January 6, 2011 Question D: The Stanford Experiment and Racial Oppression

I learned about the events of the Stanford Prison Experiment in psychology classes, but this video was very enthralling as I have only looked at its context in terms of psychology. It really was appalling, but what I found most interesting is that most of those involved played more into the role they were assigned. The prisoners acted shameful and confused while the guards acted aggressive and dominant. One man said that he felt as if those involved in running the experiment wanted him to act aggressively, so he did, he figured he would ‘make it more interesting’. I feel like this happens a lot in our society today. People subdue to what they think people want them to do or say, or wear and act like.

In racialized terms, I believe minorities and those who ‘go against the grain’ are the prisoners and whites are generally the guards. I was taken away by Maurice’s encounter with the police and the judgments they made on his character based on his race. The young man that joined the Stanford Experiment later on, he was constantly antagonized throughout his experience in the prison. However, he continued to refuse to eat or cooperate with the guards, infuriating them. At the same time, this anger was taken out on other prisoners, breaking down any sense of solidarity between the prisoners. Zimbardo said this young man who opposed authority should have been considered a hero. I agree with this. The video used the example of the Holocaust and how all those involved were convinced to submit to the authority and power. The people in the Milgram experiment experienced the same thing; the teacher simply shocked the learner just because a man in a white coat told them too. It is really sad that we cannot believe in our selves, and our own beliefs and individualistic notions. I think that all the prisoners should have gone with their own idea and resisted the authority of these guards. However, in such a hostile environment, what is one to do? I feel like everyone has so many preconceived notions about the horrors of prison that most people want to avoid any further harm or damage to himself or herself.

These experiments illuminate power, priveledge and oppression in many ways. Not only does it take away from a person as an individual, but it puts this whole meaningless and sadistic feeling inside someone who feels powerful, or priveledged, like the guards. No body should take advantage of power, and nobody should have the privilege to define, shame, or abuse, another’s character based on their race or physical appearance.