Home > Educator Resources > Facing Today

Would You Save A Drowning Girl?

July 15, 2009
In the editorial, "Would you let this girl drown?" New York Times columnist, Nicholas Kristof uses the hypothetical situation of a drowning girl to illustrate how the international community, and individuals in general, are more likely to go out of their way to save one person than to alleviate the suffering of many.  Using studies and cogent arguments, Kristof explains why this might be the case. This article would make a relevant addition to any study of civic participation and social responsibility.


Discussion Questions: 
  • Kristof explains, "A number of studies have found that we are much more willing to donate to one needy person than to several." Why do you think this might be the case? If true, what are the implications of this finding for the work of organizations and communities that strive to help those in need?
  • Kristof argues that another factor that limits or encourages helping behavior is personal responsibility. Under what conditions are most people likely to feel more responsible for helping others? What factors reduce feelings of personal responsibility?
  • Identify a time when have you felt personally responsible for helping others. What conditions encouraged you to feel this sense of responsibility? How does your experience support or refute the ideas in Kristof's editorial?

Related Facing Today Resources: 
Update on Darfur
The Human Rights Vacuum
Some Things We Know about Genocide - 10 Years, 10 Lessons
Related Facing History Resources: 
Be the Change