Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/lighting-the-footpath-to-a-peaceful-future-the-roots-of-empathy-program/5023408/
BOX:
In one grade 4 class, nine-year-old Sylvie was wearing running shoes that did up with a Velcro® strap. Some of the other children taunted her, saying she wore “baby shoes” and “geeky shoes.” She was the target of double-barrelled criticism — her shoes were not only cheap and unfashionable, they were immature. This is the kind of humiliation that would shrivel the spirit of any nine-year-old. But then something happened. When the class headed outside for recess, Sylvie’s best friend June swapped one shoe with her. The empathic insight and quick thinking of that child gives us hope. Her actions said, “I’m your friend and I’m proud to wear your shoes and be just like you.” She turned a mean, exclusionary attack into something playful, without saying a word. Every other child in the class got the message: “This is my friend; make fun of her and you are making fun of me. Keep it up and you may find yourself outnumbered by kids who care.”1
END BOX
Empathy is fast emerging as an essential 21st century skill and is more important than ever as countries around the world look for ways to reduce violence and foster inclusion. The Roots of Empathy organization ...