Take a look at a new study that is discussing how sympathy doesn’t always work in the way we want it to. Most of the time when there is some discourse or discrimination, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is supposed to help you find a mutual understanding. This study shows how this exercise could actually create more strife, widening the gap between the two perspectives. It’s not all hopeless though. Being mindful over who it is sharing perspective and when could help. For instance, they speak about how discussions between Israeli and Palestinians could be helpful if the dialogue makes sure to allow the person who feels oppressed speak first. Without this, if the oppressed must first listen to the oppressor, they might feel even more marginalized. It seems that the oppressor is more likely to be able to sympathize with the oppressed than the other way around.
Could this help some peace talks?
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