The Psychology of Evil

First year in Singapore, I learnt "mean" means "evil".
People there usually say "You are so mean", not knowing what mean really entails.
That is not when I first understand what evil means.
I am pretty sure once I thought my mum was evil because she hit me for my wrongdoings.
Or that my sister was evil because she fought with me over toys when we were both young.

When I grow up slowly, I am more aware of the evilness in myself.
I don't know if it happens to you, but sometimes I feel the urge to steal even though I am not short of money.
Of course, the action is hindered by conscious thinking that stealing is an evil act.

According to Philip Zimbardo, all evil act can be caused by:
1) The person him/herself
2) The situation which causes the person to behave in such a way

Maybe the stall has low security therefore the idea of stealing popped up.
Sometimes, I like to do experiments to prove myself right.
I am sure I am one of the good apples.

Why do good people turns into bad people?
1)Dispositional : The person if he/she is a bad apple before they commit any evil act.
2)Situational: The environment/ the external factors that influences the person's behaviour. (The Bad Barrel)
3)Systemic: The power of the system corrupts an individual (The Bad Barrel Maker)

I have read stories and watched interviews about serial killers, most of them in the US because I was curious about their state of mind.

7 social processes that grease the slippery slope of evil.
-Mindlessly taking the first small step
-Dehumanisation of others
-De-individuation of Self
-Diffusion of personal responsibility
-Blind obedience to authority
-Uncritical conformity to group norms
-Passive tolerance to evil through inaction or indifference
*And these usually happen in new or unfamiliar situation

I would like to highlight the "passive tolerance to evil through inaction of indifference".
I always believe that there is actually no neutral stance in an issue.
Because when you choose to be neutral you are actually picking the side of the majority.
And "passive tolerance to evil through inaction", I think it is the same as taking a neutral stance.
It perhaps illustrates that doing the right thing can prevent people from turning evil.
For example: telling your teacher your best friend has cheated in exams. (not dominated by emotions)

Above text is my understanding of the TED talk: The Psychology of Evil.
You can watch a whole of this at the following link: (mind you it is 23 minutes long)
http://www.ted.com/talks/philip_zimbardo_on_the_psychology_of_evil/transcript?language=en#t-1002000