Post #5 - Social Experiments

1) Stanley Milgrims shock experiment is similar to the book of negroes because it shows how people in power can sometimes lose their morals when they are instructed to do something. For example, the people who were doing the shocking took on this form where they didn't mind hurting the people even though realistically it should bug them. Similarly, Chekura was placed in this position of power during the long walks and he took advantage as well.

2) Dr Zimbardo's prison experiment, the story of random students playing roles of either prisoner or prison guard, had ridiculous results which apply nicely to the themes in the book of negroes. The students who were good people before hand that were placed in the guard role, actually became violent and rude with their peers who had become prisoners. The reason for their behavior? Because they could. Just like this experiment, there were many slaves who would be put in positions (the boat paddlers), that would then think they were superior and treat other slaves poorly.

3) Stockholm Syndrome is when prisoners or captives end up having feelings of empathy, sympathy, and other positive feelings towards their captors. This happens in the book of negroes as well, believe it or not. Aminata constantly puts her trust in white people despite seeing all of the bad and this is because she feels some of them are good. Little does Aminata know that she actually is getting hurt constantly...