"Stranger Danger"

[PLFXpert 0]

I'm watching this segment on the "Today show".

I'm shocked.

They staged a man walking by grabbing a young girl and the girl screaming "Someone help me. This is not my Dad. This is not my Dad. Please, someone help me."

And over and over each time they staged this, people just walked by and did nothing.

FINALLY a group of guys actually spread out and almost jumped the guy (before they were stopped and told it was "for T.V.") and I had tears in my eyes.

I can not believe how many people just walked by not doing anything.

I'm not one to stick my nose in other people's business, but I've been known to do so all the time in public if something doesn't feel/sound right.

What is wrong with people these days that they'd not be willing to stick their neck out for a child or an animal or anything that is potentially in a lot of danger?

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[daniel_owen_uk 0]

Doesn't surprise me one tiny bit, people suck, deal with it.

__________________

BOOM Headshot

[waltappel 1]

I'm not going to defend what they did, but I think it's mostly related to us living in a society where no good deed goes unpunished.

edited to add:
I really don't blame people for not wanting to get involved in what might turn into a really ugly situation. I don't like it, but I don't blame them.

Walt

[PLFXpert 0]

I don't know...adults screaming, I can kind of understand. But, a child? A child screaming "This is not my daddy?"

I think to myself---would I rather potentially put myself in danger as well to help this child or would I rather be watching the news later that evening and see the missing child alert and know I could have done something and chose to do nothing.

I would not be able to live with the latter.

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[loves2jump2 0]

I agree! Screaming adults is one thing and for the most part we can handle ourselves but when you see or hear a child screaming that’s different. They are not able to help themselves and we as humans should not turn our heads and pretend not to see just because of “society” and the belief that no good deed goes unpunished. It’s down right wrong. For me personally if I were to see or hear that I would not think twice about helping that child. It would be automatic. Honestly I don’t understand how one couldn’t help! I have brought my child up to scream and kick like hell if he were in any situation like that and I hope and pray that if that situation ever did come about that there would be someone like me there ready to help.

[jumpjunkie2004 0]

Eight years ago, I broke my ankle rollerblading through the back of a grocery store parking lot. It was secluded, but there was a path to an apartment complex behind the shopping center.

While I was sitting there, twenty people passed by me and not one of them offered to help. A construction worker saw me and let me borrow his phone, but as soon as I was finished calling a friend. He left.

It's amazing how we treat each other.

Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

Yep, I saw this too....sadly my kids watched...I didn't have time to talk to them to get their full reaction...but it would sadden me to think that they couldn't rely on an adult to help them if push came to shove. I will talk to them when they get home from school about it and what to do if they found themselves in that type of situation.

Me? I would jump in...no questions asked...but thats me...I don't think sometimes before I react. I would beat their ass and tell the kid to run.

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[PLFXpert 0]

Lori, Bobbie...right on!

The whole "no good deed goes unpunished" is one-sided.

B/c really, at least in my opinion, you're damned if you do or damned if you don't.

I'd rather be damned b/c I did something. That's just me.

These segments always bring tears to my eyes. I grew up being very aware of strangers and potential threats. I was always aware of my surroundings. I lived close enough to school to walk to and from (until high school when I got the boys to pick me up).

I can remember a couple occassions when I ran b/c of a stranger seemingly following me.

I am so protective of children, though I have none of my own. I just can't imagine how one can NOT care or NOT react to a situation like what I saw on the show this morning.

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[squirrel 0]

so hows the ankle?

________________________________
Where is Darwin when you need him?

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

"Lori, Bobbie...right on!"

Thats B.O.B.B.I.

Get it right or I'll have to bitch slap ya!

j/t
Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[waltappel 1]

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Lori, Bobbie...right on!

The whole "no good deed goes unpunished" is one-sided.

B/c really, at least in my opinion, you're damned if you do or damned if you don't.

I'd rather be damned b/c I did something. That's just me.

I understand what you are saying. I have no clue what I would do in a situation like that because I've never been confronted with having to make that choice. It's really not clear to me at all what I would do. I can see very solid reasons to either intervene or not. I would have to make a judgement call at that moment.

I do think that the TV people were being extremely irresponsible in staging that kind of situation because it's the kind of thing that could easily turn into an armed confrontation. It's nothing to play around with, IMO.

Why not take it to the next level and stage a rape? Or how about a terrorist threat? They were staging what appeared to be a felony crime and I don't think that's right. I wouldn't be surprised if it was also illegal.

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These segments always bring tears to my eyes. I grew up being very aware of strangers and potential threats. I was always aware of my surroundings. I lived close enough to school to walk to and from (until high school when I got the boys to pick me up).

That's what the TV people were after--ratings. Looks like they did ok.

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I can remember a couple occassions when I ran b/c of a stranger seemingly following me.

I am so protective of children, though I have none of my own. I just can't imagine how one can NOT care or NOT react to a situation like what I saw on the show this morning.

I didn't see the segment, so again, I can't even guess how I would have reacted to the staged crime. I am quite sure, though, that had I intervened and been told it was an act, then I would be very angry with the idiots who did that. I don't know whether the man had a weapon or weather he appeared to have a weapon, but if he had one, in Texas, it would have been legal to use deadly force against him and there are a *lot* of armed citizens here. It could have turned into a situation where they would have *really* had some great ratings.

Like I said, I didn't see the segment, but reading your post makes me hope the people who staged that thing are held accountable for it.

Sorry for making this sound Speakers Cornerish. I'll shutup now.

Walt

[JohnMitchell 16]

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They staged a man walking by grabbing a young girl and the girl screaming "Someone help me. This is not my Dad. This is not my Dad. Please, someone help me."

How was the acting? Did the little girl do a good job or did it possibly "ring false" for some of the peole passing by? Also, was this in New York? That would explain a lot.

I would have jumped in. I have a long record of getting involved in stuff like that.

[warpedskydiver 0]

I do believe people will do nothing at all when it's their turn to be a man.

I think that stunt while a valid study also endangered the life of the man posing as the perp.

I might have given him a knife in the chest or kidneys...or just shot him.

[Richards 0]

That is very disturbing. I once saw a man going nuts on some 12/13 year old kids (who in fairness were being obnoxious) but he started to get physical (shoving and even hit one of them). While some people yelled comments, most seemed to want to walk away and no-one was willing to step up to the plate and do anything until I ran up and grabbed the guy, and made him sit down. Admittedly I was rather frightened because he was bigger than me, and had a dog that looked like a shepperd/husky mix. The dog was none to impressed with the way I was treating his owner. Again other people started showing up once I jumped in and started to back me up but I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if everyone waited for someone else to make the first move.

Basically in todays society if you are in deep shit you are probably on your own because most people are not going to do anything.

Richards

My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within.

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

There was a guy in our neighborhood that really talked to my son and his friends in a not so nice way...used very colorful words...now I am not saying that what my son did was right or wrong...basically I think is was a misunderstanding between them all, BUT, I tracked his ass down and gave him a real "what for"...you don't talk to kids like that and he was really making a scene in the middle of the road...I told him if he had a real problem he knew where I lived and he could have come to me...not blast my son and his friends with colorful words and phrases. Who was acting child like in that situation? Asshole!

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[PLFXpert 0]

BobbI, got it

The acting wasn't bad. I would have thought it was "probably" real.

The "perp" was in danger, however, there WERE police officers standing by aware of the set-up situation. So they did think about some things.


Walt:

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I would have to make a judgement call at that moment.

That's my point. I could make arguements for both sides, as well. I could even win the debate AGAINST stepping in. But, if I were "in the moment" and had to make a quick decision, particular in this case, I would have no doubt intervened, I'm sure.



I've even heard of situations (real life on the news) where people were abusing animals in public. In that case, I would have also intervened.

I can think of a case that I did NOT intervene, however. Well, sort of not...where we used to rent at the beaches, a neighboring apartment was a man & a woman. I often saw the woman (on the rare occasion she emerged from the apartment) bruised and bloodied. But, we'd never heard anything. One afternoon, however, I DID hear it. I called the police but asked them not to stop by at that time to question me. They stopped by a couple days later but also knocked on everyones door to keep the person who called (me) anonymous.

I chose not to go over there. I viewed it as private premises. Had he been beating her in our courtyard, I think I might have intervened.

I can think of all sorts of situations....I once spoke sternly to a woman who, not spanked, but literally punched her kid in a super-market isle. It's a public place and I should be able to enjoy my shopping experience w/out having to see a child punched. I stood there until the manager came (who knows me b/c I'm there every week grocery shopping) and explained to him what I saw and left it from there.

I can't help myself. In private--it's your business. In public, it's everyone's business. And that's just how I see it.

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[lisamariewillbe 1]

Ones integrity can not be seen from their words but their actions. Anyone who would walk by someone in danger without so much as a call to 911 or some sort of intervention is a shitty person I wouldnt want in my life ever

Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this
Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this

[PLFXpert 0]

A call? You would think. These people didn't pick up their phones or anything.

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[Richards 0]

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There was a guy in our neighborhood that really talked to my son and his friends in a not so nice way...used very colorful words...now I am not saying that what my son did was right or wrong...basically I think is was a misunderstanding between them all, BUT, I tracked his ass down and gave him a real "what for"...you don't talk to kids like that and he was really making a scene in the middle of the road...I told him if he had a real problem he knew where I lived and he could have come to me...not blast my son and his friends with colorful words and phrases. Whos was acting child like in that situation? Asshole!

I am willing to wager he wasn't quite as courageous against you as he was against your kid. It's amazing how that works. Anyway glad you put the clown in his place.

Richards

My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within.

[briguy 0]

did they say where they shot this experiment at? was it downtown NY city?

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[airtwardo 7]

It's the " I'm too busy to be bothered with other people's problems " thing.

Many are so consumed with their own lives, what THEY are doing, where THEY need to be, etc.
That it seems even the most basic acts of human kindness are overlooked.

Where do each of us draw the line as far as getting involved?
Surely we all would like to think we'd assist in a scenario like the show portraits...

How about stopping along the road to help a motorist needing a jump, or a tire changed...
We kind of do a cost benefit analysis on helping others. How much of a dent will getting involved here put in MY day...

Feed a homeless person, pick up a hitchhiker...

We all know the 'dangers' of getting involved.
I think that because of the way society is in general today, we keep transcending our reservations about getting involved, to higher and higher levels.

I for one like to think I do step in when and where I can, and I have on many, many occasions.
Especially when there is a threat of physical danger to someone.

But I also notice myself 'justifying' not helping the motorist along the road...something I once did without a second thought...because the possible negative things that 'could' happen.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[livendive 8]

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I can think of a case that I did NOT intervene, however. Well, sort of not...where we used to rent at the beaches, a neighboring apartment was a man & a woman. I often saw the woman (on the rare occasion she emerged from the apartment) bruised and bloodied. But, we'd never heard anything. One afternoon, however, I DID hear it. I called the police but asked them not to stop by at that time to question me. They stopped by a couple days later but also knocked on everyones door to keep the person who called (me) anonymous.

Several years ago I lived in an apartment that had some unsavory types living in a house behind it. The house was falling down, in total disrepair, yet a dozen or so people seemed to live there, all of them with shiny lowered cars with really loud stereos. One night I heard some yelling, looked out my window into their backyard, and saw a guy letting a woman know exactly was on his mind. I was ready to jump the fence and intervene if he hit her instead of the dead truck she was hiding in, but it didn't get to that point. Two nights later I heard yelling again, followed by 4 gunshots in rapid succession. I called 911 and told them that I wanted to remain anonymous, but that they really needed to send someone to check the situation out.

45 minutes later my phone rang. It was the 911 operator. She told me that the officer on the scene would like to come get a statement from me, I said "No, I want to remain anonymous. I live next to these people." Just then there was a knock at my door. It was the cop, and instead of walking over, he'd driven...with the bad guy in cuffs in the back of his car.

I moved. It was much easier than worrying about some sort of retribution, and I was ready for a nicer neighborhood anyhow. The experience didn't exactly improve my opinion of cops though.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[briguy 0]

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It's the " I'm too busy to be bothered with other people's problems " thing.

there are some situations where helping people out is a good thing. charity is important.

however, there is a line to be drawn. some people might learn to depend on others to fix everything for them. i'm sure you all know at least one person like this... the kind o person who can't seem to wipe their own behind without asking for help.

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[Richards 0]

45 minutes later my phone rang. It was the 911 operator. She told me that the officer on the scene would like to come get a statement from me, I said "No, I want to remain anonymous. I live next to these people." Just then there was a knock at my door. It was the cop, and instead of walking over, he'd driven...with the bad guy in cuffs in the back of his car.***

Did you ask the cop WTF he was thinking identifying you to the suspect. I would have been livid! Good call leaving the neighborhood. That cops incompetence placed you in serious danger. Frightenning to think what would have happened the previous night if you had jumped the fence.

I once jumped into something thinking it was a small thing like that and found out after the fact that I had stepped in some serious shit with some bad characters. Spent some time looking over my shoulder after that.

Cheers,

Richards

My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within.

[GravityGirl 0]

About a year ago, I was walking through a parking lot and some guy had this kid over his shoulders who was kicking and screaming, "I want my Mommy! Put me down! Let me go! Mom! Mom!"

I looked around and didn't see a Mom. So I walked up to the guy and asked him what was going on. He said the kid was just throwing a tantrum so he took him out of the store.

So I asked the kid where his Mommy was, and he pointed to the store. Still in histerics. I asked him who the guy holding him was. He said, "My new Daddy." So I waited until his Mom came out of the store.

I felt like an ass for embarrassing the parents of a kid throwing a tantrum. But I wouldn't have been able to sleep if I didn't find out what was going on.

Fortunately, I never saw that family again. And I'm also lucky that my kid has never thrown a full blown tantrum. Whiny, yes. Tantrum, no.

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Peace and Blue Skies!
Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear!