Question

For example: In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney,... <state your thesis>. Thesis Statement: Evidence #1: Explain the bystander effect. How did Kitty Genovese's murder shed light on human nature in the event of conflict? Use an example from the video as support. Evidence #2: According to the reading passage, what can we learn about how the media portrays tragedy? Use a direct quote from the article as support. Analysis #1: In 1-2 sentences of original thought, explain how the quote from the passage shows how humans react in the face of conflict. Analysis #2: In 1-2 sentences of original thought, explain how the quote from the article shows what people can learn about the media and how they portray tragedy. Concluding Statement: Tie it all up with a statement about how tragedy affects people and what we can learn from how people respond when tragedies occur. Put it all together: Copy and paste all your sentences in the box below to see your entire paragraph. See the “Structure Chart” under this graphic organizer if needed. Proofread your work and make necessary revisions before submitting your work. (This box will enlarge as you type if you need more room.)

Answer 1

In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney, the thesis highlights how the tragic murder of Kitty Genovese exposes the darker aspects of human nature, particularly the bystander effect and the role of media in shaping public perception of violence. Evidence #1 indicates that the bystander effect, a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are present, played a critical role during Genovese's murder. The investigation into the case revealed that despite her cries for help, no one intervened, which exemplified how people often freeze in conflict situations, assuming someone else will act. An example from the video illustrates this point by showing how witnesses rationalized inaction, emphasizing the chilling reality of collective apathy.

Evidence #2 from the reading passage reveals that media coverage significantly influences societal reactions to tragedy. The article states, “The sensationalized reporting of Genovese’s murder created a narrative that depicted New Yorkers as cold and indifferent.” This quote underscores how the media can manipulate public perception, potentially leading to misconceptions about individuals involved in tragic events.

Analysis #1: This quote demonstrates how the inaction of bystanders can paint a distorted picture of human nature, suggesting that people are inherently uncaring, when in fact, the bystander effect reveals a complex interplay of fear and uncertainty during crises.

Analysis #2: The portrayal of events by the media not only shapes our understanding of such tragedies but also influences the collective psyche, making it essential to critically assess how narratives can oversimplify and misrepresent the behaviors of those involved.

Concluding Statement: Overall, tragedy profoundly affects people, revealing the complexities of human behavior and the critical responsibility of the media in informing the public. By examining events like Kitty Genovese's murder, we gain insight into both the psychological responses of individuals in crisis and the power of media narratives in shaping societal attitudes towards tragedy.