The trial verdict on Karen Matthews and Michael Donovan raises questions about the causes of “evil”. The inaction of bystanders is one factor with the Social Services failing to take action to protect Shannon despite her having been on the Children At Risk Register. Situational factors are another with Shannon being trapped in an extended dysfunctional family containing both Matthews and Donovan. This is neither an explanation nor an excuse for their despicable behaviour, but is a contributing factor. According to trial evidence, both Matthews and Donovan had psyches with the potential for “evil”. The social dynamics between Matthews and Donovan led to the acting out of that “evil” on a nine-year-old girl.

The Abduction of Shannon Matthews

Matthews was described in a Social Services psychology report as “incapable of putting her children before herself”. This suggests an extremely selfish side to her personality which taken to an extreme as with the Shannon abduction could be portrayed as “evil”. Donovan is described as a drifter and a fantasist, changing his name to a character in a 1980’s TV mini-series. He is a weak character who could be manipulated by Matthews into taking part in the abduction for money. His use of a restraining leash and a hypnotic drug on Shannon shows an uncaring side to his personality. Whether this side to his character would have become apparent without the intervention of Matthews is debatable.

Adolf Hitler

The Holocaust is the embodiment of evil in modern times. Adolf Hitler the architect of that genocide. Abused by his father. A vagrant at 19. As the only surviving male child, he was adored by his mother. He felt he was special, but became resentful when his mother died leaving him homeless and penniless. A damaged personality, but not yet “evil”.

He fought bravely as a twice-decorated soldier on the Western Front during World War 1. Yet left the army filled with a rage against those he blamed for the humiliation of Germany. Fighting in the trenches certainly deeply affected any soldier who experienced this hell. Hitler’s already damaged mind was pushed over the edge. His resulting Messianic Complex and hatred of the Jews documented in his autobiography “Mein Kampf” for all to see.

Hitler’s evil manifested itself after his personality and circumstances collided so explosively. If there had been no World War, Hitler would have remained an underachiever, left in obscurity in Austria. His “evil” hidden from the world.

Nazi Germany

How could the German people follow this deluded “Messiah” to catastrophe? The power of Nazi propaganda was certainly an important factor in portraying Hitler as a strong leader. Any criticisms or bad publicity were ruthlessly suppressed. Any opponents murdered or imprisoned. The German people could claim some ignorance of events as they unfolded. Closing your eyes to unpleasantness is of course human nature.

Why did “good” people do such “evil” things? The power of conforming should not be underestimated. It is difficult to stand alone when you have been given “permission” to do wrong by those in authority. The norms of behaviour shift over time without people making a conscious decision to change their moral boundaries. The victims “deserved” it.

The Stanford Prison Experiment

The infamous Stanford Prison Experiment laid bare the darker side of human nature. In 1971, a group of well-adjusted students at Stanford University, California were assigned the roles of either prison guard or prisoner in a mock prison. After only a few days, the two groups became polarised. Both psychological and physical abuse of the prisoners increased over time. The experiment was halted early to prevent the complete breakdown of some prisoners who felt dehumanised.

The power of group consensus to alter behaviour for the worse is again shown. The individual prisoners are no longer seen as individuals but only as an anonymous member of the “prisoners”. “Guards” identify strongly within their group against the “prisoners”. The “prisoners” also identify with their group soon rebelling against authority and seeking means to escape.

Abu Ghraig Prison

The “Lucifer Effect” became all too real at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The torture of Iraqi inmates by U.S. civil and military authorities shocked the world when damning photographic evidence was released to the media. The prison authorities had unwittingly recreated the conditions of the Stanford Prison Experiment. Top-down authority had given “permission” for the torture and sexual abuse of prisoners. “Good” civil and military personnel had done “evil” things.