Podcasts > Last Podcast On The Left > Side Stories: Vampire Facial

Side Stories: Vampire Facial

By Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski

In this episode of Last Podcast On The Left, the hosts explore the complex interplay between mental health and societal influences. They delve into how certain disorders, like prosopometamorphopsia, can distort one's perception of reality. Further, they examine how economic uncertainty fuels the spread of conspiracy theories, as people seek definitive explanations during uncertain times.

The summary also touches on a disturbing trend in Bakersfield, California, where an alarming number of pedestrians have been struck and killed by trains. This local crisis underscores the need for improved safety measures and raises questions about the underlying causes and potential solutions.

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Side Stories: Vampire Facial

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 30, 2024 episode of the Last Podcast On The Left

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Side Stories: Vampire Facial

1-Page Summary

Mental Health as Portrayed in Media

Misdiagnosed disorders

Victor Schauer developed a rare disorder called prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) after sustaining a head injury. According to the summary, this caused him to perceive human faces as demonic when in motion, likely due to lesions affecting his neurological perception.

Economic Uncertainty and Conspiracy Theories

A PhD student in political science discusses how the need for cognitive closure, a concept from social psychologist Ari Kruglanski, can drive belief in conspiracy theories during uncertain economic times. This desire for definitive answers may amplify antagonism towards outgroups, the summary suggests.

Comedian Henry Zebrowski reflects on the human tendency to seek straightforward explanations amidst life's complexities, especially in periods of uncertainty when simpler answers feel comforting.

Train and Traffic Incidents

Bakersfield, CA

In Bakersfield, California, the summary highlights a concerning increase in pedestrians being struck and killed by trains. It notes that local homeless shelters have even encountered human remains scavenged from these tragic sites. The high number of deaths at train intersections in the area underscores the need for improved safety measures.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) is a rare disorder where individuals perceive human faces as distorted or demonic, often triggered by neurological damage. This condition can cause faces to appear abnormal or frightening, particularly when in motion. PMO is typically linked to lesions in the brain that affect how the individual processes facial features and expressions. It can significantly impact social interactions and daily life due to the altered perception of familiar faces.
  • Cognitive closure is the desire for a definitive answer or certainty in uncertain situations. This need can lead individuals to embrace simplistic explanations, like conspiracy theories, to reduce ambiguity. People seeking cognitive closure may be more susceptible to believing in conspiracies during times of economic uncertainty or societal upheaval. This concept highlights how the human mind seeks closure and clarity, especially when faced with complex or distressing circumstances.
  • During uncertain economic times, people may seek definitive answers to alleviate their anxiety. This desire for clarity can lead to a stronger belief in conspiracy theories. This amplified need for closure may fuel antagonism towards groups seen as responsible for the economic uncertainty. Such hostility towards outgroups can be a way for individuals to assign blame and make sense of complex situations.
  • Henry Zebrowski's reflections on seeking simple explanations highlight the human tendency to gravitate towards straightforward answers, especially during uncertain times. This inclination stems from a desire for clarity and comfort in the face of life's complexities. Zebrowski suggests that when faced with uncertainty, people often find solace in explanations that are easy to grasp and provide a sense of understanding. This behavior can be a coping mechanism to navigate challenging or ambiguous situations.
  • The increase in pedestrians being struck and killed by trains in Bakersfield, California, highlights a concerning trend of accidents at train intersections in the area. This issue underscores the importance of enhancing safety measures to prevent further tragedies. The presence of local homeless shelters encountering human remains from these incidents adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Improving awareness, infrastructure, and education around railway safety could help address this growing problem.

Counterarguments

  • While Victor Schauer's condition is a result of neurological lesions, it's important to consider that not all cases of altered perception after a head injury are due to such specific conditions as PMO. Other psychological or neurological factors could also play a role.
  • The link between the need for cognitive closure and belief in conspiracy theories is complex and may not be the only factor. Other psychological, social, and individual factors could also contribute to the belief in conspiracy theories.
  • While Henry Zebrowski points out a human tendency to seek simple explanations, it's worth noting that not everyone responds to complexity or uncertainty by gravitating towards simplicity. Some individuals may seek out more information or embrace the complexity.
  • The increase in pedestrian incidents in Bakersfield could be due to a variety of factors beyond the need for improved safety measures, such as socioeconomic issues, urban planning, or individual behavior.
  • The mention of human remains being scavenged at train accident sites in Bakersfield could be an isolated incident and not necessarily indicative of a widespread problem.
  • Improved safety measures at train intersections are important, but it's also essential to consider broader strategies that address the root causes of why individuals are on the tracks in dangerous situations to begin with, such as homelessness and mental health issues.

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Side Stories: Vampire Facial

Mental Health as Portrayed in Media

The media's portrayal of mental health can often be complex or nuanced, particularly when it involves rare disorders or psychological phenomena related to current events.

Misdiagnosed disorders

Man developed rare disorder causing him to see human faces as demonic

Victor Schauer developed a rare disorder after a series of unfortunate events, including a bacterial infection and a significant head injury sustained while trying to open the stuck door of his pickup truck. The injury occurred when he fell backward and hit his head on concrete. The resulting condition, known as prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), causes Schauer to see human faces as demonic, with extended mouths, furrowed brows, and narrowed eyes, but only when the faces are in motion. In contrast, he does not perceive these distortions when viewing photographs or videos of people. The disorder links the physical with the neurological, as lesions formed after his head injury likely contribute to this neurological perception disorder, affecting how faces appear in terms of shape, size, texture, or color.

Economic Uncertainty and Conspiracy Theories

Political psychology connecting conspiracy theories to feelings of uncertainty and need for definitive answers

A PhD student in political science at WSU discusses the psychological mechanisms that might lead people to embrace conspiracy theories. The need for cognitive closure, a concept developed by social psychologist Ari Kruglanski, is highlighted as a significant factor. This psychological need reflects a person's desire for definitive and simple answers to complex issues, which can drive conspiracy theory endorsement, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. An experimental study demonstrates how this need for closure is connected to the likelihood of believing in conspiracy theo ...

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Mental Health as Portrayed in Media

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) is a visual disorder where individuals perceive human faces as distorted and demonic, often with exaggerated features like extended mouths and narrowed eyes. It is different from prosopagnosia, which is the inability to recognize faces. PMO can be caused by neurological factors, such as lesions from head injuries, leading to these specific visual distortions.
  • Cognitive closure is a psychological concept that describes the desire for definitive and simple answers to complex issues. It reflects a need for certainty and decisiveness in understanding the world, especially during times of uncertainty. This need can drive individuals to embrace conspiracy theories as a way to satisfy their craving for clear explanations. Cognitive closure is linked to the human tendency to seek clarity and closure in ambiguous or confusing situations.
  • Epistemic, existential, and social drivers are factors that influence people's beliefs and behaviors. Epistemic drivers relate to the need for information and knowledge. Existential drivers involve fears and concerns about existence and mortality. Social drivers pertain to the desire for connection and belonging within a community. These drivers can shape individuals' perspectives and decisions, including their tendencies towards conspiracy theories.
  • A ...

Counterarguments

  • The diagnosis of PMO in Victor Schauer's case is based on reported symptoms and medical history; however, without further information, it's difficult to assess the accuracy of the diagnosis and whether other psychological factors or disorders could also be contributing to his condition.
  • While the need for cognitive closure is a well-documented psychological phenomenon, not all individuals who seek simple answers to complex issues will resort to conspiracy theories; other factors such as education, critical thinking skills, and exposure to diverse information sources also play significant roles.
  • The connection between economic uncertainty and the endorsement of conspiracy theories is complex and may not be as direct or universal as suggested; other variables such as personal experiences, cultural background, and political ideology can influence this relationship.
  • The assertion that conspiracy theories can lead to antagonism towards "outgroups" is generally supported by research, but it's also important to recognize that not all individuals who believe in conspiracy theories will develop such antagonism, and not all conspiracy theories involve outgroups.
  • While people may be inclined to engage in conspiratorial thinking for simpler explanations, it's also possible for individuals to seek and appreciate complexity and nuance in uncertain times, dependi ...

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Side Stories: Vampire Facial

Train and Traffic Incidents

Bakersfield, CA

In Bakersfield, California, there is a concerning rise in the number of pedestrians being struck by trains. The local missions that shelter the homeless report bringing in human remains after such incidents.

Multiple cases of pedestrians hit by trains, body parts scavenged

In just the past month, there have been at least two incidents where pedestrians were hit by trains. Compounding this tragic situation, there have been reports of human remains being scavenged from these sites. Additionally, train intersecti ...

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Train and Traffic Incidents

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The local missions in Bakersfield, California, are involved in the incidents involving pedestrians and trains because they often provide shelter and support to the homeless population in the area. Homeless individuals may be at a higher risk of being involved in accidents, including being struck by trains, due to factors like living near train tracks or crossing them frequently. The missions may also be responsible for handling the aftermath of such inciden ...

Counterarguments

  • The number of incidents may be influenced by factors other than the safety of the crossings, such as pedestrian behavior or trespassing.
  • The report of local missions bringing in human remains could be a reflection of their proximity to the train tracks and their role in the community rather than a direct correlation with train incidents.
  • The term "scavenged" may need clarification, as it could imply different scenarios ranging from criminal activity to mismanagement of the accident scene.
  • The statistic of 66 deaths could be misleading without context, such as the number of crossings, the volume of train and pedestrian traffic, and comparison with other locations or time periods.
  • The call for improved safety measures, while likely necessary, should also be balanced with an understanding of the cost, feasibility, and potential effectiveness of proposed so ...

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