Do you think the system of things in the United States makes people more apathetic and less friendly

Question

n 1964, a young woman, Kitty Genovese, was stabbed to death near her apartment. While not an uncommon event in Queens, New York, what was different was that for 30 minutes, at least 38 of her neighbors heard her screams without calling the police or helping. After one resident shouted for the attacker to “let that girl alone”, he did but returned minutes later to continue his attack. Another witness finally called the police, but only after he had first called a friend to decide whether he should. This is just an example of how apathetic people are in the U.S, and i wonder if this is an effect of the system we live in. Get up , go to work , do what you are supposed to do , and be INDEPENDENT . I used to live in another country and i was shocked to see that people in here dont even know who their neighbors are! People seem to be quite unfriendly , like not showing interest in knowing people on a deeper level. My question is : what are your observations on the effects the U.S system has when it comes to socializing ? how can a more friendly environment be created?

Answer 1

I think our society is very rigid in some ways. The theory of "civil inattention" by Cahill is very interesting because it describes how we keep others at a distance. We don't communicate with people that we don't know and if we do, we don't infringe on their space. But we do have places where socializing is very encouraged like in city programs, or libraries or schools, etc. I don't think that there is a single answer to that question.

That example is usually used when describing relations between peers, and can be applied to other parts of the world as well--it is not uniquely American.  

Answer 2

Self preservation is a powerful instinct in a hostile environment.  I also believe that too much self preservation is a road to self destruction. So yes! What can we do to create a more friendly environment, may be trust the police...ha ha

Answer 3

I guess you could say it's the system..go to work, go home and leave others alone.  A lot of people just don't want to know their neighbors.  

It might be more of our 'blame others' way of thinking over the last couple decades.  People always think it's someone others fault, except their fault.  Take poor Kitty....you did not say, but I bet she knew her killer and knew he was a risk to be around..yet did nothing.

Also, under the law here...if you report a crime, you may be accused of that crime...you can't trust the cops.  It's better to do nothing.

How to create a better environment?  It's not possible....