Could You Be Pushed to Commit a Horrific Crime, Article Review Example

The Lucifer Effect

This article written by Major Joon K. J Hong is a review of Philip Zimbardo’s “The Lucifer Effect”. It is well noted that Zimbardo is the original psychology researcher that headed the Stanford Prison Experiment or (SPE). The SPE took college student volunteers from Stanford University and placed them in the roles of both prison guards and prisoners to simulate a prison environment. The purpose of this experiment was to explore how regular law abiding people would respond to the harsh conditions of a prison. Zimbardo has suggested many times in his research that under the right circumstances and situation, any ethical person is vulnerable to folding under the pressure and can lead them to commit sadistic acts they would not otherwise commit. The controversial SPE demonstrated that this is very much possible, but the variables in the experiment such as consciousness of the fact that it was an experiment debunked Zimbardo’s suggestions.

The title “The Lucifer Effect” is attributed to the biblical character Lucifer. Lucifer was one of the original archangels and God’s most beloved son. Although Lucifer was considered the most beautiful angel in appearance and character, he eventually folded under pressure when God created humanity. God commanded his angels, including Lucifer, to serve humanity. Lucifer refused to serve the lesser beings and turned against God; where his brother archangel Michael eventually casted him down from heaven at God’s orders. The circumstances—specific to Lucifer—were right for him to turn from good to evil.

Hong uses the story of Sergeant John M. Russell of the United States Army as the primary example of this psychological theory as well as for the review or Zimbardo’s work. It was noted that SGT Russell was a military hero who dearly enjoyed serving his country. However, one day in May of 2009, SGT Russell had a mental snap and shot five of his fellow American soldiers. Hong presented his audience with the possible reasons behind SGT Russell’s actions. SGT Russell was undergoing mental health treatment at the time of the shooting. SGT Russell had also been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or (PTSD) from his time served in Iraq. Hong also mentioned that a brain scan provided evidence that SGT Russell’s impulse control had been impaired due to damage on his brain.

SGT Russell’s story is an example of the Lucifer effect at work. A normal, ethical man is placed under specific circumstances which he is not used to. These circumstances are comprised of violence and destruction. Because of being in such a harsh environment both physically and mentally, SGT Russell’s ethical integrity was impaired and drove him to the full potential of the Lucifer effect when he shot five of his fellow American soldiers for no reason other than self-contained rage and anger that blew out of control.

Hong’s review of Zimbardo’s work and theory was accurate with supporting evidence and serves as an influential element in the psychology of anybody’s situation. Hong goes on to make clear to the audience that they must be aware that they too are vulnerable to suffering from the Lucifer effect if they are driven by the persuasion of harsh and unfamiliar conditions. Being aware of the Lucifer effect may help people to stay in touch with their ethical integrity and personal morals should they ever be drastically placed in a violent or unfavorable situation.