Social and Psychological Theories in the depiction of the Wannsee Essay

Social and Psychological Theories in the depiction of the Wannsee meeting in the film Conspiracy - Essay Example "Conspiracy" is a real eye-opener as it opens a whole new load of questions for the viewer. We already know that the Holocaust already happened, but what is really mind-boggling is how is became possible in the first place. How killing 11 million lives could just be a matter of logistics: how much would it cost How to dispose of the bodies And here, we see the machinations of the hands that turn the wheels, so to speak. Now we could try to form an understanding, an attempt to grasp the psychological ruminations of those involved, by explaining their actions through some knows social and psychological principles. For example, what makes it possible for individuals to carry out evil or genocide Whenever a group, with the majority in unison, is involved in a decision-making process, they "tend to stifle dissent because group harmony is the anticipated outcome" (Heffner). In the movie, the men were unanimous in declaring their hatred for Jews. The meeting is also dominated by Reinhard Heydrich, a charismatic man who knows how to manipulate his colleagues, and to stifle any arising objection. Wilhelm Kritzinger, who expressed doubts on the matter of extermination based on moral grounds was merely deprecated. The few men who tried to argue against extreme policies eventually give way to the more dominant consensus. "When we all agree, and are happy with that agreement, we typically do not want to hear opposing arguments" (Heffner). This phenomenon is called "group think" and many aspects of the conference, including the characters' behaviors display this. Here, the individual's mind takes a back seat and the "group mind" takes over. Meanwhile, the principle of Group Polarization happens when a group tends to takes an "extreme position". Fuelling each others' beliefs, they become so hyped-up by and convinced of their positions, that they end up hastily agreeing to an idea without considering other aspects of the debate (Heffner). An example of this happened when the talk of "relocation" to Madagascar turns to "extermination" or the "final solution" while the officials express their hate of and regard for sub-humanity of Jews. Aside from the Holocaust, some examples of "group think" taken to the extremes due to Group Polarization include "lynch mobs, actions of the Ku Klux Klan, discrimination among hate groups, and mass riots" (Heffner). Also, the Nazi officials do not look particularly menacing or murderous, but as a whole, they have managed to put a stamp to the death certificate of an entire race. Fundamentally, the decision theory, "a body of knowledge and related analytical techniques of different degrees o f formality designed to help a decision maker choose among a set of alternatives in light of their possible consequences" ("Decision Theory") which governs groups including that of the Wannsee meeting, is that of "group think" and Group Polarization. It could also be noted that the officers never used the words "killing" or "murder", merely "evacuation" in labor camps with harsh conditions designed for slow and eventual death, those who will survive will be "treated accordingly". This kind of masquerading serves to desensitize them of the reality of what they are actually doing.

Tate Modern Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Tate Modern Case Study - Essay Example The initial plan for the Tate modern was abandoned for a design that was meant to be modern and have the ability to meet the needs of clients. Therefore, combined effort of design team and client was devised as appropriate approach to the building. Mace played a role of negotiating the project management, which was critical in providing buildability and detailed construction advice. Tate modern project incorporated three underground oil tank and live switch station among many others (Grubiak, 2008). The expansion of the Tate modern project was deemed important because previously the building used to be congested but with the new design, the building is spacious enough since it accommodates millions of people. The building creates a more welcoming environment with several facilities (Herzog and de Meuron, 2005). Some of the facilities found in the Tate modern include concourses, terraces and cafes as well as learning institutions among many others. The building is expected to allow de eper engagement among different people with different needs such as practice based learning, workshops, participation, private study, discussion and interpretation of art. Herzog and de Meuron (2005) argue that the Tate modern building plays a very important role in the economy since it hosts various business activities that generate a lot of income, which boost the economy of the city and the country. Besides, the revenue generated from tourists that visit the facility is a lot of money. Tate modern is therefore considered by very many people to be a typical example of both economic and social renewal in the world. According to Herzog and de Meuron (2005), turning the Bankside of a power station into a gallery of modern art was uncertain architecturally. The proposal to have Tate developed into its current state could not fit either traditionists or modernist thereby drawing reactions from both camps. The structure, which is the power station, was initially designed and built in a manner to keep people out but after giving it a modern architectural touch, Tate welcomes people, while retaining both its dignity and weight (Blyth and Worthington, 2010).