Comments on: Thriller Thursday: Kitty Genovese and the Bystander Effect

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:30:11 +0000

If she had a licensed handgun she could saved herself. Police are first responders, having a gun is an instant responder.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:38:17 +0000

Me, too, Annie. So sad.Tiffany, I love true crime stories and hadn't heard of this one, either. I wouldn't throw myself in the middle either, but like you, I'd have done something. Thanks, ladies!

By: tiffanyawhite

tiffanyawhite — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:10:54 +0000

I love true crime stories and I had never heard of this one. Absolutely awful! I am not a fighter, so I wouldn't throw myself in the middle of a violent crime, but I would YELL and call 9-1-1 if I ever saw anything like this. Of course, I'd feel better with a taser in my purse….

By: Annie Boreson

Annie Boreson — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:11:43 +0000

Yikes. This will haunt me.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:53:27 +0000

AngelaYou know, I can empathize with that. And you probably never think someone's getting killed, just yet another bad fight. Would be a tough position to be in.Thanks for commenting!

By: Angela Wallace

Angela Wallace — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:18:41 +0000

That is terrible. I want to be disgusted–am disgusted–but I have to admit that there have been times where neighbors have been screaming and cursing and I haven't done anything. I've been too scared, knowing what those people were capable of and not wanting to become a target for retaliation. Sometimes it's hard to know what exactly is happening. I would like to think that if I knew or saw an actual attack, I would call 911, though probably after locking myself in the bathroom.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:23:57 +0000

Thanks, Tressa! I know, the idea of what must have went through her mind really gets to me. It is incredibly chilling. I think in a situation like the above, most of us would at least call the police. I can't say that I would go down there and try to do something physically, but I'd have to do something. Like you, the self-accusations would make me crazy.You're very welcome. Thanks for commenting!

By: Tressa Green

Tressa Green — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:54:34 +0000

Finally was able to get a moment to read your blog; which I always enjoy, btw. :)As I sat here reading it, all I could say over and over was "oh my god. oh my god." How horrific! That girl; I can only imagine how she fought so hard to live.The by-stander effect is (to borrow an already used above word) chilling. I hope to never be in that situation because I don't know what I'd do. I'd like to say I'd call, but would shock and horror render me unable to move? Would fear freeze me in place? If terror immobilized me, would I then become just as guilty of murder as the man wielding the knife? That, I can say with confidence- if I didn't call, the self-accusations would eat away at me for life.Human psychology is fascinating. Thank you again for these things to mull over; it actually is very inspiring for what I like to write.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:52:29 +0000

CatiePeer pressure is definitely amazing. It goes hand in hand with the mob mentality and the development of cults. I can't imagine being swayed so strongly, yet it happens a lot. You're right, people always wait for someone to act first. And thanks, glad you enjoyed it.LauraI'm sure it does, too. Apathy isn't something that's gone away, especially in the big cities. Thanks for your comment!JessicaI wonder what it was like for those witnesses after the fact? I would hope they had some guilt and a lot of prayer. Thanks for commenting!

By: Jessica R. Patch

Jessica R. Patch — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:18:06 +0000

Wow, that is chilling. Very sad to know that poor girl needed help and no one even took the chance to save her. A sobering reminder to NOT just be a bystander.