Why People Don't Help in a Crisis

In their essay “Why People Don’t Help in a Crisis” (Reader’s Digest, May 1969, vol. 94), John Darley and Bibb Latane discuss about the bystanders who do not help other people. Intending the general audience, the essay emphasizes on factors why people pretend to be unaware of the emergencies around them.

Darley and Latane mention the three aspects why onlookers ignore the dangers near them. Firstly, one should detect that something is going on. But looking into someone’s life at closely in public is considered a bad manner by the North Americans. Respecting other’s privacy is what they are taught about. Secondly, the witnesses should interpret that an event needs their attention. Most people just look around themselves to decide how to react, for example, if the other onlookers are calm, they will tend to do so; if everyone is reacting sternly, they are likely to do so as well. This is human tendency to choose what they should do by looking around what other individuals are doing. Lastly, one should decide that they have personal responsibility for intervention. Each individual feels that his or her responsibility is diffused and diluted even if the passer-by is made aware of the emergency. Thus, the onlooker’s reactions depend on the action of others and too frequently by their inaction.

Total Words: 217

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