When someone is in trouble, you would naturally expect those nearby to rally around to help the victim. But as recent events show this is not the case always
Disturbing. The Bystander effect. Stepping up to intervene against an atrocity being committed in front of you is driven not so much by a real concern for its victim as moral questions to your own conscience. Questions like what kind of person you are (or you appear to others) if you remain silent when such an atrocity is committed right in front of you. As rightly cited in the article, the presence of more witnesses conveniently absolves you of your personal moral responsibility because you are comforted by the thought that since everyone has the same responsibility, why should I alone step up!
It is disturbing, but fear of violence is natural when confronted with a violent situation. The only comforting thing is the study done by the American Psychology magazine which showed despite that people do get involved most of the time.
One of the things to consider is the loss of "social trust". When the members lose faith in rule of law, justice and fairness of the society, everyone steps aside from taking responsibility as they see it as a losing battle against the powerful sections.
Added to that is the decreasing social connections of urbanised societies where people you run into on a street are those you are unlikely to know or meet again. So you have no stake in what is going on and retreat to your closed sphere.
Thanks Hari. Liked it.
Good one Hari.
Let's celebrate Xmas eve in Manila or Bangkok
Disturbing. The Bystander effect. Stepping up to intervene against an atrocity being committed in front of you is driven not so much by a real concern for its victim as moral questions to your own conscience. Questions like what kind of person you are (or you appear to others) if you remain silent when such an atrocity is committed right in front of you. As rightly cited in the article, the presence of more witnesses conveniently absolves you of your personal moral responsibility because you are comforted by the thought that since everyone has the same responsibility, why should I alone step up!
It is disturbing, but fear of violence is natural when confronted with a violent situation. The only comforting thing is the study done by the American Psychology magazine which showed despite that people do get involved most of the time.
One of the things to consider is the loss of "social trust". When the members lose faith in rule of law, justice and fairness of the society, everyone steps aside from taking responsibility as they see it as a losing battle against the powerful sections.
Added to that is the decreasing social connections of urbanised societies where people you run into on a street are those you are unlikely to know or meet again. So you have no stake in what is going on and retreat to your closed sphere.
Very well said Hari. Is China going berserk or losing mental equilibrium?