The thinking center

Naturally we are aware of the full range of functions of the feet, which include but are not limited to penalty kicking and tap dancing. We also know that many other body parts are involved in each of these activities. Why is it then, that when it comes to the brain, we are so tempted to simplify and localize function? "The amygdala, the fear center of the brain", "the prefrontal cortex, the brain region that is responsible for planning", "the hippocampus the memory center of the brain", and so forth, are commonly encountered phrases in popular media.