Go figure

[nancylebov]

Sublimianl images of the Israeli flag makes Israeli voters more centrist.

Of course, I have no idea whether the study was well constructed, but the outcome seems a little surprising--or maybe I'm too accustomed to the partisan use of the US flag.

Comments

[osewalrus.livejournal.com]

Perhaps because it serves a reminder to put the interests of the country as a whole before the hot-button issue?

People in the U.S. believe our politics is polarized. It certainly has trended that way, but Israel is still way, way ahead. We do not yet really worry about civil war here.

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize Israelis were worried about civil war--I assume you mean Israeli vs. Israeli civil war.

[osewalrus.livejournal.com]

Yes.

No one believes it will happen. But ask religious settlers in the West Bank if they wil allow the government to resettle them. Ask the secular Israelis if they trust religious Jews as officers in the army. The answers are frequently disturbing.

[heron61.livejournal.com]

I also have no idea if the study is well done, but if so it's fascinating, and I'd expect it to reflect patterns in many nations. Sadly, in the US the far right quite literally captured the flag in the Vietnam War era and it has remained a right-wing symbol ever since. Depending upon the situation, I am repulsed or intimidated by people carrying the American flag or private individuals flying one, because I can so easily assume their politics based on this one seemingly innocuous act. Finding some way for progressive to reclaim the flag would be an excellent idea.

[kip-w.livejournal.com]

I'd be skeptical of any report that says subliminal images 'work.'