Revulsion Unraveled
Revulsion is a cornerstone of “horror” and this Time article takes a fascinating look at some scientists who are getting to the bottom of how this evolutionary response works, and why. I really dig stuff like this, which explains how “horror” is hardwired into us.
Furthermore, why are certain people so repulsed by certain things that others aren’t as bothered by? For example, I went fishing this past weekend and used leeches for bait, which totally grossed out some of the guys I was with. The slimy little bloodsuckers don’t really bother me, though. I got over them long ago when their effectiveness at catching fish outweighed their yuck-factor. Same with maggots and mealworms. Spiders don’t bother me too much, either, but my mom is terrified of them.
I do, however, hate cockroaches. And I really hate rats (although mice don’t bother me much). Of course, upbringing, past experiences, familiarity, needs, imagination (reading Lovecraft didn’t help when it comes to rats) and whether or not you watch too much Fear Factor are key causes, but I wonder about the more subconscious, hereditary or evolutionary triggers.
The one thing I do know? That bowl of bug soup is all that and a bucket of sick. Blech…
Comment by Zomb-Aid — May 31, 2007 @ 11:15 am
That picture reminds me of “Temple of Doom.”
“MMMM… chilled monkey brains.”
Comment by Jovanka — May 31, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
I haaaaaaaaaaaate bugs. All of them.
*runs screaming from the room*
Comment by The Retropolitan — May 31, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
You know what the only thing that freaks me out is?
TREPANATION.
Cutting holes in your skull.
It’s supposed to help achieve perma-’enlightenment’ or some nonsense, but it really, really grosses me out thinking that there’ nothing between my brain and the world except for a flap of skin.
GAH
Comment by Gary — May 31, 2007 @ 11:01 pm
The brain/straw gag really sicked me out in Blood Sucking Freaks. Apox on that fucking movie. Bleecchhh!