Grüezi!

I was recently debating with a conservative Trump supporter about the current state of the country. The conversation itself was mostly cordial, if not a wild ride, but near the end - I was mocked for bringing up empathy. Told I should leave empathy out of it. Empathy. The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathy. Something that helps us connect and reminds us to be kind and respectful. Empathy. Something that allows us to say “I haven’t had that experience, but I’m listening to yours,” that can open our eyes to the privileges afforded to us that might not be afforded to others. Empathy. Something that helps us understand the beliefs and the perspectives of others, or challenges us to reframe our own perspective. Empathy is so important. And this rejection of empathy - well, it just hit me straight in the heart.