No Stupid Questions 131. Why Do We Cry?
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Jan 22, 2023 Dive into the fascinating world of crying, where sobbing is explored as a potential survival tactic. Listeners will hear personal tales that intertwine music, memories, and grief, revealing the complex emotional landscape behind tears. Discover five major triggers for emotional tears and how they can create connections between people. The discussion even touches on gender differences in emotional expression, challenging societal norms and advocating for a cultural shift that embraces vulnerability. Who knew sauerkraut and sadness could share a connection?
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Dubner's Crying Experience
- Stephen Dubner rarely cries, but he teared up listening to music after his father's death anniversary.
- This coincided with the death of his childhood hero, Franco Harris, on the same day as his father, 49 years later.
Crying's Purpose
- Crying serves a biological function, like lubricating the eyeball.
- Emotional crying, however, acts as interpersonal communication, signaling distress.
Why Babies Cry
- Several hypotheses exist regarding why babies cry, from separation distress to a manipulation tactic.
- One suggests that crying might even be a way to reduce infanticide by signaling vigor.