Standing Up As a Citizen 2008
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Andrew Paparella
Directed by Andrew Paparella
DVD, color, 33 min.
Sr. High - Adult
American Studies, Ethics, Sociology
Date Entered: 04/17/2009
Reviewed by Michael J. Coffta, Business Librarian, Bloomsburg University of PennsylvaniaOriginally aired as a segment of an ABC News Primetime broadcast in March 2008, Standing Up as a Good Citizen represents a brief social experiment in which actors are set to take part in unethical behaviors, including parking in a disabled-only space, damaging another car while parking and fleeing the scene, and gross littering. In another instance, the actors each play a person in distress in a park to see if anyone will play the “good Samaritan.” In all of these staged incidents, the concealed news team observes how passersby respond (if at all) to these situations that call for intervention.
Most of the actors met apathy, but several people intervened with varying levels of commitment and enthusiasm. A sample of those who got involved was interviewed, as well as a sample of those who did not intercede.
While the experiment was admittedly not exceptionally scientific, with many variables left uncontrolled, the principal finding was that time pressure was the key determinant as to whether or not people intervened. Race also factored into many people’s decisions and reactions.
This is a simple and straightforward glimpse at apathy in American society. While it is not exceptionally moving, it does reinforce the need for good citizenship and mutual respect. While many may find this work informative, its appeal may be most profound to a high school audience.