The neuroscience behind Will Smith's attack on Chris Rock
Raw StoryIn case you missed it, last night at the Oscars, actor Will Smith slapped the bejesus out of comedian Chris Rock, who was one of the award show’s presenters. That being said, I do not condone Smith’s response, but as a neuroscientist, I know why it happened, and it is called “amygdala hijack.” To truly understand why Will Smith snapped, we have to understand the role and interplay of two brain areas—the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. I wasn’t invited!” In addition to amygdala hijack, the Smith’s might have been anticipating an attack from Rock at some unconscious level, so in a sense Will might have been primed for such an event. Priming refers to when “exposure to one stimulus influences a response to a subsequent stimulus, without conscious guidance or intent.” Similarly, Rock’s cool-headed response may also be a sign that at some level he was anticipating the possibility of some explosive reaction from one of the two Smiths.
History of this topic
Will Smith says his Oscars outburst was a result of ‘rage that had been bottled for a long time’
The Independent
Will Smith apologises to Chris Rock with Instagram post for slapping him, Academy launches formal investigation
Hindustan Times
Anger management: How could Will Smith’s attack on Chris Rock have been avoided?
The Independent
A joke, a slap, then chaos: How Will Smith’s attack on Chris Rock upended the Oscars
LA TimesDiscover Related
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