Milgram demonstrated conformity as obedience,Asch's was conformity as agreement,but Madoff added a new paradigm which is conformity as affinity.The ethnic-religious (E-R) affinity factor was very powerful.Many people trusted Madoff as an investor,not so much through personal contact but through the trust of others who were of similar e-r affinity.The dude even duped his own synagogue and was really sticking it up to multiple charities and foundations. The affinity variable should really be investigated by researchers as a powerful influential factor overriding cognitive appraisals. Unfortunately, some did not heed Ronald Reagan's advice "trust but verify."
Michael Sylvester.PhD Daytona Beach,Florida --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
