Even especially when it comes to the most morally reprehensible humans, I am fascinated because I understand, intrinsically, that cruelty, just like empathy, is a part of the human condition. But am I just a product of this era’s fascination with violence—specifically serial killers, school shooters, serial rapists and terrorists—or is this evidence that empathy isn’t proprietary, but rather a part of my very being?
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Even as I write this, I know these words will seem offensive. Dare I suggest that I should (and you should, too, dear reader) have empathy for somebody who shoots up a dance clubsynagoguemosquechurch elementary school?
The ancient Greeks used tragedy as a self-reflection tool. And tragedy was fool of gore. Empathy was often explored through the use of tragic characters who were flawed or suffered greatly. Shooting up dance clubs and such.
So maybe our fascination with violence is not a cultural but inate thing. A way to mirror (and empathize with) the sleeping monster within each of us?
Great question. I think it could be that and also our way of consoling ourselves in that, "there but for the grace of god, go I..." since despite our claims to the contrary we know we're not wholly in control of our lives and outcomes.
What an interesting way to look at that. I have been thinking a lot lately about the prevalence of tv shows or movies with characters that elicit (and deserve) zero sympathy. Are these tragic characters our way of achieving a little release, in hopes that we don’t end up going down their paths of excess and assholery?
Great question. I think it could be that and also our way of consoling ourselves in that, "there but for the grace of god, go I..." since despite our claims to the contrary we know we're not wholly in control of our lives and outcomes.
What an interesting way to look at that. I have been thinking a lot lately about the prevalence of tv shows or movies with characters that elicit (and deserve) zero sympathy. Are these tragic characters our way of achieving a little release, in hopes that we don’t end up going down their paths of excess and assholery?