Seriously. What would you do if faced with a moral, ethical or otherwise emotional dilemma? How would you react in a crisis? Would you step out of your comfort zone or interrupt your hectic schedule to come to the aid of a complete stranger? An individual's reaction in situations like these shows their true character. It separates courageous heroes and heroines from...well, from others.
I'm not going to come down on anyone. There are many reasons why a person might not come to the aid of another. Perhaps the situation is dangerous. Perhaps they're afraid it's a criminal set up...one person distracts and another comes in for the steal. It happens. That's why those who do come to the rescue are courageous. But what if there isn't any imminent danger? Take, for example, the situations John Quinones of ABC News sets up in his Primetime show 'What would you do?'. Check out the link if you haven't seen the show before. I love watching it with my kids (yes, I'm hoping they'll learn that it's good to stand up for what's right).
These aren't simple situations. Each one involves a dilemma where actors set up a 'situation' and hidden cameras (and John Quinones) capture who walks by and who steps up to the plate. I've seen episodes that involved students cheating, non-disabled individuals parking in a handicapped space and refusing to move for a person in need, a man at the beach telling his wife she's fat and should cover up etc... In fact, they even flipped the scenario in that one to see how strangers would react if the wife said abusive things to the husband. Funny how people react differently depending on if women or men are the victims. John doesn't take it easy on folks. He ups the ante in each situation. It's an excellent show to watch if you're interested in human behavior. What writer isn't? The folks who step in, take action and do what's right are heroes and heroines. The show is full of inspiration for the types of characters we like to read and/or write about. I personally love stories/movies where the hero ends up being the shy/insecure guy who no one would expect bravery from. Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter comes to mind :)
So have you been faced with a moral dilemma that you'd like to share? Maybe there's one you witnessed or where you were the victim? What happened and who stepped in to help?
This is something I've recently thought about too as I wonder how I would react in a given situation. But until it happens, you can't know for sure how you would respond. There are too many variables to account for that you can't predict.
ReplyDeleteI need to check out that show!
Hey Stina! Too many variables is the perfect way to put it. That's why I don't like to judge. Judging is too one-sided. I don't think that the show necessarily points out every reason a person might not stop to help (I don't think they can manage that in one show), but it is still an incredible show to watch and it really does make you think about what your characters might do in a given situation. It could give ideas for a scene that really molds/deepens them.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this show a couple of times, but I'm usually busy doing something else when it's on. I enjoy watching Survivor and Big Brother to watch the interaction between people. I've learned a lot about character development and types of personalities from them.
ReplyDeleteHey Carol! I've seen Survivor a few times, but not Big Brother. I'll have to check it out. TV certainly is one way to people watch without having to work at not looking obvious LOL.
ReplyDeleteAs you pointed out, all of this stuff is interesting for us to think about as individuals and writers.
ReplyDeleteHaven't watched the show, but yeah, just thinking about what you've written is plenty to chew on.
Hi there, Rula! I hadn't heard of this show, either, but wow, what an interesting concept. And a bit intimidating. I get nervous just thinking about what I might do in one of those situations. Hopefully I'd step up, but...like you said, you don't know until you're in it. But you're right, it would provide fascinating insight into how different people/characters respond in different situations. Thank you for always providing food for thought! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi J.L. - I agree it's fascinating stuff.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy - Thanks, and you're right about intimidating :). I think age/maturity and experience can also factor in with confidence. I could see a character living with the guilt of NOT having responded to a 'situation' when they were much younger...and having that guilt influence how they respond as adults. Actually, I do see that a lot in stories, but this show does give an extra angle to view it from :)
I've never heard of or seen the show. Sounds very cool. I love the psychology aspect of being put in a situation and wondering how you could/would react.
ReplyDeleteHey Jennifer! Psychology is definitely interesting :)
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