The bystander effect, or bystander apathy, is a serious issue encountered in today’s society. Bystander apathy is the occasion in which many individuals witness an offense and choose to do nothing about it. Many crimes, including the murder of Catherine “Kitty” Genovese could have been prevented if bystanders had chosen to help instead of standing by and allowing the murder to occur. Even though citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities, bystander apathy continues to allow crimes to be committed. In Genovese’s case, there were thirty-eight bystanders. Not one person attempted to report the murder or help rescue Catherine, who had been stabbed several times in the back.
In March of 1964, Genovese was murdered in front of the apartment she owned in New York City. Catherine was getting out of a car when suddenly, a man named Winston Moseley assaulted and stabbed Genovese in the back twice. Due to massive pain, Genovese screamed for someone to help and a neighbor shouted at the criminal but did not leave the apartment. After being shouted at, Winston immediately fled the …show more content…
People are more likely to help other individuals if they think that the person truly deserves assistance. In a study about bystander apathy, the participants were more likely to give money to a stranger if they believed that his wallet had been stolen instead of the excuse that he had simply spent all his money. This could explain why some people are less hesitant to give money to homeless men and women while others choose to avoid donating. Those who believe that people become homeless due to laziness are less likely to give money, while those who believe that these individuals are genuinely deserving of help are more likely to
In March of 1964, Genovese was murdered in front of the apartment she owned in New York City. Catherine was getting out of a car when suddenly, a man named Winston Moseley assaulted and stabbed Genovese in the back twice. Due to massive pain, Genovese screamed for someone to help and a neighbor shouted at the criminal but did not leave the apartment. After being shouted at, Winston immediately fled the …show more content…
People are more likely to help other individuals if they think that the person truly deserves assistance. In a study about bystander apathy, the participants were more likely to give money to a stranger if they believed that his wallet had been stolen instead of the excuse that he had simply spent all his money. This could explain why some people are less hesitant to give money to homeless men and women while others choose to avoid donating. Those who believe that people become homeless due to laziness are less likely to give money, while those who believe that these individuals are genuinely deserving of help are more likely to