What was significant about the Kitty Genovese murder?

Answer 1

The 1964 Genovese murder in itself was not that unusual. Murders are an everyday occurance in New York City. What was shocking about this murder was over a 35-minute period, Kitty Genovese was stabbing while at least 37 neighbors heard her screaming, begging for help, as her killer came back not once but twice to stab her a total of three times, the last time fatally. After the final attact, one neighbor did call police, but not until he had called a friend in Nassua County to ask his advice. It was finally decided that calling the police would be the right thing to do. When the neighbors were asked why they didn't call police when Genovese first screamed for help the replies were: 'I don't know' OR 'I was tired. I went back to bed.'

The rest of the country was horrified at the coldness of these New Yorkers. After this steps were taken to encourage people to 'get involved'. Are we not 'our brothers' keeper?'

Answer 2

The Kitty Genovese murder in 1964 gained notoriety for the bystander effect, as it was reported that many witnesses did not intervene or call for help during the prolonged attack. This case highlighted social psychological concepts related to diffusion of responsibility and the apathy of bystanders in emergency situations.