Reactions of Limbic System － Freeze
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Imagine you lived a million years ago surrounded by enemies; fierce animals which were stronger and faster than you. What could you do to ensure that your species would still be alive a million years later? The only thing you could do was follow your instinct. This strategy or defensive mechanism evolved from the experience of our ancestors. When faced with predators or danger, we would automatically freeze.
Some animals will not only freeze when the predators approach, they will even pretend to be dead. This is the ultimate response of freezing.
In fact, humans also display these animalistic traits. They pretend to be dead when something happens. This is clearly displayed in the Columbine High School Massacre and also the shooting incident in Virginia Tech. The two tragedies showed that student survived because they lay ‘dead’ on the ground, even though some students lay just a few feet away from the killers.
By stopping all body movements and hiding in the background are ancient instinctive behavior that soldiers used during battle.
Society Nowadays
In fact, humans also display these animalistic traits. They pretend to be dead when something happens. This is clearly displayed in the Columbine High School Massacre and also the shooting incident in Virginia Tech. The two tragedies showed that student survived because they lay ‘dead’ on the ground, even though some students lay just a few feet away from the killers.
By stopping all body movements and hiding in the background are ancient instinctive behavior that soldiers used during battle.
Society Nowadays
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The freezing reaction acquired and adapted from our ancestors is still the very first signs of defense line of humans ever seen. In fact it has never disappeared. For example, during the giant tiger and lion show in Las Vegas, the audience row closest to the big cats will display these reactions every time the tiger or lion walks onto the stage. Their arm or hands remain perfectly still, avoiding all necessary movement. They react this way without any cues or instructions. Over 5 million years, this reaction has adapted to nature.
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In today’s society, this freezing reaction is used very commonly; when people bluff, steal, lie or get busted. When trying to spot a lie, you can search for any freezing reaction.
Humans work and live in groups. Even when we don’t feel threatened in groups, we are programmed to imitate others’ behaviors. This behavior has evolved from ‘isopraxium’ because it is essential to society’s harmony and ultimately its survival.
Hiding In The Background
The limbic system uses a modification of the freeze response, lowering the chance of exposure to protect us. When you witness thieving behavior, the most special thing is that thieves are always tempted to control their movement and hunch their back to go undetected in their surroundings.
Hiding In The Background
The limbic system uses a modification of the freeze response, lowering the chance of exposure to protect us. When you witness thieving behavior, the most special thing is that thieves are always tempted to control their movement and hunch their back to go undetected in their surroundings.
Ironically these movements attract people’s attention because they stray away from normal human behavior. This is mostly observable in shopping malls where it strays away from normal shopping behavior. Most shoppers keep moving around, their hands busy and their body posture upright.
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Psychologically, these thieves are like your children who want to steal chips or biscuits from the kitchen without being caught. They will attempt to “hide” in open areas to control the surrounding background. Another way that people attempt to hide is by limiting their head exposure in surroundings. This is noticed by raised shoulders and lowered head (shoulders move up towards the ears) called the ‘turtle effect’, commonly seen when people lose confidence or are faultfinding. More simply, you can imagine the composure of a football team leaving the stadium after losing a competition.
Acts As A Helpful Tool
Last but not least, interestingly but unfortunately, children who were abused will carry out such freezing limbic system behavior. When the abusive parents approach the child, their hands stay still and instead, stay glued to the sides of the body. They avoid eye contact. It seems like it may help them go unnoticed. To a certain extent, they too want to blend into their surroundings, and the freezing technique is the only survival tool that these innocent kids can use.
Acts As A Helpful Tool
Last but not least, interestingly but unfortunately, children who were abused will carry out such freezing limbic system behavior. When the abusive parents approach the child, their hands stay still and instead, stay glued to the sides of the body. They avoid eye contact. It seems like it may help them go unnoticed. To a certain extent, they too want to blend into their surroundings, and the freezing technique is the only survival tool that these innocent kids can use.
Practice makes perfect!
Pick their thoughts! They cannot hide their expression and hold their intentions from your eyes!
Jason Lam
Reference:
Walter Bradford Cannon (1929). Bodily changes in pain, hunger, fear, and rage. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
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