Connecting The Parts
Another individual that reflects both DFW and I’s beliefs is Maria Konnikova, a distinguished writer and Harvard graduate, who argues that empathy is not overrated, because it can be improve one’s emotional intelligence and decision making, similarly to how Megan Phelps-Roper’s emotional intelligence was strengthened through an empathetic individual she met on Twitter. In Konnikova’s view, “But one of the things that keeps face-to-face friendships strong is the nature of shared experience” (7). What Konnikova means here is that it is crucial to utilize empathy in our day-to-day lives, no matter the circumstances we are enduring. It must have been difficult for Phelps-Roper to switch her mindset to value her surroundings, similarly to how the individuals in the grocery store may not have been particularly fond of being surrounded by an influx of individuals. However, if Phelps-Roper was able to evolve into a more enlightened individual after several years of self-reflection, human beings should be able to make the best of their situation in life, no matter how severe that situation may be.
On the contrary, the brief argumentative and thought-provoking essay “Is Empathy Overrated”, by Canadian American psychologist Paul Bloom provides the audience with his somewhat controversial outlook on the concept of empathy and how it can elicit heavy sensations of emotional fatigue, discriminatory decision-making, and manipulation among many other contributing factors. These conflicts can ultimately affect individuals around us, what benefits a majority of the population, and a diverse range of other factors. According to Bloom, he affirms that most empathetic-based decisions are made spontaneously and without prior forethought: “Although we might intellectually believe that the suffering of our neighbor is just as awful as the suffering of someone living in another country, it’s far easier to empathize with those who are close to us, those who are similar to us, and those we see as more attractive or vulnerable and less scary. Intellectually, a white American might believe that a black person matters just as much as a white person, but he or she will typically find it a lot easier to empathize with the plight of the latter than the former.” (Bloom 5). Bloom also further expresses, “But spotlights have a narrow focus, and this is one problem with empathy. It does poorly in a world where there are many people in need and where the effects of one’s actions are diffuse, often delayed…” (Bloom 3). While Bloom’s stance might hold true at particular junctures, first-year college students are frequently very empathetic toward each other, given that we are all converging into one community. For me, college was a notable transition in my life. When I moved into college, I recognized that everybody who was also moving in was all very welcoming and empathetic toward each other. For instance, the act of all the freshman sharing and talking about their different college struggles can be seen as reciprocating empathy for one another. Bloom reinforces, “Indeed, those who are high in empathy can be too caught up in the suffering of other people. If you absorb the suffering of others, then you’re less able to help them in the long run because achieving long-term goals often requires inflicting short-term pain” (Bloom 17). When weighing all aspects of Bloom’s perspective, I find myself in disagreement with his core arguments, as I am one who does not consider empathy to be overstated. I have always believed that exercising empathy is valuable, both for individuals who relate to my experiences and for those whose perspectives differ from my own. I see it as a domino effect, one act that positively impacts one’s day can lead them to use that empathy towards another individual. From my individual encounters, spreading empathy like wildfire has made me feel more fulfilled and at peace with myself by the end of the day.
1.) What do you notice, as far as your tendencies/habits, when it comes to using connective language or phrases? Any patterns or repetitions?
Yes, I do notice a tendency of mine to use the terms “and”, “similarly”, and “however”. I believe I use the term “and” so frequently in an attempt to connect two similar viewpoints I possess.
2.) In which specific places in your two paragraphs do you think connective words/phrases might help smooth over pivots and transitions?
I firmly believe that connective words/phrases may help smooth over pivots and transitions specifically when I delve into the second paragraph, considering that Bloom’s perspectives vary from Konnikova, Wallace’s, and I’s.
