Blinding Students With Paper Bags

By Angelina G

On March 11th, MRHS psychology students aimlessly roamed the halls wearing brown paper bags on their heads whilst being guided by a partner. They went up stairs, down halls, and ran into several walls. The students (working in partners) were instructed to make it from the starting point in the middle of the main hall to a location they chose while one person wore a paper bag on their heads. 

While it simply seems like a fun and ridiculous activity, Psychology teacher Alisha Cody explains its purpose and how it connects to Psychology as “an exercise in sensory deprivation.” Ms Cody goes on to explain that it relates to their sensory perception unit in Psychology. “By students taking away some of their senses, for example, the bag over their head, taking their vision away, they are forced to exercise other senses.” 

Another interesting aspect of the event is the social dynamics. Cody noted how interesting it is to see how strangers in the hallway react to students. She pointed out that strangers will often “walk up to them and try to mess with them.” The vulnerability of being randomly smacked on the head adds on to the uncertainty of sensory deprivation.

This idea came from Mrs. Cody’s mentor when she was student teaching, and she has proctored the event for nearly 23 years. She recalls “watching her doing this activity, and then it was so much fun to watch.” Mrs. Cody describes it as a “rite of passage” for her Psychology students since this event has been going on for such a long time. She said the reason it has been such an ongoing and recurring event is because of how “the students got so excited about it that I, I had to do it, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

As long as Ms Cody is around, this classic event that occurs annually will be enjoyed by both Psych students and the students and staff who like watching the helpless students bearing bags.