Inside the Theatre

[MaddieM]

(01-22-2013 03:37 PM)JWB1865 Wrote:  As a social science historian, I would like to hear some opinions about the theatre that night concerning the bystander effect? Do you think that no one reacted quicker because they were hoping someone else would, or that they were confused and had no clue what was going on? Also, did it ever occur to those in attendance to shoot Booth as he was leaving the stage, or was Booth's appearance to short and surprising for people to draw their weapons?

Give me your thoughts?

I think it's just human nature... for some reason we seem to pause and assess a situation before plunging in. At least most people do. I was witness to a hit and run...the guy was dragged 50 yards beneath a van, along a really busy high street, filled with hundreds of people. I was the first one to him..and my response was almost immediate, but nobody else did...they just stood there and watched. He was still alive. It was only after I made that initial move, that others followed. I've always wondered about that. People just standing and gawping at this poor guy. Only about 6 of us went over to see if he was alright.