Social Responsibility Mrs. Hill/Mrs.Przybylski English 9

The ProblemThe Problem: The Bystander Effect by [bahy]–preposition near to or nex.t to stander [stænd] -noun to be situated or located. bystander [bahy-stan-der] –noun a person present but not involved; chance spectator; onlooker.

The ProblemThe Problem: The Bystander Effect Refers to how people respond when a stranger needs help More people present = less likely individuals are to help a person in distress Few people (less witnesses) = observers are more likely to offer help

EvidenceEvidence – Famous Case 1960 Kitty Genovese was brutally attacked and eventually murdered over a 45 minute period outside of her apartment building in NYC. This happened in public, in which 38 people witnessed the attack. Not one person did a thing to help.

The CausesThe Causes: What causes people to stand by and do nothing while others are in distress?  Insecurity  Diffusion of responsibility  Social cues/Social norms

Group Work: Identifying Causes Identifying Causes For each situation your group will:  List factors that influence the actions of the bystander.  Give each factor a clear descriptive label.  Identify 2-3 responses that fit into each category.

What would you do? On a snowy day, you are traveling by car is along a busy road. Suddenly the car in front of you hits a patch of ice and slides off the road and onto the shoulder. Make a list of factors that would influence your decision.

What would you do? A teacher walks by you in the busy hallway and drops a stack of papers she was carrying. They scatter all over the hallway. Make a list of factors that would influence your decision.

What would you do? It’s noon and a man climbs on the railing of a bridge high above a river. He sits on the railing muttering things to himself. You are walking on the bridge and notice the man. Make a list of factors that would influence your decision.

What would you do? At 9:00 pm several men are arguing outside of a restaurant. Two of the men are shouting loudly at a third man who appears to be backing away from them. The two men move toward the lone man and start waving their arms as he backs up against a wall. You notice the situation as you are exiting the restaurant with your friends. Make a list of factors that would influence your decision.

What can you do? When someone is in need of assistance, instead of waiting for someone else to help, be the one to do something. As a bystander, you have the social responsibility to do what you can to help. If we all wait for the next bystander to help, it may be too late.