Obedience
Obedience
Schanika Whitfield
PSY/285
Dr. Michelle Render
After reviewing Milgram’s obedience video, my reactions towards it were a feeling of dismal. The experiment displayed unjust obedience and it is amazing how this can override the act of doing what we feel is right and morals of others. The teacher felt compelled to delay or discontinue the experiment; yet the experimenter instructed the teacher to continue on regardless of the painful reactions from the learner. This was very disturbing to me. Authority can be applied to everyday life and it affects obedience in various ways. In our homes, in the workplace, in the military, in different countries because of their cultural beliefs, and within the government, unjust obedience is being displayed. For example, in the military good soldiers are obligated to obey their commanders and the law. However, there can be moments when doing what is right is overturned by those in uniform with higher ranking. A group of soldiers are on the lookout for their enemies during a stakeout. The sergeant of the group notices movement of hastiness in the bushes. He realizes that it is a Vietnamese woman. He scurries over to grab her, with thoughts of having his way with her. He does and he orders the others to do the same. One cadet hesitates, however he soon joins in the sexual assault. Most people find it difficult to do what is right because of those who are above us. They are either afraid for themselves, friends and family, they could lose their jobs, or they probably just want to be accepted as part of a certain group or crowd. However this may come into play, there are various preventable acts to take against obedience that is unjust.
Schanika Whitfield
PSY/285
Dr. Michelle Render
After reviewing Milgram’s obedience video, my reactions towards it were a feeling of dismal. The experiment displayed unjust obedience and it is amazing how this can override the act of doing what we feel is right and morals of others. The teacher felt compelled to delay or discontinue the experiment; yet the experimenter instructed the teacher to continue on regardless of the painful reactions from the learner. This was very disturbing to me. Authority can be applied to everyday life and it affects obedience in various ways. In our homes, in the workplace, in the military, in different countries because of their cultural beliefs, and within the government, unjust obedience is being displayed. For example, in the military good soldiers are obligated to obey their commanders and the law. However, there can be moments when doing what is right is overturned by those in uniform with higher ranking. A group of soldiers are on the lookout for their enemies during a stakeout. The sergeant of the group notices movement of hastiness in the bushes. He realizes that it is a Vietnamese woman. He scurries over to grab her, with thoughts of having his way with her. He does and he orders the others to do the same. One cadet hesitates, however he soon joins in the sexual assault. Most people find it difficult to do what is right because of those who are above us. They are either afraid for themselves, friends and family, they could lose their jobs, or they probably just want to be accepted as part of a certain group or crowd. However this may come into play, there are various preventable acts to take against obedience that is unjust.