This amygdala is part of the brain that understands alarm and fear....

Some other researchers, Mahzarin Banaji (Harvard) and Liz Phelps (NYU) conducted experiments with a fMRI.  They found compelling results.  (The amygdala is the region of the brain that processes alarm and fear).  When a  white person was flashed a black persons face, the amygdala fired up.  The results were the same for black people seeing white faces.  However, when the images where flashed more slowly, then higher regions of the brain (anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) would over ride the reactions of the amygdala.  This created more activity with consciousness.  We are hardwired to respond to the image of a person that is similar to our skin color.  When someones brain has been hijacked, this can happen with drugs, alcohol or other situations, then the amygdala will respond in a reactionary way over riding the rest of the brain.  We do need to learn to think before the primitive part of the brain takes over.
We are given chooses daily to work from the higher centers of the brain.  LENS neurofeedback can help the brain to process information in a calm, relaxed manner.
Quote:  It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.  Aristole