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tudararms
Guest
We reap what we sow...
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wyliepoon
Guest
This sounds awfully like a case of the "Genovese Syndrome", or "bystander effect" that I happen to be reading about yesterday.
From Wikipedia:
"The bystander effect (also known as bystander apathy) is a psychological phenomenon where persons are less likely to intervene in an emergency situation when others are present than when they are alone. The antonym of the term is civil courage."
"The most common explanation of this phenomenon is that, with others present, observers all assume that someone else is going to intervene and so they each individually refrain from doing so. This is an example of how diffusion of responsibility leads to social loafing. People may also assume that other bystanders may be more qualified to help, such as being a doctor or police officer, and their intervention would thus be unneeded. People may also fear "losing face" in front of the other bystanders, being superseded by a "superior" helper, or offering unwanted assistance. Another explanation is that bystanders monitor the reactions of other people in an emergency situation to see if others think that it is necessary to intervene. Since others are doing exactly the same, everyone concludes from the inaction of others that other people do not think that help is needed. This is an example of pluralistic ignorance and social proof."
Wikipedia links
Kitty Genovese murder
Bystander Effect
From Wikipedia:
"The bystander effect (also known as bystander apathy) is a psychological phenomenon where persons are less likely to intervene in an emergency situation when others are present than when they are alone. The antonym of the term is civil courage."
"The most common explanation of this phenomenon is that, with others present, observers all assume that someone else is going to intervene and so they each individually refrain from doing so. This is an example of how diffusion of responsibility leads to social loafing. People may also assume that other bystanders may be more qualified to help, such as being a doctor or police officer, and their intervention would thus be unneeded. People may also fear "losing face" in front of the other bystanders, being superseded by a "superior" helper, or offering unwanted assistance. Another explanation is that bystanders monitor the reactions of other people in an emergency situation to see if others think that it is necessary to intervene. Since others are doing exactly the same, everyone concludes from the inaction of others that other people do not think that help is needed. This is an example of pluralistic ignorance and social proof."
Wikipedia links
Kitty Genovese murder
Bystander Effect
E
elook
Guest
True enough – get involved, and you might get assaulted or killed yourself. Stay out of it, and you'll probably live to see another day. All I'm saying is that those perpetrating the violence have instilled a sense of fear in everyone that prevents people from coming forward.
It's not trivial either, and a smug reply that doesn't take into account the reality that exist in some of these areas is not particularly helpful.
The Guardian Angels aren't my idea of the solution, but the approach is an interesting one. They act as willing witnesses. Some think the Angels are vigilantes, but in fact, they are more like living security cameras providing police with information and acting as a visible deterrent to crime.
Without that deterrent, IMHO cameras are the only viable solution in certain high-crime areas of the city.
The balance of power shifts from the citizen to the criminal in the face of fear. It's up to the police, or the city to restore that balance – the people can't do it.
As those interviewed for the article say, you can't understand what you don't live. I invite any of you to come up here and walk around Flemingdon Park at 3 A.M. and see how you feel.
It's not trivial either, and a smug reply that doesn't take into account the reality that exist in some of these areas is not particularly helpful.
The Guardian Angels aren't my idea of the solution, but the approach is an interesting one. They act as willing witnesses. Some think the Angels are vigilantes, but in fact, they are more like living security cameras providing police with information and acting as a visible deterrent to crime.
Without that deterrent, IMHO cameras are the only viable solution in certain high-crime areas of the city.
The balance of power shifts from the citizen to the criminal in the face of fear. It's up to the police, or the city to restore that balance – the people can't do it.
As those interviewed for the article say, you can't understand what you don't live. I invite any of you to come up here and walk around Flemingdon Park at 3 A.M. and see how you feel.
B
bizorky
Guest
It's not trivial either, and a smug reply that doesn't take into account the reality that exist in some of these areas is not particularly helpful
No it's not trivial. A group of people saw someone being assaulted and did nothing to stop it. If one does nothing, one gets no results.
The world is what we make of it.
G
gboykovekin
Guest
Yes, good samaritans have been murdered in cold blood by attempting to intervene - I was acquainted with the mother (my school librarian) of one unfortunate soul (one Mr. Semple) - but we each have personal responsiblility to make the world a place in which we want to live in.
I would take up your offer as I've never felt fearful walking in Toronto in the middle of the night, but that may be because I'm a male.
I would take up your offer as I've never felt fearful walking in Toronto in the middle of the night, but that may be because I'm a male.
O
Ontarian1976
Guest
"I used to associate this kind of thing with other places - like Detroit or Newark or something."
Violence happens everywhere. We shouldn't be so smug as to think it doesn't happen here.
There are parts of Toronto I definitely wouldn't want to be walking around alone in late at night, and I'm a big guy.
Violence happens everywhere. We shouldn't be so smug as to think it doesn't happen here.
There are parts of Toronto I definitely wouldn't want to be walking around alone in late at night, and I'm a big guy.