me, is that culture is important. It is not just a matter of preferences, it is a matter of how people view the world and solve problems.

Free Texas! Free Southern minds!

J Murrah

Cuture and the brain, MRI, multiculturalism, problem solving, Science, thinking

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