The Tragic Lesson of Kitty Genovese and the Bystander Effect

 

Hello Everyone!

Hope you are doing well 😃

I'd want to throw light on a significant incident that occurred in the past and can clarify the notion that I want to discuss.
Kitty Genovese, 28, was brutally murdered in New York City in 1964, causing great shock. She was savagely attacked, raped, and robbed in half an hour while urgently calling for assistance. What made this tragic tragedy even more appalling was that around 38 individuals were present, but no one intervened successfully to save her.

When police eventually investigated the witnesses, several stated that they did not take immediate action because they expected someone else to. This terrible episode highlighted a psychological phenomena known as the bystander effect.

The bystander effect argues that the presence of others inhibits an individual from participating, even if the situation is urgent and quick action is required. In other words, people prefer to defer responsibility, assuming that someone else in the group is more prepared to assist or will take action, so they don't bother themselves or act recklessly. The irony is that even a simple intervention, such as phoning 911, may have had a tremendous impact.

Because of this responsibility distribution, individuals who are members of a group feel less personal accountability and are less willing to intervene. However, in actuality, taking any action, no matter how tiny, is preferable to waiting for someone else to act. Kitty Genovese's life may have been spared if any of the bystanders had taken appropriate action.

How to be an active Bystander?

• Don't expect others to be the first to respond in a crisis; simply stating "Stop" or "Help is on its way" might avoid more harm. Speak up with a calm, strong tone. Give guidance to others so that they can also help. Do your utmost to protect the victim's safety, and do not be hesitant to seek help when you need it.
• You must cultivate a characteristic such as empathy. Consider the victim's perspective. Consider the example you're establishing for future generations rather than the consequences of your actions. 

But If you are the victim, identify one individual in the crowd and make eye contact. People's intrinsic humanitarian instincts may motivate them to help if given the opportunity.

May Allah Safeguard us all, and see you the next time 👋