Video Clip

When I first watched the video I have to say I didn't get it. But then I saw Hugh Laurie as a Bruce Springsteen-esque singer. Springsteen is representative of the working class and his songs epitomize its struggle. The song was simple - repeating only America and the States. And he sang it full of angst and anguish. In the end he is punched out by a man in a suit symbolizing how others (other countries around the world) are tired of hearing Americans cry and complain about how difficult things are for them.

Was the Stanford Prison Experiment ethical?

After reading up further on the Stanford Prison Experiment I don't think it was ethical. Zimbardo became an active participant in the experiment. There didn't seem to be enough controls in the experiment, beyond the structural ones. The guards received little guidance and few limitations on their behavior. Did it resemble real conditions as closely as it should/could have? Also, I'm not convinced there was full disclosure as to the treatment you may receive if you were selected to be a prisoner. Plus, all were compensated for their involvement. What would the pool of applicants been had they not?

It was surprising to read that each side slipped so deeply in to their roles so quickly. And with the number of visitors to the "prison" - including parents and other university staff no one thought Zimbardo had lost perspective and the experiment was out of control until 6 days in.

Week 1 Blog Entry: Introduction

Those who know me might disagree but I don't like to talk about myself. Talk, yes. About myself, not so much. But here goes.... I am currently going back to school to get a second degree. I am taking sociology because it is a prerequisite. However, I am an engineer by training so I'm looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone of structure and taking on issues that have many viewpoints and more than one answer. This is also my first time taking online classes. I don't think they were very popular when I first went through college. But then neither were computers. Outside of school, I enjoy getting outside and exercising. And I'm a big fan of all the crime shows on television. I think I may have missed my calling as a forensic scientist. I'm looking forward to learning about the new ideas and subject matter this class will offer.