There is a lot of talk of empathy lately. We told we need to be more empathetic to movements of BLM and antifa. We should be more understanding of the unending rioting, looting and burning, as well as confrontations (sometimes physical) with random white people, as they peacefully demonstrate how they have been mistreated and oppressed. Empathy is shown by the white people who are rioting, looting and burning right there with them. Empathy is not something that resolves issues. It only exasperates them.

I have come across an example of empathy that should explain what I mean.

One night, as I was scrolling through programs on a streaming service, I came across a reality show. This show was about a woman who had a goal. While it is admirable to have goals and that we should strive to reach them. But those goals should be goals to improve one’s life. Goals like reading one new book a week, or lose some weight, or spend more quality time with those that matter in your life, something that improves you.

Your goal should not be a quest to be the heaviest woman on the planet.

That was what this reality documentary show was about. It followed a woman who had decided that she was going eat her way to the fattest woman in existence. That was her life goal and this program was there to document it. I will not disclose the show or where to find it. This is not something that should be promoted. Gluttony is a sin.

Where’s the empathy you might be asking?

Along her trek to obese immortality, she began a relationship with a professional chef. I cannot remember how they had met but I do believe they got married. This chef had joined her in her quest to become enormously fat. He would prepare huge meals with a high calorie count and help her eat it. He would bring her everywhere but always help her with engorge herself. He was going to be with her every step of the way and help her achieve her corpulent pursuit.

That is empathy. Empathy is joining someone in their lives and enabling them to achieve something without any regard of the circumstance and consequences of a decided course of action. Empathy is encouragement in a destructive behavior, encouragement and participation.

In my opinion, empathy is not a path to follow to bring a person to be better and move past their low emotional state. Sympathy should be the chosen course because sympathy will bring that person beyond where they are, help them improve their current state and move on to a better state of life.