What Would You Do? Season 4 Episode 3 Wed, May 19, 2010

In this episode of "What Would You Do?", airing on May 19, 2010, host John Quiñones presents various ethical dilemmas to unsuspecting bystanders, testing their reactions and exploring the depths of human behavior. In each scenario, actors play out challenging situations in public places, capturing the raw and unfiltered responses of ordinary people facing moral uncertainties.

The episode kicks off with a thought-provoking scenario set in a bustling restaurant. A group of friends, including a pregnant woman, sit at a table nearby, engaged in lively conversation. However, tensions rise as one member of the group becomes increasingly aggressive and borderline abusive towards the expectant mother. The situation becomes even more difficult when bystanders realize that the abusive man is the baby's father. Will the customers intervene, defend the distressed mother, and protect the unborn child, or will they remain passive spectators?

Next, the show takes us to a crowded public park where a young child is accidentally locked inside a parked car in the sweltering heat. As passersby notice the trapped child and become increasingly concerned for their safety, the camera captures their moments of dilemma. Will they take immediate action to rescue the child, risking potential legal repercussions, or will they hope that someone else will intervene?

Meanwhile, at a busy shopping center, the show delves into an issue that many people face daily: racism. Two actresses, one African-American and one Caucasian, pretend to be mother and daughter engaged in a heated argument. The exchange escalates into racially charged insults, leaving bystanders to confront their own prejudices and wrestle with whether or not to intervene. Will they stand up against discrimination, challenge societal norms, and defend the rights of their fellow citizens?

In another segment, the show explores a sensitive topic that affects countless families across the nation: teenage pregnancy. An aspiring young actress portrays a pregnant teenager who confides in her friend about her unplanned pregnancy. The friend initially offers support but soon shifts to a more negative and judgmental attitude. As the conversation intensifies, onlookers are faced with the difficult decision of whether to intervene and offer guidance to the struggling expectant mother or remain silent and let the situation unfold without interference.

In this episode, "What Would You Do?" also addresses the issue of gender equality in the workforce. A woman interviewing for a job is subjected to thinly veiled sexism and misogyny from the hiring employer. As hidden cameras capture her reaction and the responses of other applicants waiting for their turn, viewers witness the challenges women face in their pursuit of equal treatment and opportunities in professional settings. Will bystanders confront the employer's inappropriate behavior or choose to remain silent, potentially impacting the woman's chances at the job?

Lastly, the show tackles the often contentious topic of public displays of affection. In a busy park, two same-sex couples engage in affectionate acts, triggering varied reactions from passersby. While some individuals express their support for LGBTQ+ rights and love, others respond with discomfort or even disapproval. Viewers have the opportunity to witness how different people handle situations involving non-normative displays of affection in public spaces.

As the episode comes to a close, "What Would You Do?" delivers powerful and thought-provoking insights into the ways society responds to ethical dilemmas. Through these scenarios, the show challenges viewers to reflect on their own beliefs, attitudes, and biases. Ultimately, the episode raises important questions about moral courage, empathy, and the responsibility individuals have to stand up for what is right, even when faced with difficult and uncomfortable situations.