Would you save a stranger? (TV programme)

I watched the program last night and found it quite disturbing. I'd like to think that I would help someone, but until put in that sort of situation, I just don't know whether I would. I really hope that I never get to find out.
Society's attitude towards things like this needs to change, if no-one turned a blind eye, then attackers would think twice before attacking.

I have a lot of respect for the man that tried to stop the armed robbers. He could have easily died that day. At the same time, he put his life on the line with a gun in his face whereas others on the bus completely ignored less dangerous attacks. If i was on the bus alone, to be honest i probably wouldnt confront a gang of 15 boys the same age as me but i would try and prompt others to help me.
The other case on the bus with the group of girls shows the scum we have in london. I would have definitely done something there. Most probably moved them out the way so the two victims could have got away.
That programme really angered me.

I've not seen this, so the following is just on the general topic, rather than the program itself. The psychology of groups and witnesses means that the more there are of them, the less likely one of them will stop and help. Primarily for two reasons; they assume someone else will do it and they don't want to be the one to deviate from the group's default reaction of passive observation. If you are in need of help and a load of people are standing round, you are actually best off directing your cries of help at one particular individual than appealing to the group as a whole.

I know from numerous experiences that I am one of the people who do stop and help and frankly consider it a pretty poor reflection upon society and mankind in general that the majority of people don't.

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

a pretty poor reflection upon society and mankind in general that the majority of people don't.

I'm in total agreement there. Society needs to start speaking and acting against the things that will ultimately cause it's downfall. We all moan about things, but fail to do anything to stop them happening.

Originally Posted by Magnum

I have a lot of respect for the man that tried to stop the armed robbers. He could have easily died that day.

That reminds me of a story i read in the newspaper a good few months ago - an elderly man stepped in and ripped a balaclavar off the face of a robber who was attempting to rob a jewelerry (sp?) store in broad daylight. The robber was so shocked he legged it well done to that old guy

Back to the topic -
Id like to think I would stop and help but it really does depend on the situation and the nature of it. If it was a group of men beating up someone then Id call the police because I would probably end up getting attacked as well. If it was a group of children picking on someone, Id step in (and I have done - poor girl was being bullied and having things flung at her on the bus).

Unfortunately due to the way society has gone (and is going), im much more inclined to not get directly invovled purely due to my own safety and fear of getting attacked / dragged in.

Maria

Originally Posted by Miss Alpinestarhero

Unfortunately due to the way society has gone (and is going), im much more inclined to not get directly invovled purely due to my own safety and fear of getting attacked / dragged in.

I wouldn't expect everyone to get involved in breaking up fisticuffs or preventing robberies, but there are plenty of scenarios those people could get involved in: helping at traffic accidents, people collapsing in the street, lost children, etc. from the sounds of it you would help at those and that is very admirable.

Working at the pub. Bloke and his wife had been arguing in the bar for ages, we told them it was getting out time and that they had to leave. I checked with her she was okay, she smiled and lightly replied 'yeah'. Anyway, been nosey we could still hear them arguing outside, I stepped outside mainly to see if she was okay, she was in the car he was by the window and he was in the window shouting at her face. Next thing, he stepped slightly back and landed her one right in the chops. I was over there like a shot, she was bleeding and crying her eyes out trying to start the car, our manageress was not far behind and she had seen the lot, she got the lady out the car and saw to her, meanwhile I have confronted the bloke and pushed him away asking him WTF he thought he was doing...his reply "none of your business", 'fair reply mate, but why the **** do you think its right to hit her?', "I don't need to answer to you fatboy" with that he has tried to push me back and then swing for me. I landed him one on the chops and shouted how the **** do youlike it...and then as soon as that happened, security from the hotel over the road grabbed holt of me. The bloke came back for more but was restrained by two others from the pub.

On the return to the pub after all had calmed down, people were saying well done etc, the manageress however said "well done, but you do realise, this will be investigated". I was told to take holiday whilst the investigation was done, and was issued with a disciplinary hearing with the AM. There was footage of it from the car park but it was without sound, and it was unclear the bloke was shouting...Therefore I was issued with a written warning.

Looking back on it, I didn't know the full situation, only basics of what I sort....Was it stupid? Yes. Would I do it again? Probably not the way i dealt with it that time, however, put it like this - I will never stand by and let that sort of thing happen.

NEVER HIT A WOMAN.

Nowadays, I will always step in and try to stop violence whatever the background, whether the person deserves it or not.

[yorkie_chris]

I reckon you got a written warning because you said the wrong thing plowsie. You don't get f###ed over for what you've done in such a situation!

It's the sad thing about this country that you are more likely to get into bother doing the right thing than the people who go through their worthless lives consistently doing wrong.

And people wonder why anyone with sense has no respect for the forces of law and order in this country. I can understand when people enjoy having a dig at the police, I don't agree, but I understand. I think the establishment repeatedly showing themselves to be a bunch of c##ts might have something to do with it...

When the missus and I were set upon by chavettes, loads of people watched but nobody lifted a finger to help us. And I was helpless to do anything as I knew I couldn't do anything but try and hold them off lest I get banged up for beating the **** out of a teenage girl (despite the fact she ****ing deserved it).

[flymo]

I would step in whenever I thought it necessary. If I deemed it too dangerous I might not wade in there but I wouldnt ignore it, I'ld be looking/calling for help from somebody.

How could anybody live with the guilt of walking past while somebody gets worked over or even killed?

On the subject of landing the wrong side of the law....If I thought it was the correct thing to do then I'ld do it, regardless of the consequences. Real interesting point from Baph though, in some cases you really do have no idea of the circumstances that started an attack.