Why Good People Turn Evil
Jakayla Taylor
Philip Zimbardo, the author
Zimbardo was born on March 23, 1933 in New York, New York. He is a psychologist who worked for Stanford University and is best known for conducting the Stanford Prison Experiment. After the prison experiment, he conducted research on cults and heroism. His greatest accomplishment was being elected as president of the American Psychological Association in 2002.
Summary of Book
This book isn't like any normal book. This book gives a psychological account to give reason to the question of why good people turn evil. This book also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Stanford Prison Experiment that was conducted in 1971.
Events the Book Discusses
Text-to-world connection
This reminds me of the many criminal cases in which doctor's were trying to provide medical reason behind why a person murdered or inflicted harm upon another person. In the experiment about the kids whose behavior changed once they had a costume on, it reminded me of Halloween night when everyone had their alarm system on and every child had to be home by a certain time. To parents, it seemed that people's behavior made a dark turn on Halloween night because their faces are hidden behind masks. Things are also different because back then there were probably less people who did not act when they saw something wrong. Now, if you were to speak out against something, you'd be seen as brave or courageous and instantaneous popularity. In this day and age, speaking out for what you believe in makes you famous so therefore more people are willing to do it.