Gevangene 416 Stanford Prison Experiment • 16 augustus 1971

• Vijftig jaar geleden, 15-21 augustus 1971, vond het beruchte, tot de verbeelding sprekende Stanford Prison Experiment plaats, waarbij willekeurig aangewezen bewakers een groep willekeurig gekozen gevangenen moesten bewaken. Het experiment liep dermate uit de hand dat het na 6 dagen beëindigd moest worden. Een en ander trok de aandacht van het grote publiek, met als voornaamste 'conclusie' dat het slechte in ieder mens zonder veel moeite aan de oppervlakte gebracht kan worden — maar achteraf was er zwaarwegende kritiek op de opzet en uitvoering, en werden de nodige kanttekeningen en vraagtekens geplaatst bij de conclusies. Luister eventueel naar deze NRC-podcast. Hier een verslag van het experiment, en hieronder een 'dagboek' van een van de bewakers die zich het meest lieten gaan in hun behandeling van de gevangenen.

Journal of Prisoner 416

Day 1- 4:30 P.M.
Well, this sucks. I got selected as a prisoner. The police came to my house and arrested me in front of all my neighbors and friends. My mother was so freaked out. They took me to the police station and printed me, deloused, and blindfolded me! How dehumanizing is that. I felt like a criminal. Not even that, I felt like an animal. I recognize that the people undergoing these procedures most likely deserve it, but, ugh- It’s awful.
Now, I’m trapped in this cell for two weeks. I haven’t decided if this is worth the 15 bucks yet. This gown is ridiculous. I can’t even wear underwear. And I heard talk that they may be chaining our feet together. Chaining, not cuffing. That’s worse than actual prison.
Oh well, I don’t believe it. The guys playing the guards seem nice enough. I think they’re just here to wait out the two weeks and collect their paychecks. I think the worst part is over.

Day 2 – 9:27 A.M.
After the way we were treated last night during dinner, my cellmates and I, including the guy next door, have decided to barricade our room with our beds. I don’t want those guards coming in and harassing us. I dunno why, but last night they kept waltzing in and searching my cell. I just want to be left alone for two seconds. Some of the guards are starting to take this a little too seriously. I have a right to my privacy, don’t I?

Day 4 – 2:34 A.M.
My god, I am so sorry. I just want to be left out. I didn’t mean to be such a bad prisoner. It’s just they wanted me to eat this sausage that was covered in dirt, and I just can’t. I don’t mind being in the isolation chamber- I’ve been here enough times- I just can’t stand the shouting. I hear the other prisoners shouting outside. I’m not a bad prisoner. I tried my best. I gave up my bed when they asked for it. I’ve done all the push ups required of me. I even sang the alphabet naked when the guards told me too. I just can’t eat that sausage.
But, maybe I should. I mean, then the other prisoners can go to bed and maybe the guards won’t punish me too harshly. I just want to be a good prisoner. Really.
“Prisoner 416 did a very, very bad thing!”
Prisoner 416 did a very, very bad thing!
Prisoner 416 did a very, very bad thing!

Day 6 -8:23 A.M.
I heard the prisoners get to go home. I was released two nights ago. I couldn’t take it. All I remember is breaking. I mean, I think my mind snapped. I was crying and screaming and I just felt so bad that I was forcing punishment on my fellow prisoners.
I dunno, I’m home now. I’m not Prisoner 416 anymore, but I still feel like it. I hope the other prisoners don’t feel the same way.