Response to Lucifer Effect Essay Example

second paragraph, questioning why supposedly good individuals are not held accountable for their wrongdoings.

As a society, we often neglect our involvement in their destructive decisions. I strongly believe in the concept of the web of fate, where each life influences others and ultimately generates consequences, whether positive or negative. Zambardo extensively illustrates this idea in his book.

Two events that stood out to me were the Abu Ghraib Prison incident and Zambardo's personal encounter with the Stanford Prison effect. The Abu Ghraib Prison incident is particularly memorable to me, as I recall my family discussing it and expressing the belief that the individuals involved deserved what happened to them. I also have a vivid memory of feeling deeply saddened by the situation, as witnessing acts of cruelty being inflicted on another human being purely for amusement deeply affected me at the age of 16.

The issue began with a combination of social pressure and psychological effects stemming from the war. These individuals witnessed numerous disturbing events during the war, resulting in a significant shift in their mentality. Additionally, the Stanford effect comes into play, which I researched online in order to gain a clearer understanding of this experiment. Interestingly, it strongly reminded me of the book "Lord Of the Flies".

The Stanford Prison experiment had a tragic outcome despite initially involving innocent adults. Although the experiment was abruptly halted due to an overwhelming situation, it remained compelling. I have thoroughly read Dr. Zambardo's report on the incident, and I strongly believe that external influences play a significant role in shaping an individual's psyche. During the experiment, both prisoners and guards effectively assimilated into their respective roles within

the prison system.

The text discusses how certain Guards in the experiment acted cruelly and enjoyed humiliating the prisoners. Some prisoners forgot they were part of an experiment and obediently followed all the rules. Zambardo, who was in charge of the experiment, also fully immersed himself in his role and lost sight of its purpose. The text argues that both the environment and people surrounding someone significantly influence their decision-making process. Ultimately, changes in one's surroundings can lead to a phenomenon called the Lucifer Effect, which affects individuals' behavior, whether it is showing off or blindly obeying orders. Initially, Zambardo presents concrete evidence supporting his claims but later reflects on these findings and provides answers to his own questions.

Sometimes, the text can be challenging to comprehend, but upon rereading it becomes intelligible. Ultimately, it pertains to individuals similar to myself who, when placed in stressful circumstances or unfamiliar surroundings, may become unsettling.