Have you been in a situation where you needed help, but no one stepped in? Or have you seen someone else in distress and felt unsure about whether to act? Today, I will show you how to understand the bystander effect, specifically to people of colour (POCs). This guide breaks down this phenomenon's complexities and provides practical steps to combat it.
Learning about the psychological theories and social dynamics involved with the bystander effect for the first time can feel overwhelming. But don't worry; in this straightforward guide, I’ll demystify the bystander effect and show you how we can all play a role in making our communities safer and more supportive of everyone.
What is the Bystander Effect?
The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. The more witnesses there are, the less likely it is that any one of them will step in to help. This mainly occurs because of a diffusion of responsibility: everyone assumes someone else will to action. My book Real Men Don’t do Therapy describes a real-life experience of this in the first chapter, when Femi had an adverse experience on a bus.
Why is it Relevant to POCs?
For POCs, the bystander effect can have a greater impact due to systemic biases and stereotypes. These biases can make bystanders less likely to recognize the severity of the situation or the need to intervene. Moreover, POCs might feel hesitant to act due to fear of being misperceived or facing repercussions. When a POC is also experiencing discrimination or microaggressions, they are less likely to be helped by people around them who unconsciously feel they don’t share their experience or are confused as to how to help. Note that bystanders can be damaged by witnessing these experiences particularly when they don’t act.
Example
Imagine a situation where a young Australian man of African appearance is being harassed in a public place. Even if there are several witnesses, they might not intervene due to ingrained biases or fear of getting involved. This can leave the victim feeling isolated and helpless.
Now that we understand the basics, let’s dive into how we can counteract this effect.
Steps to Counteract the Bystander Effect
Step 1: Recognise the Signs
The first step is to be aware of the signs that someone needs help. This might include:
Visible distress or discomfort
Verbal requests for help
Non-verbal cues like body language or facial expressions
Step 2: Educate Yourself and Others
Educate yourself and those around you about the bystander effect and the importance of intervening. Awareness is the first step towards action and engage in conversations about this topic.
Step 3: Create a Plan
Have a plan in place for how you will respond if you witness someone in distress. This could include:
Calling for help (e.g., contacting authorities or security)
Directly intervening if it’s safe to do so
Enlisting the help of others around you to address the situation collectively
Step 4: Practice Empathy
Put yourself in the shoes of the person in distress. How would you feel if you were in their position, and no one helped you? Empathy can be a powerful motivator for taking action.
Step 5: Challenge Biases
Be conscious of your own biases and work actively to challenge them. Understand that everyone deserves help and support, regardless of their race or background.
Thanks to “The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Bystander Effect for POCs,” you now have the knowledge and tools to recognize and combat the bystander effect. As you’ve seen, the bystander effect can have serious implications, especially for POCs, but with awareness and action, we can make a difference.
Remember, taking action can make all the difference in someone’s life. Don’t be a passive bystander—be the person who steps up and makes a positive impact. Now that you have everything you need to get started, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on “The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Bystander Effect for POCs.”
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