On January 1, 2022, Colin McGarva made headlines when he plunged into a flooding river in Worcester to rescue an unconscious woman. Without hesitation, McGarva disregarded the potential dangers, including the risk of losing his own life and leaving his newborn son without a father. “I didn’t stop to think because the instinct – the instant reaction – is to help someone in need,” he explained. This act of bravery has sparked renewed discussions around the concept of heroism and the common perception of bystander apathy.
The conversation gained momentum following a mass stabbing incident on a high-speed train from Doncaster to London, where chaos initially reigned. Reports indicated that passengers, some injured, fled through the carriages in panic. Yet, amid the turmoil, stories of heroism soon emerged, particularly highlighting the actions of LNER employee Samir Zitouni. After risking his own safety to save passengers, he was hailed as a hero by police and the UK’s Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, who remarked, “There are people who are alive today who wouldn’t be… were it not for his actions.” Zitouni’s family affirmed that he has always been a hero in their eyes.
Experts in psychology and group behaviour argue that the notion of bystander apathy is a myth. They suggest that, contrary to the stereotype of individuals fleeing in emergencies, most people tend to act selflessly. “The notion that people panic and run screaming for the exits is a Hollywood fiction,” stated Prof Stephen Reicher from the University of St Andrews. He pointed to historical incidents, such as the 7/7 bombings in London and the 1999 Admiral Duncan pub attack, where individuals banded together to support one another despite their fears.
Research conducted during the 2015 Leytonstone tube attack further supports this idea, showing an impressive level of spontaneous coordination among bystanders. Some individuals directed others away from danger, while others confronted the attacker. “Heroism was a feature of the group, not just the individual,” Reicher noted.
Prof Clifford Stott, a specialist in crowd psychology at Keele University, echoed these sentiments. He emphasized that modern research dispels the myth of bystander apathy, revealing instead a natural inclination for individuals to cooperate during crises. “What modern research shows is that the public are very good at protecting themselves, and the heroic actions that hit the headlines are actually underlying, natural tendencies in all of us,” he explained.
This perspective offers a hopeful view of human nature, suggesting that society can benefit from nurturing these instincts. “We need to scaffold local resilience and build infrastructures within local communities that help them to organise and manage that motivation to step in,” Stott added, emphasizing the importance of preparing for future challenges, particularly with the increasing likelihood of climate-related emergencies.
Prof John Drury, a social psychologist at the University of Sussex, reinforced the idea that authorities should support people’s natural tendencies to assist one another in emergency situations. The language used by first responders can significantly influence community responses. Drury advocated for using positive, unifying language, such as referring to “the community” instead of “the public,” fostering a sense of connection and collaboration among individuals.
Dr. Gill Harrop, who leads the Bystander Intervention Programme at the University of Worcester, highlighted the ongoing efforts to cultivate a culture of assistance within society. She noted the rise of bystander intervention training in various institutions, including schools, colleges, and even the NHS. “We are slowly but surely creating communities of active bystanders. And that’s wonderful,” she remarked.
The recent incidents and the insights of various experts suggest a shift in understanding human behaviour during crises. As society faces increasing challenges, recognizing and empowering individuals to act heroically could lead to stronger, more resilient communities. The evidence indicates that, when push comes to shove, many people are ready to step up and help those in need.
