Investigation One: Why Don't People Act? Confronting Psychic Numbing
The readings in this investigation have been selected to deepen our understanding of ideas presented in chapters 3 and 4 (12:05–19:56) of the documentary Reporter (approximately 8 minutes). In this clip, Stephen Colbert asks his guest on The Colbert Report, Nicholas Kristof, “Why should we pay attention to the rest of the world?” Kristof answers this question by referring to social science research about “the psychology of compassion” and explains how he applies this knowledge when writing about the genocide in Darfur.
Read the full overview for Investigation One.
Readings and Connections
> Reading 1: “Save the Darfur Puppy”
Download the Study Guide
Teaching REPORTER: A Study Guide Created to Accompany the Film REPORTER.
This free downloadable study guide is designed to help educators and students think deeply about how and why reporting is vital to democracy, world awareness, and our capacity to be a force for good.
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