Why do so many people act as spectators in bad situations? A former CIA officer shares their thoughts.

Jason Hanson, a former CIA officer, conducts a self-defense course that he believes is crucial in today's society, where individuals are becoming increasingly isolated.

Last week, Planet Chronicle Digital interviewed Hanson to obtain his response to the recent news of Ian Ziering's confrontation with mini-bikers in Hollywood. In a viral video, Ziering exits his car and is surrounded by the bikers, pushing one of them before they begin throwing punches. He then flees and reenters his vehicle.

Ziering was commended by Hanson for managing to flee from his assailants when they became hostile, but Hanson advised that the most secure course of action in such circumstances is to remain inside the vehicle.

He attributed the Hollywood incident to the rise of violent culture, stating that it is a result of inadequate punishment.

Hanson stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the increase in violence is due to the lack of consequences for engaging in harmful actions.

You hear stories all the time about people robbing and looting stores, getting a slap on the wrist or not being prosecuted. If people are not punished, they will become bolder. I have seven children, and I didn't have kids until after I left the CIA. When disciplining my kids, if I don't put them in timeout or grounding when they misbehave, it won't stop the behavior. Therefore, there must be a punishment for the behavior, Hanson said.

"Although it's a common belief that being lenient on crime leads to more criminal activity, it's true," he stated. "If you don't punish people for their actions, they will continue to commit crimes."

Spy Escape & Evasion, a company founded by Hanson, offers lifesaving strategies and techniques to civilians and is run by former CIA and special operations personnel.

"Hanson stated that this training is more necessary than ever, and he is grateful for being so occupied."

No spectators intervened to help Ziering in the viral video, which Hanson believes is not surprising and highlights the importance of self-defense.

Hanson stated that people should help others, but they won't do it, before sharing a jarring anecdote.

"He trained a woman once, who had a traumatic brain injury, and her husband brought her to his training for self-defense. Six months later, he spoke to her and she shared how two men tried to kidnap her at a gas station in Sarasota, Florida. Despite being surrounded by people, nobody came to help her. However, she was able to fight them off and escape. She thanked him for reminding her that she could only rely on herself during the training."

Unfortunately, Hanson observed, Good Samaritans are scarce these days. Despite the former CIA officer's belief that most people want to do good, it often appears that onlookers are more inclined to record an incident than to intervene and assist.

Hanson stated that while it's common to believe that a Good Samaritan will step in, most people today are more likely to say, "No, I'm just going to film. I don't want to be bothered. I don't want to have to interject in anybody's business." As a result, it's crucial to be self-sufficient because others won't always come to your aid.

"Hanson stated that although he believes the majority of people in the world are good and want to help others, there are fewer individuals willing to step in and assist due to fear. People are afraid of the violence in the world and the possibility of being hurt or injured, which causes them to avoid getting involved."

He proposed a few additional explanations for why individuals tend to remain on the sidelines during perilous situations, including the fear of legal repercussions and a natural inclination toward self-preservation.

"Hanson stated, "We both understand that we reside in a society that is highly litigious. As a result, individuals are fearful of getting involved and facing lawsuits. Additionally, our world is becoming increasingly self-centered each day.""

Hanson advised that if someone feels brave, they should follow certain steps to avoid worsening the situation or putting themselves in danger.

Intervening quickly in the event of an attack can prevent further harm and injury to the victim, as stated by him.

In 2014, Hanson secured a deal on ABC's "Shark Tank" for his self-defense training course. Following that, he published a New York Times bestseller, "Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life." Afterward, he established "Spy Ranch," a 320-acre facility in Cedar City, Utah, where he teaches Evasive Driving, Pistol and Rifle Shooting, Intelligence Operations, Cybersecurity, and more.