The Bystander Effect: How To Help The Homeless

As human beings, we pass by people everyday whether they may be homeless or not. Do you usually help people if they look like they need it? Probably not, but some people do help others. This is called the Bystander Effect and it happens everyday; we might just not realize it. As human beings, we sometimes assume that someone else will step in and help. We don't think it is necessary to help them if someone else can do it, and we may be called selfish or lazy, but sometimes it’s not our fault if they are up to no good. “The Bystander Effect is the tendency for people to avoid getting involved in an emergency they witness because they assume someone else will help them” (Licht). A lot of times, human beings are so caught up in their own lives …show more content…
The shoppers are trying to concentrate on the clothing, instead of the situation that is brewing right in front of them; this portrays the bystander effect. When the ladies stepped out of the store, the camera crew asked them why they didn't stand up for the girl. They replied, “I felt sorry for the girl, but I wouldn't have gotten involved because it was none of my business, and I didn't know her.” “Shopping While Black” is a term now used by researchers because this is so common and happens so frequently. Sixty percent of Americans say that they have experienced this kind of harassment from afar. As the shopping day continues, a hundred shoppers have seen this scenario, while only twenty shoppers stepped in to help. This video, “Shopping While Black,” clearly illustrates the role of stereotypes and prejudices. The store clerk infers to one shopper that appearance plays a big factor in shoppers that come into her store. She also states the statistics of the “type,” referring to African American shoppers, tend to steal more than white American shoppers. One specific customer said the accused shopper used the “black card,” illustrating prejudice. “Prejudice is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience” (Prejudice). Prejudice is still as prominent today as it was portrayed in this …show more content…
If I was a shopper in that store, I definitely would have said something to help. Unfortunately, prejudice is still prominent today, as the video portrays. The society we live in can be so belligerent to the world around us. As Americans, we are so distracted that we neglect those who really do need our help, and we should be able lend out a helping hand. The African American lady in the store was in strong need of a helping hand. Gratefully, she was helped by some shoppers in the store, but some is not enough. Clearly, prejudice is not allowed, but people still discriminate.

Although the bystander effect, stereotypes and prejudice has improved in this generation, it is still common in our society today. The “Shopping While Black” video clip, and the article give proof to our world that they are still prominent. Instead of illustrating the bystander effect, next time I see someone who needs help, I will give help and prove our society