As an OCD gal I'm very black and white in my thinking and have a strong sense of justice. Generally it doesn't mean much but it does mean I do not have the 'bystander effect'.
The 'bystander effect' is essentially acting like herded sheep or cattle, you follow the crowds. It's not a bad thing, it's evolutionary for mammals to protect the herd, you move as one, as an individual you're a target for predators, if you follow the crowd you blend in, less likely to be attacked. If no one else is responding to a threat, you do not either.
I missed this class in evolution, I do not do this. My husband is not a fan of this trait of mine. I will actively get involved if I see someone else hurt or in danger, I have got in the middle of taunting of a disabled man by 5 teenage boys. Approached a car where domestic abuse was clear and confronted the man to ensure the woman knew others were on her side. I have stopped to help those sick and injured when others have just walked by. Have spoken out when children looked scared or upset to check all was ok. Have stood in the middle of the road as a car stormed towards me to prevent the car from hitting an escaped, scared horse.
Maybe it's all for my conscience, I would not be able to sleep at night if I knew I could have prevented harm. Maybe it's an OCD thing, I'm not doing the right thing, I'm collecting evidence for when the next awful OCD thought pops up. Maybe I'm an evolutionary marvel and should be studied or maybe I'm an idiot who can't accurately assess risk. Either way, it makes no sense when I'm constantly trying to avoid risk yet when I see injustice I will put myself in the line of fire.
I personally love this trait of mine, why would I walk past or not speak up? So sorry husband, it's staying.
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