The film “Rape at McDonalds” (https://online.fiu.edu/videos?vpvid=64eb1015ac1f4c4d93518f6bb7de90f5) usually draws a lot of antipathy and anger against the manager of the restaurant. My students often ask, why did she allow her employee to get abused, especially by her … fiancé!  In your discussion group for this chapter, I want you to 1) EXPLAIN the manager’s actions using the information you now know about conformity and obedience. I know that is tough to do, but use some of the social psychology concepts you learned in this chapter to give an explanation for her behavior. At the same time, I want you to 2). talk about how she could have and should have handled the situation. 3). Finally, in your comments, make sure to define and highlight the role of informational versus normative social influences as well as the concept of obedience to authority. In your follow-up comment, feel free to agree or disagree with one of your group mates. Did that student do an adequate job of actually explaining the manager?

NOTE: There are actually two versions of this rape at McDonalds video – a long version and a short version. You can find both in the videos folder at the bottom of the main blackboard page OR there are links to both videos on the final slide in the powerpoint presentation. I am only requiring you to watch the short version. Finally, there was a movie based on this event called “Compliance” that came out in the Fall of 2012. I have yet to see that movie, but if any of you have then please feel free to draw insights from the film as well.

LINK TO VIDEO

https://online.fiu.edu/videos/?vpvid=64eb1015ac1f4c4d93518f6bb7de90f5

So, what happened to Donna Summers, Louise, and the supposed “copy cop” after the Rape at McDonalds. Here is some follow-up information!

1.     Louise Ogborn sued McDonalds for $200 million and was awarded $6.1 million.

2.    Donna Jean Summers was fired and pled guilty to wrongful imprisonment and given 1-year probation. Of course here is another unbelievable fact: Donna Jean Summers also sued McDonalds for $50 million, and she was awarded $1 million by the jury!

3. Walter Nix was arrested and convicted for his part in this crime and other related crimes.

4. David Stewart, a prison guard in Panama City, Florida detailed in the long video version, was arrested but later acquitted of being the culprit in this crime.