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50 maskmatters.org FALL - V9
E
mpathy, a word derived from
the Germans, ein fuhlung
meaning “feeling into.”
In American schools,
universities and homes, the
word empathy is getting heavy
attention as we face an onslaught of
advancing technology intersecting
with a youth mental health crisis.
There are many that say the children
of the iGeneration are less empathetic
than others. Is this truth or rumor?
As veteran educators, we have
witnessed the definitive shift in
what we, as adults, perceive as less
empathic children. The 24-hour newscycle and the plethora of articles on
“good parenting” would have you
believe a lot of things. But the truth
is our children are indeed empaths,
and they feel strongly and deeply—so
much so that they’ve been labeled
the most inclusive and civically-
minded generation the nation
has ever seen.
When we were asked
to write about empathy,
I thought to myself, “Well, that’s
simple.” Empathy is putting
oneself in the shoes of your students
or children. This is what I think most
people consider being empathetic.This notion is a good start, but it
involves a deeper understanding of
empathy. Empathy is not a feeling,
but rather being “in sync” with each
other. You see each other, you hear
each other, you love each other.
As we work with school
administrators, teachers, parents
and students on strengthening
relationships and creating
responsive classrooms and
homes, the research of Brene
Brown on empathy and sympathy is
paramount: “Empathy is feeling with
people. Empathy is a choice, and a
vulnerable one. It is saying I identifyTO BE SEEN, HEARD, LOVED:
A CALL TO ACTION
By // Katey McPherson & Dr. Aaron Krasnow