Empathy

[Vertigo Swirl]

So this Thread was meant to be contentious right from the word go?  This is not good.

Of course it was, imo. 

[Vertigo Swirl]

What happened to the McCanns certainly made me question sone of my own parenting decisions.   Maybe some disasters befalling other families have been averted because of the McCanns own personal tragedy.   Has this got anything to do with empathy?  Maybe.

[Eleanor]

What happened to the McCanns certainly made me question sone of my own parenting decisions.   Maybe some disasters befalling other families have been averted because of the McCanns own personal tragedy.   Has this got anything to do with empathy?  Maybe.

I think it has, but only second hand.  But then empathy always is.

[kizzy]

So what do people think it is, why do people think they possess it and why do they think others lack it?

As in OP.

Although it doesn't bother me - on principle why should I be classed as a mcc basher or not having empathy just because my opinion is I don't believe mcs version of events. I am not the only one or in the minority either.

It isn't because I lack empathy either and should not be judged as not having any it  because I don't have it for the mccs

[faithlilly]

So what do people think it is, why do people think they possess it and why do they think others lack it?

As in OP.

Although it doesn't bother me - on principle why should I be classed as a mcc basher or not having empathy just because my opinion is I don't believe mcs version of events. I am not the only one or in the minority either.

It isn't because I lack empathy either and should not be judged as not having any it  because I don't have it for the mccs

I think you make a good point Kizzy...should any of our characters be judged on this single issue?

[kizzy]

What happened to the McCanns certainly made me question sone of my own parenting decisions.   Maybe some disasters befalling other families have been averted because of the McCanns own personal tragedy.   Has this got anything to do with empathy?  Maybe.

But don't you think the mccs being doctors they should be more aware of what happens when you leave a child alone.

How do you think kmcc would respond to a parent who asked would it be ok to leave my babies 2/3 alone while I went to the shop 50 yards up the street. for 1/2 hour.

What advice would she give?

Surely not yes. IMO common sense befalls it happening to other families ...not the mccs.

IMO those who think it ok to do on holiday are probably still doing it.[ [or was before covid]

[Vertigo Swirl]

The thing that gets me about the case (right from day one before anyone considered the parents faked an abduction) is the absolute hate and vilification these people received online.   It’s what sucked me into the case in the early days - I was just aghast about how horribly judgemental people were being and how completely lacking in any empathy for the parents whatsoever.  I honestly couldn’t believe what I was reading.  What does that say about the sort of person I am?

[Vertigo Swirl]

But don't you think the mccs being doctors they should be more aware of what happens when you leave a child alone.

How do you think kmcc would respond to a parent who asked would it be ok to leave my babies 2/3 alone while I went to the shop 50 yards up the street. for 1/2 hour.

What advice would she give?

Surely not yes. IMO common sense befalls it happening to other families ...not the mccs.

IMO those who think it ok to do on holiday are probably still doing it.[ [or was before covid]

Doctors are humans too and like other humans they can do stupid, risky things.   I don’t think doctors receive special training on what is and isn’t sensible to do wrt leaving children unattended but I do think the fact that they regularly checked on their kids shows they recognised some risk was involved.

[G-Unit]

Oh I do have empathy for people who want revenge on those that have attempted to ruin their lives, I would be exactly the same.

It's to be hoped that those seeking revenge have read the other person's intentions correctly. If they get it wrong it's not revenge it's undeserved aggression.

Revenge is defined as the act of committing a harmful action against a person or group in response to a grievance, be it real or perceived
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenge#Social_psychology

[jassi]

I'm puzzled as to why empathy is somehow considered admirable.
Does it make the individual feel virtuous and superior in some way ?

[barrier]

Oh I do have empathy for people who want revenge on those that have attempted to ruin their lives, I would be exactly the same.

Old proverb, dig two graves when seeking revenge.

[Vertigo Swirl]

It's to be hoped that those seeking revenge have read the other person's intentions correctly. If they get it wrong it's not revenge it's undeserved aggression.

Revenge is defined as the act of committing a harmful action against a person or group in response to a grievance, be it real or perceived
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenge#Social_psychology

If you’re good at reading people and situations I think you should be able to spot people’s intentions.   I think Kate McCann would have very good reasons to feel aggrieved by Amaral’s book and TV appearance for example.  I think you would need a degree of empathy to understand how one might feel to be Kate knowing that the ex police officer who was sacked from the investigation into your child’s disappearance then went on to make a fortune off the back of his short few months on the case and in so doing firmly implicated you in the disappearance.. 

[G-Unit]

Why do you think Goncalo Amaral merits empathy in the situation you have described?

You seem to be saying empathy has to be earned?

[faithlilly]

I'm puzzled as to why empathy is somehow considered admirable.
Does it make the individual feel virtuous and superior in some way ?

I’d be happier if the empathy was spread a little more evenly.

[Vertigo Swirl]

I'm puzzled as to why empathy is somehow considered admirable.
Does it make the individual feel virtuous and superior in some way ?

I’m puzzled as why you would consider it to be preferable not to have it.  Do you think the world would be a better place without empathy?