We have gotten so lost in the rhetoric, polarization, inequity and fighting. Much of the media we absorb is fearful or violent. It creates Us vs. Them or a need to choose sides.
I don’t need or want to be political. There are far too many debating the issues already.
Respect and empathy is treating someone with dignity and basic courtesy. Empathy is not only thoughts and perspective-taking or emotionally feeling for someone.
Empathy and emotional intelligent behaviors recognize that each person has a right to be seen and heard.
It does not imply agreement or the same value system. Faith and beliefs are individual dispositions and acquired over our lifetime.
Our ability to be courteous and respectful should not be threatened by power imbalances or stereotypes. Each individual deserves their own interaction with us and, hopefully, a kind one.
Conscious Empathy 