Lead the Follower
Slowly being eclipsed by more recent news, like the Fort Hood shooting, the Homecoming gang rape in Richmond, CA still shines bright in my mind. I’m haunted by the image of a helpless young woman being sexually violated by a group of men, uncertain if this will be the end of her life and possibly at times during the 120 minutes of brutal abuse, hoping it was. Besides the dozen or so men and boys that participated in this crime, I wonder what went through the minds of those that stood there and watched as a young woman was dehumanized and desecrated.
Baum reminded me the other day about a study that was developed to explore a similar situation in New York. In the early 60’s a woman was coming home from the late shift around 3am. It was too late that she noticed a man lurking in the shadows. As he plunged his knife into her body she screamed. Lights in the nearby apartments went on and a voice screamed out, “Leave that girl alone.” The attacker ran off only to look back to a quiet street. He went back and was once again scared off by a light in a nearby apartment. He went back a third time to finish her off. More than 40 people witnessed the murder of Kitty Genovese and did nothing about it till it was too late.
While the world was outraged at the witnesses of this crime, John Darley and Bibb Latane wanted to see what might have influenced the apparent apathy that Kitty’s neighbors exhibited. Darley and Latane uncovered a phenomenon in social psychology called the bystander effect. In their study they found that there are a couple things that happen in times of emergency. First they found that the more bystanders that are present the less likely anyone will intervene. It seems a sort of dilution of responsibility occurs and with the increase in bystanders comes the decrease in individual responsibility because everyone is thinking the other person is going to do something. Second, in certain emergency situations people are uncertain how to react and do not want to exhibit any emotion that will set the tone for the crowd so they look at each other to know how to react. If no one is willing to be the first to express an opinion to offer assistance the crowd remains unmoved.
Cleaning out my own closet I find a “demon” of haunting memory lurking in the shadows. I lay before you now the ignorance and shame of my youth. During a time in middle school I was hanging out at a friend’s house with two other guys. The four of us just goofed off and tried to find mischief when one member of the group decided he would create mischief. With vague recollection I recall one guy eventually ending up tied wrist and ankles behind his back. At first it seemed like boyish antics and I participated in the “fun”. As time progressed it was becoming obvious that the one that was tied up was in distress and the creator of this “game” took on a different demeanor. I could sense the look on my other friend’s face and began to feel awkward and yet still aided in what was going on. “Hold him up”, the ring leader commanded and I did just that. I want to say it was my efforts that got the boy untied, but I really can’t tell you how it finally came about. With spit in his face and rope burn on his ankles and wrists he walked home and my heart sunk at what had just happened. Why did I not speak up and defend my helpless, innocent peer? What lead me to take part in this shameful act?
All it takes is one. One leader. One person to step out and take action. So I urge you and implore myself, lead the followers. People beg for a leader. In the 1 book of Samuel chapter 8 the people of Israel beg for a king. “We need a leader.” God assures the dejected Samuel that he is not the one they are rejecting. The chosen people once again lose their trust in the Lord and beg for the leadership of men. When I lead my family, friends and those around me I hope my leadership comes from the following of Christ. Throughout the Bible we are reminded that God is love. The greatest commandment is this, love the Lord and love your neighbor. Through a genuine pursuit of God we can step up and lead the way, in love, or we can step aside and take the chance that the one who leads the group, will not lead you to the slaughter. -jason
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