FIRST, read the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney.

Question

NEXT, watch this video on the Kitty Genovese murder and the bystander effect.
Once you have read the article AND have watched the video, answer the questions in the writing prompt below.
Prompt:
Based on the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened?” and the video, how did Kitty Genovese's murder shed light on human nature in the event of conflict? What is the bystander effect? In addition, what can we learn about how the media portrays tragedy? Cite evidence from the article AND the video and form your own opinions.
Assignment:
Complete the Graphic Organizer under these instructions, filling in ALL of the boxes. Use the Writer’s Checklist below to make sure you have met the assignment requirements
Writer’s Checklist:
I completed all parts of the graphic organizer.
I included the TAG (Title, Author, and Genre) in my introductory sentence..
The thesis (main claim) of my response is clearly stated in the introductory sentence.
I used at least one direct quote from the passage as evidence to support my claims.
I used at least one example from the video as evidence to support my claims.
My analysis clearly explains HOW my evidence supports my claims.
My concluding statement sums up my evidence and explains how the evidence relates to the thesis (main claim).
My response is written in complete sentences.
I used proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Introductory Sentence: Clearly state your thesis (the main claim of your entire response).
Include the Title, Author, and Genre (the type of text) in the first sentence of your introduction.
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.

Answer 1

Graphic Organizer

Introductory Sentence: In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened?" by Jessica McBirney, an analysis of the tragic event reveals how Kitty Genovese's murder highlights human nature's inclination towards inaction during conflict, while also demonstrating the media's role in shaping public perception of such tragedies.

Evidence #1: The bystander effect refers to the psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. In the case of Kitty Genovese, witnesses who heard her cries for help failed to intervene or call the police, primarily because they assumed someone else would take action. The video emphasizes this by stating, “The presence of others creates a diffusion of responsibility, where each individual feels less compelled to help because they think someone else will.”

Evidence #2: According to the article, the media often sensationalizes events, which can skew public perception. McBirney notes, "The coverage of her murder emphasized not just the brutality of the crime but also the alleged apathy of the witnesses, framing their inaction as a reflection of society’s moral decay."

Analysis #1: The quote illustrates the bystander effect by showcasing how human nature often leads to a paradoxical response in crisis situations—despite witnessing distress, individuals may feel less accountable and therefore do nothing. This tendency reveals not only a fear of social judgment but also an undermining of personal responsibility during emergencies.

Analysis #2: The portrayal of tragedy in the media, as indicated by McBirney's quote, suggests that sensationalism can overshadow the complexity of human behavior. It teaches us that media narratives can simplify a situation and unfairly categorize collective inaction as a sign of moral failing, rather than understanding the psychological mechanisms, such as the bystander effect, at play.

Concluding Statement: In summary, Kitty Genovese's murder serves as a stark reminder of the bystander effect, highlighting a disturbing aspect of human nature where individuals may refrain from intervening in crises. Additionally, the way the media represents such events can shape societal understandings, often misinterpreting complex behavior as outright callousness. This case urges us to critically assess both our responses in emergencies and the narratives presented by the media.