Actually, I see people step in to help more often than not.
That's interesting, Calpernia. I would like to hear from others if they have witnessed more helping then looking downward and ignoring. I have seen this on Long Island trains, Amtrak trains, NYC subways, etc. Not to mention city streets. I would like to believe that more folks help, but not in my experience at all from what I have personally seen. People tend to help more once the assaulter or the verbal abuser or other troublemaker has left.
However, I can see that post-911 has changed many people -- at least towards Muslims who may be terrorists or terrorist supporters. I think that is the key distinction here with the soldier in Atlanta. I am glad that someone would try to assist one of our soldiers.