Ep 5. Episode 5

What Would You Do? is a hidden-camera TV series that first aired in 2008 on ABC. The show is hosted by John Quiñones and has been on the air for 17 seasons now. In each episode of the series, the team sets up different social experiments to see how strangers react in certain situations. The show offers a unique platform to explore ethical and moral questions by showcasing scenarios that can range from controversial to downright outrageous. People from all over the world tune in to watch contestants show what they are made of in this ever-thoughtful reality television series.

In Episode 5 of What Would You Do? Season 17, John Quiñones and his team head to a restaurant in Los Angeles, California. The episode is titled "Episode 5" and here we see a woman who is enjoying her meal with headphones plugged in when a man approaches her and starts making small talk with her. The man sees that she is wearing a Star of David around her neck and suggests that Jews are not welcome in America. The woman is taken aback and tries to ignore him, but he continues with his hate speech. This situation is a classic example of how bigotry cannot be tolerated in America.

As the scenario builds up, different patrons at the restaurant intervene in different ways. Some get involved immediately while others hesitate before joining in. We see how some patrons are not shocked by the bigotry and others feel like they need to get involved to defend someone who is different from them. The scenarios play out in various forms, as we see people stand up to bigotry and racism with both verbal and physical persuasion.

In most of the scenarios, we can see varying reactions from different customers who were dining in the restaurant. When the man first approaches the woman, a group of young men sitting next to her overhear the conversation and decide to step in. They confront the man and ask him to leave the woman alone. The man, however, proves to be persistent, and eventually, one of the young men comes up with a creative solution to diffuse the situation.

In another scenario, we see a woman sitting alone next to the woman wearing the Star of David necklace. She overhears the man's conversation and decides to call the police. As the conversation continues, she hands the phone to the woman to make the call herself. During the phone call, other customers begin to take notice of the situation and join in to defend the woman. It takes a few minutes, but eventually, they are able to get the man to leave the restaurant.

Some of the customers just sat back and watched the situation unfold while others decided to take direct action and get stuck in. The restaurant was divided into those who decided to jump in right away and those who saw the situation but remained silent and passive. However, as things progressed, it is seen that people become emboldened and start standing up for what is right. It is fascinating to see how people can rise to the occasion when they see someone being mistreated or targeted unfairly.

What Would You Do? is a social experiment that is used to study human behaviors and reactions to certain situations. Topics like racism, sexism, homophobia, bullying are issues that are relevant and relatable today. The show is a vehicle for inspiring those who watch it to be more compassionate and open-minded towards people who are different from themselves. In conclusion, Episode 5 of What Would You Do? is another insightful exploration of how people react in real-life situations. The viewers get a glimpse of the human psyche and how people think and respond when faced with ethical and moral dilemmas. Through watching this social experiment, we are able to learn and grow as compassionate and empathetic members of society.