Conference Participation

The Use and Effect of Community-Based Structures on Inequality

Paper:  The Bystander Effect: Addressing Civic Disengagement as a Barrier to Racial Equity and Human Rights

Abstract: People become less likely to stand up for others in emergencies because we subconsciously assume the blame is better on a group rather than just one person. The psychological "bystander effect," first codified by Darley and Latané in 1968, posits that individuals are less likely to intervene in emergencies when others are present due to a diffusion of responsibility.  In a democratic government, the bystander effect presents itself as political indifference: the lack of engagement and concern with civic responsibilities. Both government officials and voters contribute to this issue. Their political indifference causes disregard for basic human rights through the lack of concern and engagement with civic duties. When examining current immigration enforcement violations during arrests, and the fact that zero accountability has been taken by the federal government, this is especially prevalent. While distrust in institutions and feelings of powerlessness contribute to this disengagement, they do not absolve the citizenry of the responsibility to uphold democratic dignity. Drawing on the solidarity shown by Twin Cities communities toward immigrant families, this presentation explores how transforming passive bystanders into active "human rights defenders" is a prerequisite for any meaningful remedy to inequality. Although bystanders are not directly causing harm, their presence and lack of action leave victims and marginalized communities feeling unsupported. As members of our community, whether that be school, work, or in public, we have a responsibility to uphold standards of respect and support one another when we see discrimination, just as the Twin Cities communities have stood up in solidarity for our immigrant families.

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