Aegon with mead in his hand leaves out the bar and nods to his old friend, they go separate ways. Always enjoyed the deep conversations they had this one was peculiar. He walked down the street and noticed a small crowd he came up to them and witnessed a larger man pummeling this kid to a pulp. He takes out the kids wallet and spits in face has he walks off and through the crowd. The crowd then dispersed.
This situation was just what him and his friend was discussing. He pulls out a handkerchief from his jacket and tosses it to the kid to clean himself up. The kid thanks him and hobbles off. Did the kid start it? was it just a robbery? who knows Ageon didn't really care about that. Why didn't anyone in that crowd help? Intervene? Something? He thought back to a lot of his past. His robbing, putting someone in their place and more there was a few people but no one ever seemed to intervene. He had always thought people were just scared... could it be deeper? 
He walks further down the street to where a group of familiar faces were mingling outside Cafe' Insomniacs, he looks about and climbs atop an abandoned car with hubcaps missing. He sits on the hood and clears his throat to speak:

       I would like to open a discussion:  What do you think about incidents where you may have seen others not acting in response to wrong doings (or people in need) or why did you not act in such a situation?
I was having a few beers with a friend of mine and we had a conversation about the bystander effect.  It’s a social behavior in which individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are around.  The more people who are around, the less of a chance (or the longer it will take) for someone to decide to help.

I know we aren't angels and cupcakes.  I’m not going to stop someone from making their bones, but what about when someone is hurt, in trouble, having a heart attack, or just trouble carrying something heavy – something of that nature? Why do people just stand by and watch; or keep walking? 

Now, I would like the pullback another layer on this as it applies to MR… I am not knocking any era or person; throughout my journals time such as the Gwarble, Roman, 303, Czylharz, Curtis/Disorder or when any group has been in power, they usually have a swath of people who are discontent. However, my question is: why do so little people step up or rally the community to make changes? 

Some of the attitudes and conversations I’ve seen in the past are: "when this era is gone" or "when *name* dies" or " when someone fixes the current situation" or "when things get better" …why do you think these people have this mindset?  Why do they think that it’s not their responsibility to change the situation they are dissatisfied with or why do they feel they can't do anything about it?

Many are quick to condemn complain and or cry about situations, but they continue to stand ever so lifeless about the situation.  You can almost hear them screaming from inside their heads for someone else to just take responsibility; do you think this is in due to some variation of "The Bystander Effect"?

I would also be interested in hearing any accounts you may have witnessed or been apart of. Even if you didn't take action but wish you did or someone did. Im not calling you out for not acting that's not what this is about but more so is there merit to the effect?

After KatyPerry received her daily hustle goals from her boss she hit the streets. A safe cracking job fell through just as she arrived at the destination. Usually Katy would grab a coffee and kill some time at the coffee house, but she had been working on drinking less caffeine. She decided to take a stroll down the streets, see if anyone was saying interesting. 

Our current society encourage people to be bystanders. If you do anything out of the norm you are calling attention to yourself and attention is not always good. Especially in the world we participate in where a vengeful and sensitive mobster can end your life with one shot because you looked at him the wrong way.

Witness a crime you weren't suppose to see? Keep your mouth shut.

Witness a shipment of bootleg booze? Don't get any funny ideas.

Witness a man beating his girl at the bar? Don't get involved, it's none of your business.

Why do people just stand by and watch; or keep walking? 

There are perks of being a bystander. One, you stay out of trouble. Two, it's easier.

It's easier. Just like it's easier to pool all the money together and anonymously post crew leaders on the hit list. This is way easier than ranking up and murdering those you'd like to see removed. 

OR

Are those who post the hits stepping up from the heard of bystanders and doing something about it?

There are two sides to every story. 

Why do they think that it’s not their responsibility to change the situation they are dissatisfied with or why do they feel they can't do anything about it?

 Laziness. 

It's not their problem until it's directly effecting them. It's easier to create excuses than pooling your money together or ranking up and doing something about it. Those who are lazy may have an easier time day to day, but those who stand up and step away from the crowd will be able to look back on their life knowing they did something when their intuition encouraged. A fulfilling life is what we all strive for, some of us will actually live it. 

 Why do people just stand by and watch; or keep walking? 

 I think there are several reasons, depending on the person and the situation. One of the biggest ones is most likely laziness. They see so many others in the vicinity that they figure 'Oh, someone else will do something, no need for me to get involved'. Now, that is a possibility, although if everyone there is thinking that, obviously nothing will get done.

There is also the possibility they want to help, or get involved, but they do not want to be thrust into the spotlight with so many onlookers about, almost like a stage fright. Their mind races with thoughts of messing up or looking stupid in front of a crowd, which inevitably halts any action they may have wanted to take.

Then there are some that might enjoy watching someone in trouble, and are standing there for nothing more than their own entertainment. It saddens me that people like this exist, but this is not a new concept, going back hundreds of years even as onlookers would watch the gladiators killing for the enjoyment of their 'owners'.

Then there is cowardice,  depending again on the situation, someone not willing to put themselves at risk for another. Fear grips them so they cannot move to help, no matter how much they may want to.

However, my question is: why do so little people step up or rally the community to make changes?

Change starts in your own back yard. I personally think that you have a very good point, and those previous reasons I gave could very well be applied to this question as well. One thing I might add though, is that things are not always brought into the light, even though something may be being done behind the scenes, outside the public view.

I am a firm believer that we ARE the change. Each person has the potential to make changes, just by acting with integrity and standing for what they believe in, even if their piers do not. 

In the end, we live by example, and we are all in control of our legacy's, and what we will be remembered for.

I am very much a bystander. I'll admit it. Now I will continue to tell you why.

As much as it is something I wholly believe in to step up and be counted, there has come some realizations with it. You can try to get change brought about. You can try it in your own backyard first, but if people don't want to change we will continue to see the same things.

Now my ancestors have gone about wanting change. Trying to be that change. And it has just worn them down. This community does not like things that are not in their norms. The leaders want things their way, so sure. Why should I bother when it has gotten my ancestors nowhere before? Why should I be the one to start lifting the weight when it is most likely to go nowhere?

Perhaps I am not merely just a bystander but someone who has lost the flame somewhere along the way. Lack of motivation? Lack of desire to draw that attention towards myself? Perhaps to both.

What I am not, is lazy though. Just because I stand by does not mean I am not doing anything of worth for my own immediate circle of interest. Family, myself, and perhaps a friend or two.

I like to help when I can.

If I see a bully beating up a smaller kid, sure, I'll intervene and split them up. If I see someone carrying something heavy and they obviously need help, I'll help. If someone is having a heart attack, I'll call 9-1-1. If a man is beating his wife, I'll tackle him to the ground and pummel him myself. If my family or close friends are in need of some help, you better believe I'll be there to help how and when I can.

If it's two grown ass men dueling it out because they got a problem with each other. That's their business. Not mine.

If I see a gang fight and they're throwing bullets at each other, it'd be smart of me to stay out of the crossfire.

I think we all have been bystanders before and will continue will be. Some things will not need you or you don't know what the fuck is happening and will make it worse. Sure I have stepped in before if I see someone getting bullied or what not but sometimes I didn't because I knew I would of faced harm if I did. 

Shonuff was on his way to Cafe' Insomniacs to gets a bite to eat when he stopped and joined a conversation that was taking place.

Growing up among quite a few females I have an enormous respect for women.  So if I was to see a man abusing a lady in a bar or someplace, my first inkling would be to step in.

If I saw a homeless person in need I would give them a couple of dollars. If I saw someone snatch an old ladies purse and was running toward me I would trip them and wouldn’t  blame anyone if they did it to me.

But this thing of ours is called organized crime for a reason. So often when people are killed I heard it being said: “this is the Mafia, it’s the way things are”.  We need to use the same seemingly forgotten Mafia concept, the chain of command to have change.

 Why do so little people step up or rally the community to make changes?

Because it’s not our place. It's not our place to question the Bosses nor rally the community against one.  What we can do is build a rapport with them where our concerns are appreciated. To establish the type of relationships where you can express your point of view and have the understanding we have the right to agree to disagree, to merely place food for thought in their minds. Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
 

Why do they think that it’s not their responsibility to change the situation they are dissatisfied with or why do they feel they can't do anything about it?

Again it’s about knowing your place.  Everyone has heard the saying rank up and do something.

Change has to come from the top down.  If there is no honor or loyalty among our leaders then any standard will trickle down.  It creates a  system of reckless waste.

You want real change don’t work for a fucked up Boss.  If its blood in blood out so be it.  As the saying goes people that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.  I have also heard talk about people jumping ship during a war, but also remember the ship which has weathered all storms, may sink through the mutiny of those on board.

Now don’t get it twisted I am not trying to advocate anything but communication with your uppers.  Stay in the ear if you think things aren’t right. Or have the courage to say, BYE Felicia.

When you really feel discourages remember this prayer, God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

And don't ask me why I am yelling it's the only way I can get these words straight.

ShoNuff humbly shuts up.
 

There are perks of being a bystander. One, you stay out of trouble. Two, it's easier.

It's easier. Just like it's easier to pool all the money together and anonymously post crew leaders on the hit list. This is way easier than ranking up and murdering those you'd like to see removed. 

OR

Are those who post the hits stepping up from the heard of bystanders and doing something about it?

There are two sides to every story. 

 "The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing" 
A large part of or success in this thing of ours is the weak mindset of the bystanders who have the mindset that "Hey this guy is extorting and beating up this shop keeper but it definitely be easier for me to eat my pizza and go about my way". Yeah it probably best for his health because I would crack open the Sfigatos head who interferes with my racket. However we need to look inward onto "Thing of Ours" and keep this thought the next time you or one of your offspring find yourself under the ruling of some fiche....think back to this. 
We shouldn't stand by and let our values, integrity and our community be forsaken or aspects diminish in its worth. Even if it may be easier to not do something, sometimes the easiest option can be the worst possible decision. 
Regarding Hit-List, Rogues, and etc... That dosen' t make it the easy route, easy is just doing nothing, turning the cheek. These are actions from a perceived point of view but that's a whole different topic. 

I think there are several reasons, depending on the person and the situation. One of the biggest ones is most likely laziness. They see so many others in the vicinity that they figure 'Oh, someone else will do something, no need for me to get involved'. Now, that is a possibility, although if everyone there is thinking that, obviously nothing will get done.

That is the worst part I think, and do belive is a high percentage reason. The Diffusion of Responsibility. No one wants to be burdend or be Responsible for a number of reasons. Especially in this thing of ours. I know people worry about how their bloodline will benefit or not benifit and their life. Things just stall out or don't get done with this mindset and worst of all each time I feel like a bit of our community is chipped away each time a serious situation arrises. 

There is also the possibility they want to help, or get involved, but they do not want to be thrust into the spotlight with so many onlookers about, almost like a stage fright. Their mind races with thoughts of messing up or looking stupid in front of a crowd, which inevitably halts any action they may have wanted to take.

I do see this alot and I have known many over the years who are skeptic to even open their mouths in the streets and offer their opinion. You have those who went through periods where they witnessed people be murdered for disagreeing with someone or this and that; but thats not so much the issue now others do not wish to look like a fool do to language issues and not being able to speak English the best, or being grammatically correct, but I dont feel that should ever stop someone from speaking up or taking action where they feel they should.  

I also do know some will not take action because they are just scared and to be frank that paints a clear picture of who you can count on when things get heated and rough we all die, live life the best you can.

Then there are some that might enjoy watching someone in trouble, and are standing there for nothing more than their own entertainment. It saddens me that people like this exist, but this is not a new concept, going back hundreds of years even as onlookers would watch the gladiators killing for the enjoyment of their 'owners'.

This is something that has a moral grey area. Sure I like watching a good ol' slug fest. Fight for honor, fight for respect, fight for integrety... Fight for survival. You should have one of those aspects when harming another individual. We kill and hurt those who disrespect our way of life and affect our bread we bring home to the table. Boxing you fight for your name and your pay check, sure we are entertained. If you are just harming and killing and our watching without any reason then I have to question your sanity and charchter. It's like the little boy that gets gratification off of using a magnifying glass to fry ants just because he can.

<<<OOC: Taking things beyond the game and using personal things about people's lives to laugh about and use against them or etc makes me qurstion you as a person>>> 

Change starts in your own back yard. I personally think that you have a very good point, and those previous reasons I gave could very well be applied to this question as well. One thing I might add though, is that things are not always brought into the light, even though something may be being done behind the scenes, outside the public view.

I am a firm believer that we ARE the change. Each person has the potential to make changes, just by acting with integrity and standing for what they believe in, even if their piers do not. 

In the end, we live by example, and we are all in control of our legacy's, and what we will be remembered for.

Ambiguity is one of those things that have a large hand in things as well yeah i agree. Even the statements put out about reasoning for removals or deaths are usually not the full truth. However to speak on that matter when the powers that be don't put out reasons be it "I just didn't like you" or they put out something full or half truth I think the worst action is to say nothing for many reason.

I think alot of people dont do anything because they have know idea whats going on generally its usually their fault for not creating those channels of information and such anyway but know the less is the reason you have so many zombie stated individuals. 

Each person does have the potential your right it does alway irk me to here individuals cry that they cant change anything or it dosent matter what i do nothing will change or get done. Having that mindset then cranked up by 100s of individuals ofcourse now nothings getting done. If the mindset was to reverse then the connections and actions would fire off like crazy...but that mindset is how those who are in power stay in power for long periods no matter what happens.

As much as it is something I wholly believe in to step up and be counted, there has come some realizations with it. You can try to get change brought about. You can try it in your own backyard first, but if people don't want to change we will continue to see the same things.

People have resisted change since the dawn, you even find this trait in many animals who freak out when things change. It's the fear of the unknown even a person beat daily for years or jailed for most of their lives you will find they do not do well eith change and would sometimes prefer the familiarity. However many great inventions and changes were also met with failure and skepticismand push back but here they are. 

Now my ancestors have gone about wanting change. Trying to be that change. And it has just worn them down. This community does not like things that are not in their norms. The leaders want things their way, so sure. Why should I bother when it has gotten my ancestors nowhere before? Why should I be the one to start lifting the weight when it is most likely to go nowhere?

Perhaps I am not merely just a bystander but someone who has lost the flame somewhere along the way. Lack of motivation? Lack of desire to draw that attention towards myself? Perhaps to both.

My ancestors have experienced many changes over the years alot of the changes were argued to death before they were implemented.  (like the Bg changes) Through constant push and communication we have seen things change some were yes still met with hate and push back. You should continue to bother with your ideas and how you feel because you may finaly push through. 

<font color="#D7D7D7">Many of or greats throught history have failed numerous times but they did not give up.</font>

Abraham Lincoln went to war a captain and returned a private. Afterwards, he was a failure as a businessman. As a lawyer in Springfield, he was too impractical and temperamental to be a success. He turned to politics and was defeated in his first try for the legislature, again defeated in his first attempt to be nominated for congress, defeated in his application to be commissioner of the General Land Office, defeated in the senatorial election of 1854, defeated in his efforts for the vice-presidency in 1856, and defeated in the senatorial election of 1858.

Socrates was called "an immoral corrupter of youth" and continued to corrupt even after a sentence of death was imposed on him. He drank the hemlock and died corrupting.

 Charles Darwin gave up a medical career and was told by his father, "You care for nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching." In his autobiography, Darwin wrote, "I was considered by all my masters and my father, a very ordinary boy, rather below the common standard of intellect." Clearly, he evolved.

A Paris art dealer refused Picasso shelter when he asked if he could bring in his paintings from out of the rain. One hopes that there is justice in this world and that the art dealer eventually went broke.

 Van Gogh sold only one painting during his life. And this to the sister of one of his friends for 400 francs (approximately $50). This didn't stop him from completing over 800 paintings.

The list goes on but to keep the moral we may all loose the flame of passion and trying at anything but never give up.

What I am not, is lazy though. Just because I stand by does not mean I am not doing anything of worth for my own immediate circle of interest. Family, myself, and perhaps a friend or two.

On many levels one can make an impact, by supporting or helping nothing wrong with that. Even small things can have large impacts.