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Fact: In a position of power, people tend to conform to social roles, stereotypes, and behaviors expected of that position of power.

Sound familiar?

Zimbardo’s highly controversial, yet globally-recognized “Stanford Prison Experiment” shares some interesting parallels with the numerous cases of police brutality.

Fact: Anonymity means power.

The experiment relied on the guards wearing the same clothes: khaki pants, dark sunglasses, a club and a whistle. Eye-contact was kept to a minimum.

Here are some general inventory list for riot gear: Riot helmet with face shields, polycarbonate riot batons, and riot guns.

Fact: Cops dressed up as soldiers will act as soldiers.

This cause we fight for is as much a psychological issue as it is a moral one. As we redress our police in military clothes, they will adapt to fill the military niche — they will conform to unprescribed social roles, unclear stereotypes, and uninstructed behaviors. They may be fighting in a war they had no idea they joined.

Fact: If guns are equipped, they will be used. Humanity will so often be hidden behind the riot mask.

We also need to keep our police in check. Beyond background checks, knowing that we can trust our police to make the right decision is much more important than a high accuracy at the shooting range.

It is necessary that we spread awareness. Police brutality should not be a repressed secret, a topic to be avoided and shoved under the table.

Fact: Police brutality must be addressed as both a psychological issue as well as a moral one.

We need to appeal to those in power on a basic human level. We need to exchange our stories and our experiences, not exchange blows. We need to all do what we can to appeal peacefully, as this is the only way we can promote positive change.

Fact: Through our peace, their violence will be brought to light.

If you’d like to read more information about the prison experiment, please click the following link:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/zimbardo.html