empathy is not endorsement

This note last modified October 23, 2024

I started listening to a podcasts called “Conversations with people who hate me” which interviews people who write hateful messages, often on other work the show’s host has done.

The tagline of the show is “empathy is not endorsement” which I really like.

You can understand what someone has done, why they’ve done it, even feel for them, without advocating for them or the things they’ve done.

target the lenses
- I think the first thing to do is simply to understand Mr. Trawman, and this is a step a lot of people skip. Why does he believe the things he does? What positions is he steadfast on, and what’s he willing to compromise on? What is his education on certain topics?
listening to the other side
- I listen to, and sometimes actively seek out ideas that are very different to mine. Sometimes ideas that are even harmful to society (racist, or bigoted ideas) or are painful for me to read. This is extremely controversial, and many of my friends are surprised I do this, or even dislike me for doing it. I do not mean to give a platform to harmful ideas, or tacitly endorse them. I also do not imply that harmful ideas are valid. Some ideas are fucking horrible and deserve to die out. That said, let me explain the reasons why I actively seek out ideas that are counter to mine.