When are empathy and social sensitivities taken too far?

[Neonatal RRT]

I wish to discuss the pros, cons, and nuances of empathy and social sensitivities. The autism community, in particular, appear to feel things deeply, and as such, tend to have a relatively high sensitivity to the many social injustices and inequalities in our world...not only personally, but also for others. In some cases, we may find ourselves filtering our experiences and world views through this lens. Emotional and social empathy is commonly considered a virtue. People are often judged by their capacity and expression of it. However, when emotional and social empathy is in its amplified form, can it be weaponized to cause harm...and in the words of some...become a sin?

Examples:
1. "Cancel culture"
2. If combined with the personal perspective of "I am morally virtuous and I am going to point out that you are not."
3. If combined with emotional dysregulation, property destruction, verbal and physical violence.
4. If combined with a sense of entitlement and narcissism.
5. If combined with a narrow world view.
6. If combined with high confidence and little knowledge.

Personally, I am a healthcare worker with some 40 years of experience. I have seen all manner of horrible and tragic human experiences and death. That said, that experience also comes with the understanding of the concepts of nuance and moderation, as well as too little and too much of anything.

Thoughts?

 

[Vesta]

Having heightened empathy and sensitivity, I don’t see these qualities as an advantage and would like to get rid of them on a genetic level. I notice that people with minimal empathy and emotional responsiveness are often more successful, sociable, and have a wide circle of contacts.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Having heightened empathy and sensitivity, I don’t see these qualities as an advantage and would like to get rid of them on a genetic level. I notice that people with minimal empathy and emotional responsiveness are often more successful, sociable, and have a wide circle of contacts.

Perhaps some truth to that, but also consider that a high degree of self-discipline and emotional control may be at play. There is a difference between feeling and expression of those feelings. I know that in healthcare, the persona we project and what we really feel and think may be quite different.

 

[TBRS1]

There is a very fine line, which is ENTIRELY subjectively determined, where one's desire to do good becomes a weapon used against them.

Example: Teaching is a low paid profession (in relation to the education and ongoing education required, and the professional duties/responsibilities).

When my employer broke contract and substantially cut pay, advancement opportunities, health and retirement benefits, we were told, over and over again to remember that "We were there for the children."

While that is true - nobody does that job unless they care about the children - making a wage benefit package above that offered by *Bigstore* would have been nice.

Our (the teachers) desire to do good was horribly abused.