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The Tragic Case of Kitty Genovese That Shocked The Nation and The Bystander Effect.

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It was 1964 in New York, 2:30 a.m. in the streets of New York.

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Winston Moseley, stalked, raped and brutally murdered Kitty Genovese.

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Despite her desperate cries for help, the attack continued for over 30 minutes.

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38 people witnessed the event.

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Not one intervened.

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Until Winston left.

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The nation was shocked.

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The murder and lack of intervention were widely reported.

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Psychologists John Darley and Bibb Latane decided to investigate.

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They set up an experiment.

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Participants were put in a room they believed to be participating in a discussion about personal problems.

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Suddenly, a participant (an actor) in another room pretended to have a seizure.

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Some participants believed they were alone.

Some participants believed others were present.

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The results:

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• When participants believed they were alone, 85% took action and helped.

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• When participants believed others were present, only 31% helped.

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This is the chilling reality of the Bystander Effect:

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This social psychological phenomenon is now known as

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The Bystander Effect.​

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A case of ‘diffusion of responsibility’.

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Our minds trick us into thinking someone else will take action.

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Like spectators in our own lives.
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We wait for others to make the first move.

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• When was the last time you saw a car accident on the road? Did you stop and offer help? Or did you assume someone else would?

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• You are in a business meeting. You notice a colleague being bullied. You could help, but you stay silent, assuming someone else will step in.

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• Or, your partner is visibly upset. Instead of asking what’s wrong, you ignore it. You think they’ll talk to you when they’re ready.

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Our minds trick us into inaction.

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This is just one of many tactics our mind, or ego, uses to play tricks on us.

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Practices such as meditation, contemplation, and mindfulness, help us overcome this bias and transcend the ego.

Here is a 7-step framework for overcoming this tactic of the ego:

1. Reflect on past situations where you have been a bystander.
2. Become aware of the ego’s tactic to manipulate you.
3. Combat apathy with empathy and compassion.
4. Observe this tactic in your surroundings as often as possible.
5. Counteract when you observe this tactic. Take action!
6. Repeat. Make this a habit.
7. Make sure to join the community:

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