There is little doubt that we are a severely politically divided nation. As many Republicans appear to be accepting of the positions of the far-right minority, this cleavage will only expand. A few of the issues that most Democrats and far-right Republicans disagree about include race, LGBTQ+ issues, choice in reproductive freedom, the role of women in our society, how much Christianity should influence governmental decisions, the unequal distribution of wealth, and social safety nets. As I listen to politicians and pundits express their support for their positions on these issues, I notice a fundamental difference between the left and the far-right. Those on the extreme right appear to lack empathy.

Empathy is the ability to view the world from another’s perspective. It’s the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and feel what they must be feeling in that situation. Empathy is complex. Empathy requires cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and moral capacities that are necessary to understand and respond to the suffering of others. The result is compassionate behavior, a sensitive response to another’s suffering.

Empathy plays a critical interpersonal and societal role. It enables us to share the experiences, needs, and desires of others honestly, which provides an emotional bridge that promotes pro-social behavior. It is hard for many of us to believe it when we see another person respond with indifference or even outright hostility toward another human who is suffering. But some people do react in such a way. They show no compassion. Clearly, empathy is not a universal response to the suffering of others.

Our feelings of empathy are affected by many variables. Almost everyone would feel empathic toward the suffering of a family member or close friend. However, the amount of empathy one feels seems to diminish the further the suffering occurs outside of our social group. For example, we tend to be more empathic toward the victims of natural disasters if the disaster occurs in the United States than in some far-off land on the other side of the globe. Sadly, for too many white, wealthy, Christian, heterosexual people (especially males), empathy also tends to be less for people who don’t share one or more of those descriptors. 

Meri T. Long, Ph.D., is a political scientist who researches the public’s support for many government policies. She also examines how compassionate people are. She has found that, on average, Democrats and Republicans appear to be similarly compassionate. But that does not hold for the far right. In her survey, Dr. Long showed that far-right voters were much lower in personal compassion. They just did not care about the plight of others or how others might feel in response to the words and actions of far-right politicians and their followers. 

We can all become more empathic. Here are some suggestions. Try to listen to others without interrupting. Avoid making assumptions. Ask people questions to learn more about them. Try to imagine yourself in their shoes. Show that you understand and share the other person’s feelings. Try to identify any biases you may have and how they might affect your empathy. Open up about how you feel. Engage in new experiences to get insight into how others in that situation might feel. Get involved in organizations that push for social change.

Our nation and the world would be much better off if more people showed empathy toward others. We are all humans who share the same emotions, desires, and limited time on Earth. Let’s not interfere with anyone’s making the best of that short time.

Hank Cetola lives in Adrian.