Prof. Leung Chun Ho, Associate Professor, New Testament
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Two Responses to Suffering
When we see others suffer, we typically have two responses: First, like most people, we feel sympathy and sorrow for their misfortune, thus caring for their well-being. Second, some people can understand the sufferer's perspective and empathize with their feelings, developing resonance. When media extensively reports on disaster situations, we naturally have the first response of sympathy towards the victims. This sympathy drives us to care for, console, or provide assistance (e.g., donations) to those suffering, hoping to alleviate their pain. However, is what we do truly helpful to them? This is a question worth exploring. Excessive consolation might bring pressure to the sufferers; repeatedly discussing disasters can also cause secondary trauma. In these actions driven by sympathy, we often play the role of the giver, reaching out to the recipients from a safe distance, but our perspectives and positions may not be the same. As media coverage decreases, our understanding of the sufferers' appeals and circumstances gradually diminishes, and our concern and sympathy for them gradually wane. We might even judge their feelings by our own standards...
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