Gen Z and the Quandary of Empathy

Description

Page: 267-271

Charu Kriti (Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru, Karnataka)

The arguments surrounding empathy do not lack in reiterating the morality of the term. It is a basic value assumed to be taught during the development of the superego. Empathy received a lot of attention in recent years for maintaining well-being. However, a reading into the critics tells us that the inculcation of empathy cannot be seen as a compulsory social dictum anymore. Moreover, it would seem prudent to check the relevance of the preceding rules of society in current times. This paper attempts to investigate if treating empathy as a personal choice is counterproductive and a matter of concern, or did the post-modernist shift predict this alteŗation. Cultivating the idea of empathy has to be at par with the existing social understanding and obligation, lest the practice fades out for lack of application. The dilemma that arises, as a result, is one of conflicting interests between imbibing a moral value and of defending one’s individual choice. The current generation shows strong traits of decisiveness, intrigue, and intellectual curiosity with lesser levels of ignorant malleability, which renders it difficult to force an ideology upon them. The paper, thus, looks at the challenges and the efficacy of the process of imparting lessons of empathy in the current times. The paper also poses the postmodernist argument of individual autonomy over socially desirable behaviour.