Do you believe it's true that most people are capable of committing atrocities if placed in a certain context?

Question

I mean atrocities such as murder, torture and rape, in a context of a brutal civil war in a lawless region.

(I have been reading about the conflict in eastern DR Congo. The number of civilians who have been plundered, raped and killed by militia, as well as by the national armed forces, is astounding.)

Answer 1

One will be forced to do unwanted actions like murder,rape etc in an disorderly,irate,unlawful,society.WAR by itself is a crime against humanity,consequently people become illegal.

Answer 2

Yes, people assume roles and do brutal things based on their surroundings and the power prescribed them.  Stanford University did a psychology study using "normal" students to prove abuse is possible by anyone.  I have attached the link.

Answer 3

h**l yeah.  I think Milgram's research on obedience should have convinced people of that by now.  Not to mention the Zimbardo prison experiment.

Ahh just read your update.  Sorry for being so vague initially in my answer.  However, I do think the Milgram study, which came about just after WWII and tried to explain the heinous actions of lower ranking members of the n**i soldiers, showed that such horrible treatment of other human beings can easily happen in the U.S. under the right circumstances.  All it takes is a little diffusion of responsibility and voila!  Mass executions a la mode.

Answer 4

I think that the best articles are not written, because they are too boring. They demonstrate that not all people are apt to commit crimes against humanity. But, those articles do not sell.