1. 400 words or less, summarize the piece AND show (with framed quotes and paraphrase from the text) what you believe to be the author’s three main points/arguments. Support with textual evidence and include your own initial response to the material.

Throughout this article written by Paul Bloom, empathy is referred to as a spotlight. Empathy can be positive but “spotlights have a narrow focus, and this is the problem with empathy” (Bloom 1). There are too many people in this world for just one person to feel empathy for all of them. People can only truly feel empathy for 1-3 people before it just becomes too many different emotions. Bloom also believes, “Empathy distorts our moral judgements in pretty much the same way that prejudice does” (Bloom 1). We are more easily able to empathise with people who we share similarities with. I can better understand and feel empathy for one of my close friends than for a child who lives on the other side of the world. Lastly Bloom argues, “ what really matters for kindness in our everyday life interactions is not empathy but the capacities such as self-control and the intelligence and a more diffuse compassion” (Bloom 4). There are some better alternatives instead of using empathy that Bloom mentions. Bloom also references Sandy Hook and how as a country we were all devastated by that tragic event. But over in Chicago many more children have died than during Sandy hook. It is easier to give empathy for single events and these events pinpoint the fact that empathy has limitations. It’s not that we do not care about all the lives lost in Chicago over the years, but we are single people who do not have enough empathy for other people. It’s not that we don’t care, it’s more so the fact that we tend to focus on the people around us. Empathy can work in smaller situations when someone needs you to be there for them but on a more global level empathy is not good enough. 

2. Do you agree with Bloom’s main arguments? Why or why not?

I more so disagree with what Bloom says. I agree with the fact that people do not have enough empathy to feel what everyone else feels, which I don’t think people should be able to do that to begin with. I use and value empathy on a daily basis on a smaller, more personal level. I think it’s important to care and be informed about global issues and events, but I don’t think you need to feel empathy for them, as it is impossible to do. Empathy is more important between family and other close relationships that people hold. 

3. In what ways does Bloom challenge your initial understanding or perception regarding empathy?

I think he began to challenge my initial perception of empathy by relating it to a spotlight. I never considered that analogy before as I’ve always been told empathy is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. By being in someone else’s shoes it doesn’t address the fact about the spotlight. Spotlights have narrow focuses and they are able to light up what they are pointed at. Which in terms of empathy, this means that sure empathy can work but empathy us biased and small. You are choosing who to be empathic and you can only truly be empathic for so many people.  

4. Find one claim Bloom makes that evoked a strong response. Paste the direct quote from his piece, then write a few sentences in which you challenge OR support his claim in your own words.

“But what we can’t do is empathise with all of them” (Bloom 3). As much as I want to be able to, there is no way for myself to feel what hundreds to thousands of people are truly feeling. Throughout this article many of Bloom’s claims made me think as most of it is very well written. He continuously validates his opinions with logical responses. As for this claim I think it is something very important to remember even on a smaller scale. Bloom’s dislike to simply put is that there isn’t enough. I agree with that point but I do believe that you can and should still continue to use it for close relationships with friends and family. As for Bloom’s claim I think it is important to take it little by little and remember this before you are becoming burnt out by trying to empathize with too many people.