Empathy is taught as the most important emotion. Accurate empathy is important in all human relationships. Empathy that is not rooted in reality (God-centered) is harmful and what used to be called “co-dependency”. If we are told we are to accept another’s “narrative” in order to understand them, but the “narrative” is based on a lie or illusion, we cannot have accurate empathy that will enable us to help the individual in any meaningful way. Instead, by engaging in that narrative, (and not challenging the untruths of the narrative) we may be assisting the person in plunging into a deeper mental health (spiritual) crisis.
In contrast read the advice on Empathy of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (aka Edith Stein) as reported by Fr. Michael Rennier,
Contrary to Edith Stein’s advice of “see persons, not labels”, the Transformative SEL promotes labels at the expense of persons, as it claims to promote empathy for “the Other”. Chantilly High School uses Charger Connect as a means to “celebrate” the Various “Heritage Months” approved by the School Board to recognize “various ethnic and marginalized groups.” These discussions are promoted as a means of developing “empathy” for “the other”. Some PowerPoint slides focus on individuals, in their relationship to an “identity group”. Other slides focus on stereotypes or other generalities of cultural significance (food, music, entertainment, etc.). This is a false notion of “empathy”.
Empathy requires a relationship person to person, not presumptions of someone’s “story” because of an “understanding” of cultural experiences or assuming all persons sharing group membership share experiences, perspectives, values and needs. Defining a marginalized or (majority) group reveals nothing of an individual’s heart and soul. Identity comes within, not defined by others.
Rather than promoting “empathy” many SEL exercises are promoting “presumption”.
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