Distinguishing disgust from fear: the vomit and faint defenses

Political ideologies have also exploited this powerful symbol. “Blut und Boden” (i.e., “Blood and soil”) was an ideology supported by the Nazis that referred to the belief of an important and even mystical tie between ethnic descent and territory. According to this ideology, progress for the Country meant “keeping the blood pure” by rejecting those who are inferior by maintaining and promoting “proven blood” (Lovin, 1967: 285). In contrast, many cultures also associate strong feelings of danger and pollution with almost everything blood-related: a slain enemy, corpses, childbirth, menstruation, and so on (Douglas, [1966] 2002). Exceptions can of course be found, and this should not be unexpected given that these constructs, as Douglas argued, are largely socially constructed. Importantly, regardless of the meaning associated with blood, its valence is usually quite strong, often evoking dramatic reactions. There is probably something innate to our fascination with blood because it is such a universally powerful symbol, regardless of whether it is a symbol of purity, danger or pollution. Blood’s powerful symbolism is perhaps unsurprising when considering its direct links with basic human drives: security and predation.