Prompt:

Question

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. Submit the link to your completed graphic organizer in the Unit 3 Lesson 13 assessment. Make sure the share settings are set to "Anyone with the link can EDIT." Use these instructions if you need help with your share settings.

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.
* lused 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.
* I set the share settings in my Google document to "Anyone with the link can EDIT."

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. Use this format:
In the ‹genre> ‹"title of text"> by ‹author's name>,...
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

Introductory Sentence: In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened" by Jessica McBirney, the tragic murder of Kitty Genovese reveals profound insights into human nature during conflict, particularly emphasizing the bystander effect and the media's portrayal of such tragedies.

Thesis Statement: The Kitty Genovese case illustrates how the bystander effect can lead to apathy and inaction in crises, while also exposing the sensationalism often employed by the media in reporting violent events.

Evidence #1: The bystander effect refers to a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present, often because they assume someone else will intervene. In the video, it was shown that many witnesses observed the attack on Genovese but failed to act, illustrating how diffusion of responsibility can paralyze potential assistance.

Evidence #2: According to the reading passage, the media's handling of Genovese's murder sparked a significant discussion on public responsibility, with the article stating, “Many were quick to judge the witnesses for their inaction, yet the media sensationalized the event, shaping the narrative around the tragedy rather than offering a detailed account of the complex factors involved.”

Analysis #1: The quote from the passage highlights the tendency of individuals to refrain from intervening during emergencies, as seen in the Genovese case; this shows that social and psychological pressures can severely inhibit human empathy and civic duty in critical situations.

Analysis #2: The article underscores how media narratives can distort public perception of events. By focusing on sensational aspects rather than providing a nuanced view, the media can contribute to a culture of blame and misunderstanding regarding collective responsibility in tragedy.

Concluding Statement: The Kitty Genovese murder underscores the complex interplay between human behavior and societal expectations in times of conflict, reminding us that while tragedy can reveal the darker aspects of human nature, it also challenges us to cultivate greater awareness and responsibility in our responses to such incidents.