I have here chosen to analyze whether or not I would show the ordinariness of evil in Milgram's experiment. I'd probably sign the papers--why wouldn't I? I acknowledge rarely reading those releases: too many big words that I don't understand, or care to. When it comes to important things--like signing away money (note what is important is rather shallow, but essential to pay attention to)--however, I do tend to read it to make sure I understand.
Upon walking into the situation it would be a very different situation however. To some extent I acknowledge myself to be a coward. For myself I do not stand up and fight; indeed I haven't been in any sort of physical fight since I was about 8--and that with my sister. I lost--in one blow. I will however stand up for others. Entering into the room with the other participants I would likely have been fairly shy, and quiet while waiting. I would smile at the other person (the person I end up being told to electrocute) but not engage in much conversation unless they seemed to welcome my overtures of friendship.
Meeting the overseer of the situation I would be just as quiet. I tend to be so, on first meetings. I would be shocked at my partner being tied up and taken to another room, told to electrocute them. I might ask them if it was okay, if they were sure. I also might insist on finding out how much it hurt to be electrocuted--but then again, maybe not. I dislike pain.
It's possible that I might electrocute the 'learner' once or twice. I know myself though: I do not believe that I would continue, as soon as pain was expressed. I was incapable of pulling out my own teeth, and needles bother me but not because of the pain--I mentally cringe away from the idea of hurting a person on purpose. Self-defense and rough play are fine--but sharp objects callously I've never been able to handle. Whenever I get electrocuted the slightest bit I wonder whether the reaction will last in my body and stop my heart a week later, as I once read. Anything that was enough to cause significant pain--there is NO way I'd continue it.
Even if it wasn't about morals--I just wouldn't have the stomach to hurt another person for a study--even if some goon was standing over me telling me its for the best. I do have a rebellious streak: he would lose in a contest of wills. His telling me that "I must continue"...well, that's likely to encourage me to disobey.
(I'm not a conformist, at times. I rebelled against fashion for years as a child--because I didn't want my older sister using me as her doll. For about two years--no shirts that were in the popular style, none of the popular pants... to tell you the truth, I probably hindered my social development doing so. Through seventh grade I had no idea what was fashionable...oops?)
Whether or not I'd electrocute the other participant even once, I don't know. I can say, for sure, that there is no way on earth, even in a room of other people who were going along with the experiment, that I would continue on after even the first scream and plea for the experiment to conclude.
Jessica
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