The Inner Nazi

As humans, we love to believe that what we are inherently good. We assume that our neighbor across the street would do anything for us just like we would for them, in even the most desperate of times. Despite this, self-preservation presents itself as a common theme in history, especially in "the most desperate of times".

During the Holocaust, millions of Nazis pushed aside their moral values in the presence of higher power. In the name of obedience and, for many, fear for their lives, these people hurt millions of innocent human beings. When asked why he created such damage, Nazi Party member Adolf Eichmann said he was "just following orders". This quote became the base for an idea called "The Nuremberg Defense" named after the trials at which Nazis were questioned. However, could "just following orders" actually just be an excuse for one's morality loss when given power?

Fast forward to 1971, when the Stanford Prison Experiment took place. For those unfamiliar with its logistics, the basis of the experiment was as follows: a group of Stanford students was divided into "prisoners" and "guards" and placed in a mock prison for what was supposed to be two weeks. In just six days, the "guards" began abusing their power, so the experiment was called off. Just think for a second; these were regular college students who were all equal to each other. When given power, all of that was forgotten.
"At that time it wasn't families. It was everybody to take care for himself!" - Art Spiegelman
In times of dire need, many humans rely on only themselves. Whether that means doing anything in order to retain power given to you or hurting others in order to live, the human mindset of self-preservation is a very real thing.  Perhaps we all have an "inner Nazi", just waiting to come out.

A "Guard's" Post-Experiment Interview (Stanford Prison Experiment)

Comments

  1. Esther ChoiSeptember 30, 2018 at 10:57 PM

    Dhatri, I think that it's really interesting that you related this topic to the Stanford experiment. I agree with you on the fact that self-preservation is definitely the reaction of most people because it is merely human instinct. I feel like people are able to fight this instinct though, and this is how we can prevent the "inner Nazi" in us from coming out.

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  2. Arlene ChenOctober 1, 2018 at 11:21 AM

    HI Dhatri! I actually wrote a blog that was pretty similar to yours, but I think I talked more about the moral gray area we reside in than the "inner Nazi" you described.. Still, you bring up some valid points! The Stanford prison experiment was very shocking to me, and definitely brings up some interesting issues about our morality. Nice post!

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