The documentary we watched in my Juvenile Delinquency class gave me goose bumps for a week.
It reveals the truth about the murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964. She was murdered in the streets of Queens, N.Y. while 38 witnesses did nothing.
Throughout the investigation, it was proven that during the time Genovese was bleeding out, countless neighbors flickered on their lights, opened their blinds and despite her desperate cries for help, simply turned around and went to bed.
Although her death was tragic and alarmed many, it was not what worried investigators the most. In a 35 minute time frame where the murderer had three chances to kill Genovese, he returned twice before his job was completed.
One phone call could have saved her life, but why were none made?
The human behavior experiment analyzes how people handle certain situations. When a person is with a group, they are more likely to look to others to react to circumstances they know are wrong or illegal. When they are with another or alone, they are more likely to take action and step up.
Sociologists have been studying this theory for quite some time, but it does not only relate to the murder of Genovese.
It impacts everyone.
How many times have you been driving down the road with your favorite music blaring when suddenly you see someone broken down or in need of assistance? How many times were you that person who stopped?
We see glimpses of this come out in our everyday lives, but sometimes it has a positive result.
Last week I was walking on campus, completely oblivious to my surroundings. I looked up at the exact moment the man in front of me dropped his keys. Instantly, I grabbed them and tried to catch up.
After a struggle of weaving in and out of people, I finally was able to give the man his keys. He was shocked and confused, and after a second of realizing what just happened, he was thankful.
I did not think twice about this action because it was the right thing to do and I also know I was not the only student who had the opportunity.
Relating a murder case to lost keys or a distressed motorist on the side of the road may seem preposterous to some, but then again, how simple could it have been to make a phone call?
The ability to make even the slightest impact on someone’s life positively is absolutely beautiful, and an action we all should look forward to doing more.
When you see a motorist broken down on the side of the road, be the person who stops. Do not assume that someone else will.
Be the hero, be the leader and literally, ‘be the change you wish to see in the world.’
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