This may pertain to any situation because of it's general rhetoric. But this morning I have been pondering on this question I don't have answers for; I've been seeing things on the news that had me reflecting on my own experience on the link between social responsibility and empathy. The first thing that popped into my mind is how is it possible for others to think the way they do, what does humanity mean to others? Has politeness lost its value? "I can be understanding of that... circumstances can do that to a person". But then I thought about myself when I went through similar circumstances I have a choice: do I injure others the way I've been injured? Consciously no.. why? When my tank of compassion is low what keeps me still, I feel it is my duty. How come? I don't know... I've become hard on the outside and soft on the inside. When we are hard in everything we do, anything that pertains to who we are...what makes us any different to machinery? Is softness that revolting?
I am reminded of when I moved into my student dorm and my roommate was screaming/yelling/fighting with her peers at 4 am 3-4 times a week, after going to the club but had no shame in her right to not care about my sleep and told me good riddance when I moved out. Someone who was cheated on told me that they cheated back because they thought it was fair. An athlete who knew the rules was suspended from the championships for a drug they took. A loved celebrity cheated on an examination when their fans are generously wished them well... why? Is the instant gratification that great or are we blinded on how this is or will injure you and others?
When I have the time, I will hope to learn more about shame, social responsibility and the theoretical link it may have to the types of empathy.













