Why People Don T Help In A Crisis Analysis

Most of us think of ourselves as decent, helpful people. We wouldn’t turn our backs on someone in need of help, or would we? Bystanders are people who witness rapes, robberies, car wrecks, etc., and don’t take action to help; a large portion of society today are bystanders and don’t even realize it. In the essay, “Why People Don’t Help in a Crisis,” author John M. Darley states, “How can so many people watch another human being in distress and do nothing? Why don’t they help?” (13-14) Reactions to a crisis or traumatic event vary from person to person. People fail to help in a crisis situation because they are afraid more damage will be caused, some do not want to be involved, and some people don’t help because they aren’t thinking clearly. Fear plays a major role in why people don’t help in a crisis. Often …show more content…
When something tragic is happening, many people let their emotions and nerves take over their body and mind set. So, when a crisis takes place, he or she is incapable of functioning normally. It is impossible for them to take control of the situation because they aren’t able to take control of their own self. Author Darley states, “Andrew Mormille is stabbed in the head and neck as he rides in a New York city subway train. Eleven other riders flee to another car as 17-year-old boy bleeds to death; not one comes to his assistance, even though his attackers have left the car. He dies.” (page 44) This is an example of how people are silent to others being murdered. They didn’t help Andrew because they were scared and didn’t know how to respond, so, they ran. It wasn’t because they didn’t want to help, they were in shock and scared for their own