The Milgram Experiment, as disturbing as it was, is only part of the story. Further experiments have been conducted which give us cause to be encouraged. For example, the Sherman experiment, which was similar to Milgram, except that the subjects were given an opportunity in advance to reflect on the ethical dimensions of certain acts. When they were later asked to perform those acts, two thirds refused. Our TSA agents are more like Sherman’s people than Milgram’s, because the horridness of the molestations is being daily held before them; the moral recalibration of the Sherman process is occurring.
May I also suggest (as I did in that other thread) that we could enhance and accelerate the Sherman Effect if we could find individuals in or near the TSA organization and personally walk them through some moral reflection on their actions. It is right to fear where the moral gullibility of our friends and neighbors in the TSA could lead, but we are not the Weimar Republic. We have travelled a different path to get where we are now, we have much better resources, and a much better chance at mass public education to counteract the propaganda than they did. Contrary to the prediction of the Milgram Experment, this does not have to end badly.
That gives me hope then.
“..and a much better chance at mass public education to counteract the propaganda..”
Interesting comments.
The phrase above gave me pause though. I imagine some good debates could be held regarding the differences and similarities between “mass public education” and propaganda...