What Makes People Save Lives? Learning from Upstanders and Bystanders

Abstract

The recent death of Sophia Farrar and arrest of Paul Rusesabagina — though some 8,000 miles apart — are striking reminders of the challenges of heroism narratives. Farrar (who died at age 92 on Aug. 28) was largely forgotten, and Rusesabagina (whom the Rwanda Investigation Bureau took into custody on Aug. 31 and who is now facing trial) has been remembered in conflicting ways. Each situation compels us to reflect on the complications of commemorating and reasons for recognizing “upstanders” — people who intervene to assist others in peril. We should study purported heroes both to determine the accuracy of their supposed altruism and, if verified, to understand how we may encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

Keywords: bystanders, upstanders, heroes, villains, Kitty Genovese, Sophia Farrar, Paul Rusesabagina, Rwanda, Syria, Genocide, Rwandan Genocide, Holocaust, Hotel Rwanda, White Helmets, save, rescue, protect, rape, murder, criminal law, Bad Samaritan laws, punishment, prevention, deterrence, incentives, metoo