
Earlier this month, YouTube user NorniTube uploaded a controversial video of a social experiment which looked at how a person’s appearance can affect the responses they get from the general public. One two different days, he pretended to collapse on a Paris street to see if anyone would come to his aid, on one occasion wearing shabby clothes, on the other dressed in a smart suit. (We’ll leave you to watch the video to find out how it went!)
After watching NorniTube’s video, YouTuber Hei Nan decided to test the reactions of his fellow Taiwanese citizens by doing a similar experiment on the streets of his city. Were the Taiwanese more or less likely to help out that the Parisians in NorniTube’s video? Find out after the jump!
▼ Would you help a stranger on the street?
NorniTube’s video, which has been viewed more than six million times on YouTube, tested the reactions of the French population towards a shabbily dressed man and a man in a suit (both are played by NorniTube). He pretended to collapse in the exact same manner on the same street, but it seems like the passing Parisians would only stop to help a well-dressed stranger in distress. When he was dressed in untidy clothing, streams of people ignored him, even when he called for help.
▼ However, when he was dressed in a suit, people came to his aid in a matter of seconds.
The video sparked a debate, with some viewers commenting that they couldn’t believe how cold the passers-by were. Others reasoned that it is not uncommon to see homeless or drunk people lying on the streets of Paris, which is why people sometimes choose to ignore them to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Inspired by this video, Hei Nan decided to test the citizens of Taiwan. Believing that the people of Taiwan would definitely lend a hand, even to someone who isn’t dressed to the nines, Hei Nan decided to wear only an undershirt and jeans for the experiment.
True to his prediction, a couple of passers-by approached shortly after he “collapsed” from a feigned heart problem. When he told them that he had medication in his pocket, the kind ladies even looked for his medicine.
Hei Nan may have achieved his goal of showing that Taiwanese are generally warm and caring people, but some skeptical netizens are doubting the authenticity of his video, believing that it was a staged attempt. However, there are also commenters who gave Hei Nan the benefit of the doubt, saying that the Taiwanese achieved a flawless victory in this society showdown.
▼ Caring strangers helping Hei Nan with his medication.
How do you think the people in your country would react in such a situation? How would you react to a complete stranger in need of help?
It’s probably not the best thing to prejudge a person by looking at the clothes they wear, but societal norms are different in every country and it’s sometimes hard to tell if a person is truly in need of help as there are con men out there who put on a show to swindle a quick buck. Of course, it would be a wonderful deed to lend a helping hand, but be sure to protect yourself too, Rocketeers!



Taiwanese YouTuber’s punny pick-up line gets him a girl’s number in just 36 seconds
Honne vs Tatemae: When do Japanese people lie and when do they reveal their true feelings?
Anti-Asian Racism Social Experiment restores our faith in humanity【Video】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japanese shiitake mushroom snacks from Don Quijote, created for people who don’t like mushrooms
We made the biggest burger possible at McDonald’s Singapore’s “Create Your Taste” kiosk!
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Japanese musician violently attacked in New York for being “Chinese”
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Leave a Reply