Empathy education in adolescence may mitigate hate caused by seminal events: a literature review and case presentations by an adolescent

Abstract

Abstract Asian Americans have been the target of hate crimes in the United States. Data from multiple sources reveals that hate crimes increase following seminal events. Two events in particular, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the COVID-19 pandemic, led to spikes in hate directed at Asian Americans, including adolescents. These acts of hate can range from bullying on social media to violent attacks. This paper presents four such cases of hate along with the statistics surrounding pre- and post-event hate crimes and incidents. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the perspectives and emotions of others. The lack of empathy leads to prejudice and hate. Adolescence is a unique time for human development. Under the correct circumstances, intergroup contact with empathy activation has the ability to reduce hate. Further, as empathy is a teachable trait, schools have a critical role to play in adolescent social and moral development. A lack of research exists on empathy education in adolescents. This paper reviews the current literature and suggests that empathy education may reduce prejudice. As these events are likely to occur in the future, it is the position of this paper that empathy education may reduce hate, including violent hate.

Keywords

• Empathy
• Prejudice
• Hate
• Adolescents