Yesterday, Steven Mnuchin, the Secretary of the Treasury said, , “To be honest, I think these numbers right now aren’t relevant whether they’re bigger or shorter in the short term.” in reference to the 3.3 million unemployment claims for the week. The same day, the US reached an historic high number of unemployment claims, 4.7 times higher than the level reached in 1982. Now you may think that this blog post is going to be some political rant or even an economic analysis of the unemployment numbers, but it is not. I actually offer this quote here because I find myself frustrated by the word choices of our leaders. Look, I cognitively understand the explanation provided - we are experiencing a pandemic, an event like nothing we have ever witnessed, and so, according to Mnuchin these are short-term numbers that we should have expected given our circumstances. He went on to say that recently passed federal legislation aims to protect these very people. So, there is an intellectual sort of explanation provided and whether you believe it or not, this quote raises an important question in what it does not say. Where is the empathy?
Meyers, Rowell, Wells, and Smith (2019) refer to social empathy as an ability to understand people and perceive their lived experiences. Even if, and this is a very weak if, the presentation of the data is seemingly based on some rational justification, it pains me to imagine how the individuals in those numbers must feel. The over three million people out of a job, applying for unemployment benefits are relevant. Their thoughts, feelings, loved ones, and experiences matter! Where is the empathy? Aside from being incredibly frustrated by this statement, it also made me think about what this might mean for our perception of community, connection, and belonging. How are we engaging with and talking to our friends, family, colleagues, students, and neighbors about everything that is happening right now? Are we leaning in with empathy?
Meyers et al. (2019) also talk about the concept of teacher empathy and I think now, more than ever, is the time to learn from our educators’ about how to engage with others. Teacher empathy is defined as the ability to understand students’ personal and social circumstances and to express caring and concern for each individual. This empathy integrates cognitive, affective, and behavior elements that include taking student perspectives, feeling similar emotions, and showing compassion. Good advice for us all. Let’s circle back to Mr. Mnuchin's pronouncement about the unemployment claims. What would have happened if he had paused and considered those 3.3 million people filing for unemployment.? What if he had tried to take their perspectives, to feel what I can only imagine is their struggle, worry, frustration, and stress, and then, and only then, responded with compassion. Imagine a replay that sounded more like, "To be honest, I think these numbers right now, whether bigger or shorter in the short term, matter. Let me remind you that these historical claims are people living and working in our county. Families and individuals who need our support and who will, hopefully, begin to feel supported as we pass this two trillion dollar stimulus package…" I could go on, but I hope that you see my point. We are a diverse country with myriad wants and needs but we should also be a community that can come together during this national crisis. Most of us cannot contribute by discovering a vaccine or by treating this terrible virus, but all of us can show empathy and try to listen to others' perspectives, understand their feelings about these events, and, most important, show compassion for what they are experiencing. As we continue to move through this unprecedented moment, please remember to step with empathy.