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.
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.

Answer 1

Introductory Sentence: In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened?" by Jessica McBirney, readers learn that Kitty Genovese's tragic murder highlights the bystander effect and reveals significant insights about human nature during conflict and the media's portrayal of tragedies.

Evidence #1: The bystander effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. In the video, it is explained that during Kitty's attack, several witnesses heard her cries for help but chose to stay silent and do nothing, leading to a lethal delay in emergency response.

Evidence #2: The article notes, “Sensationalized media coverage transformed Kitty’s murder into a chilling story of apathy,” which illustrates how the media can amplify the severity of such tragedies, focusing on sensationalism rather than the complexities of human behavior.

Analysis #1: This quote underscores the idea that in situations of conflict, individuals may become paralyzed by the presence of others, believing someone else will intervene, which reflects a troubling aspect of human nature.

Analysis #2: Furthermore, the article's examination of media portrayal demonstrates how outlets can exploit tragedies for dramatic impact, overshadowing the real emotional and social dynamics involved, and often leading to a skewed public perception of the events.

Concluding Statement: Ultimately, the Kitty Genovese murder serves as a grave reminder of how tragedy can expose the complexities of human behavior and the critical role the media plays in shaping our understanding of these occurrences, encouraging us to reflect on our responses to similar situations in the future.

Put it all together: In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened?" by Jessica McBirney, readers learn that Kitty Genovese's tragic murder highlights the bystander effect and reveals significant insights about human nature during conflict and the media's portrayal of tragedies. The bystander effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. In the video, it is explained that during Kitty's attack, several witnesses heard her cries for help but chose to stay silent and do nothing, leading to a lethal delay in emergency response. The article notes, “Sensationalized media coverage transformed Kitty’s murder into a chilling story of apathy,” which illustrates how the media can amplify the severity of such tragedies, focusing on sensationalism rather than the complexities of human behavior. This quote underscores the idea that in situations of conflict, individuals may become paralyzed by the presence of others, believing someone else will intervene, which reflects a troubling aspect of human nature. Furthermore, the article's examination of media portrayal demonstrates how outlets can exploit tragedies for dramatic impact, overshadowing the real emotional and social dynamics involved, and often leading to a skewed public perception of the events. Ultimately, the Kitty Genovese murder serves as a grave reminder of how tragedy can expose the complexities of human behavior and the critical role the media plays in shaping our understanding of these occurrences, encouraging us to reflect on our responses to similar situations in the future.