The Pros And Cons Of Cognitive Dissonance

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Many North Americans are familiar with the show, What Would You Do? with host John Quiñones. The show hits sensitive topics ranging from race or gender discrimination, stealing, sexual or violence abuse, and many more. Then, the average citizen is put to the test to see if they have what it takes to respond to the situation. Sitting in the comfort of their homes, many people say that they would stand up and defend for justice, but it is easier to think that when one is not currently in the midst of the situation. People are quick to judge others and label people who do not respond as “bad people.” However, there are situations to consider. Take the Penn State University scandal for example. For decades, Jared Sandusky was able to hide his ugly, …show more content…

When graduate assistant, Mike McQueary, tells Penn State football coach Joe Paterno and then also Curley and Schultz, no report was made (Chappell). This is the start of where cognitive dissonance occurs. This case, much like the Milgram experiment, involved a step-by-step exposure. Throughout the span of the scandal, 1977 to 2012, there were small reports that came about here and there. It was first time the case failed to be questioned further, failed to do a more depth investigation, failed to go to trial is where cognitive dissonance occurs. Here the people involved have the attitude of watching out for children and their wellbeing, but their behavior of not questioning or reporting anything went against their attitude. This caused dissonance which can be undone by changing one’s attitude. Perhaps this was saying oh it was just “horseplay” or “not that big of a deal.” This statement starts the cycle of constantly not speaking up because then it would have meant that they were a “bad” since they chose not to report it the first time. Much like the participants in the Milgram experiment, it is easier to go about the routine and just keep on the path than to face the reality of the situation and why they did not do anything the first

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