Star R. AGE: Empathy Journalism (18/6/2020)

Empathy- what does it mean to you? Empathy is showing kindness to others, put ourselves in their shoes and think if I were them, how would I feel? What is the feeling? Empathy can be in any form, but have you ever wonder that empathy and journalism work together? I thought about it: How can we apply empathy when we are writing a story for the newspaper? Well, stick around to find out! There are five key elements when we combine empathy and journalism. 

First and foremost, read a fiction book or novel. Yes, reading takes us to a place of wonders as we immerse ourselves into the story plot but have we wonder that reading will help us to develop empathy? What if the characters in the story, find something difficult to break the code? If we were the characters in the book, how do we feel? That's when empathy comes in. 

Secondly, active listening. When we are in conversations, we are often being talked over or cut off in mid-sentence. Try this way: Listen carefully to the person who is talking, we'll find somehow that he or she is going through a tough time. Always be attentive, don't be distracted, not talking about yourself and most importantly, please don't stare at the phone! We are all on our phones every now and then, if we are willing to put down our phones and pay full attention, empathy comes in. 

Thirdly, be curious. There is a saying goes "curiosity kills the cat". In this case for empathy, don't be afraid. Just because we are different in our own way, that doesn't mean we have to hide in a corner from getting us into trouble right? We can show empathy by writing a story on a person based on their story in their perspectives and point of view. 

Fourthly, identify biases. Let's be honest, that bias is human nature. Showing empathy is not about taking sides. How do we reduce biases? By identifying and reducing them actively. 

Last but not least is practice kindness! Be there and comfort them. The simple way is sitting beside without saying a word, our presence will give the person some comfort. Personally, this is my favourite key element. 

There you go, the five key elements of showing empathy. A little game for the Zoom participants. When one of the questions pops up "I am the oldest child in the family," that gets me excited, cause being the oldest, we are looked up by the younger siblings. We have a short sharing session on showing empathy to others and others have shown empathy to us.  

Before the seminar ends, we have an "assignment" which we need to complete by next week. It's based on the key elements that we have learned today. I'm sure the tasks can be done in no time! I'm looking forward to the next event. 

Have courage and be kind. Stand Together!