The Importance of Empathy

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Responding to tragedy with responses like “that’s so sad” can lower personal and systemic accountability.

Ignorance of world history hinders our ability to contextualize issues and take transformative action.

Denial, detachment, and neglectful responses show a lack of empathy, accountability, and conscientious action.

What makes a person respond to tragic events, whether past or present, with detached responses?

Comments like “that’s so sad” lower personal and systemic accountability because they tend to seem insincere and performative. In contrast, responding with specificity and a willingness to offer empathy and support can demonstrate actual care and concern. If you were impacted by a tragic event, would you want to hear someone simply say “that’s so sad”?

"So sad" can be used as a slang term to describe something really disappointing or unfortunate. Depending on the context and phrasing, it can often be used sarcastically to express a lack of empathy or sympathy regarding a tragic event where the situation seems hopeless and depressing. It can also be used to give the pretense of concern and empathy without actually having to demonstrate care and concern.

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