Being Empathetic

 A lot of people tend to wake up to the reality of things only when it starts affecting them directly, especially when their own comfort or financial security is at risk. It’s unfortunate that empathy seems to be lacking on such a large scale, especially when it could lead to better understanding and cooperation. If more people could realize that we’re all connected, and that the struggles of one person often affect others in ways they might not immediately see, maybe they’d be more willing to act before it hits home. It’s a shame that it often takes a crisis for that awareness to spark, but perhaps the more we share stories and experiences the more people will start to empathize and take action before it’s too late. 

It’s hard to say will spark that on people, because human nature tends to resist change unless forced into it, but if anything can spark a shift, it’s usually a combination of three things:

1. Personal Impact – When people feel the consequences directly, whether it’s economic instability, loss of rights, or threats to their safety, they’re more likely to act. Unfortunately, by the time it gets personal, the damage is often already deep.

2. Strong Collective Movements – When enough people unite, raising awareness and pushing back against oppressive systems, change becomes harder to ignore. We’ve seen this in history with civil rights movements, anti-fascist resistance, and workers' rights struggles.

3. Powerful Storytelling & Media – Art, journalism, and even social media have a huge role in shaping awareness. The more people see real stories—through music, film, writing, and activism—the more likely they are to empathize and engage.

The tricky part is breaking through apathy before crisis hits. Maybe it’s about making people see that even if it doesn’t seem to affect them now, it eventually will.