Stories of trauma, behaviourism, internalisation processes & symbolism in art
Stories of trauma, behaviourism and symbolism in art (PART TWO)
Ivan Pavlov showed that classical conditioning applied to animals. In a famous, though ethically controversial experiment, John Watson and Rayner (1920) showed that it applied to humans, as well. They showed that classical conditioning could not only be used to produce a particular or desired reaction to neutral stimuli, but it could also be used to create an irrational fear, a phobia. Little Albert was not afraid of rats. He was not afraid of this neutral stimulus. However, little Albert was afraid of loud noises. While 11 month Albert was happily playing with his white rat Watson struck a hammer against a steel bar, which naturally produced a loud and unpleasant noise. This was done repeatedly over the following weeks and each time little Albert would display signs of fear and he would burst into tears. Eventually, little Albert only had to see the rat in order to display fear and distress. He had learnt to be afraid of rats.
Trauma stories, behaviourism & symbolism in art (PART ONE)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
The free bird leaps on the back of the wind
And floats downstream till the current ends
And dips his wings in the orange sun rays
And dares to claim the sky
But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage
Can seldom see through his bars of rage
His wings are clipped and his feet are tied
So he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings with fearful trill
Of the things unknown but longed for still
And his tune is heard in the distant hill
For the caged bird sings of freedom
The free bird thinks of another breeze
And the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
And the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
And he names the sky his own
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
His shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
His wings are clipped and his feet are tied
So he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings with fearful trill
Of the things unknown but longed for still
And his tune is heard on the distant hill
For the caged bird sings of freedom