Conversation Of The Week VII: A Radical Experiment In Empathy

Sam Richards is a great professor and sociologists. He tries to teach his students and others of how to be empathetic towards others because that is what sociology is about; sociology is about thinking in someone else’s shoes. He feels very strongly about what he talks about and it shows when he’s telling his stories and examples. I feel like he does deserve his award because he does inspire his students and other individuals to understand and appreciate the study of sociology in a more personal view. He can make a difference in people’s lives because he tries to help them see things from different perspectives.

This instructor utilizes a different approach in teaching his students to discuss and cope with racial and cultural dialogues. This is the first step, because without this pedagogy, students aren't conscious of what they are saying and what others in the room are feeling. By not empathizing with one another, students and citizens can't communicate, and thus can't cooperate and conjure up solutions to societal issues that continue to plague us. For years, the classroom has been a battleground; communication and relation has been hindered, therefore little progress has been made. According to Zeus Leonardo, an author and educator regarding "safe" space and racial dialogue, Whites feel either unempathetic to feelings and experiences of their counter-parts or they feel threatened as if talking about race is an attack on White supremacy, and ultimately on them. Minorities or people of color, on the other hand, feel curbed, not able to voice their true emotions and heartache simply because they endeavor to maintain a safe environment for Whites. Racism continues because of this dialogue hindrance. Zeus asserts that even before a racial discussion commences, violence and antagonization is already present, regardless of what is said; thus, the hindrance is already in the room. I don't think there is a complete, perfect answer as to how we can talk openly, freely, and unassumingly about race, but I do believe it starts with good, aware communication. How one articulates themselves in a classroom and to others mirrors their beliefs, so it is important that we say what we really mean and that we give complete voice as to how we feel. Passion and anger must be limited or curbed, however, because once dialogue turns offensive, emotions run high and rational vanishes. One day in class, a student voiced her opinion, failing to curb its crudeness or managing to form it in a more appropriate way. Her opinion was one sentence; blunt and blatant. I had never been so offended. I wasn't upset with what she said or her views, but with how she said it and how narrow-minded it was. We must also realize that although everyone is entitled to their opinion, opinions have consequences and they can be wrong. Her opinion lacked judgment; she was simply stating her beliefs that were based solely on her own experiences, in which she utterly neglected the situation and experiences of others. Could you imagine in a classroom where dialogue is suppose to be open and progressive, that someone could be allowed to say such offensive things? Can you imagine a college student being so simple minded? I felt a sudden loss of faith in the student body. I thought, "is this what I have to look forward to in the future?" I prayed that others weren't as narrow-minded and distorted as the student in my class. We all have our own experiences and opinions, but we can’t wildly spout them out. We need to arrive at our judgments with reason and evidence, not just expressing our tastes because that was our first impulse or impression. Thus, when White people immediately get offended from racial dialogue, they need to ask themselves why they are offended. Why am I hot-blooded and irritated? Why am I flustered and overwhelmed? Is it because a person of color shared their experience in a threatening, attacking way? Or is it simply because I equate myself with the dominant culture and all that it is responsible for? If the latter, Whites need to realize White history isn't who they are; It's their heritage, but is doesn't necessarily reflect their opinions and belief-system. I don't take offense because I distance myself from the culture and I acknowledge that the experiences of people of color are real, true, and genuine. They should be free to express themselves, however not in a conspicuously offensive or attacking way. You can attack the history, ideology, or wrongs of a culture, but you can't attack individuals.

Sam Richard's video was very enlightening and showed me a new perspective in looking at sociology. Instead of just analyzing and criticizing other nations or groups, he invites us to imagine living in that country, feeling what they feel, and understanding what they are going through. His example of the war in the Middle East was especially touching because many Americans, including myself, don't tend to imagine terrorists or insurgents as noble freedom fighters or saviors of the nation. We can't even begin to try to sympathize with the average Afghani or Iraqi citizen or "feel" the terror that they themselves must be feeling. This truly is an experiment in empathy; I hope that Richards can spread his word and help people to start feeling for each other instead of being stuck inside their own little world. This perspective is often difficult to get into in my class. I don't think the students are comfortable enough to explore these boundaries. It would be beneficial to all of us to break out of our shells and discuss topics such as these that carry such emotional weight. In a speech I attended entitled "The Pedagogy of Fear", presenter Zeus Leonardo noted that peace can be formed through violence. This violence is discussion, open debate, and dialogue about heated topics, especially race. Peace is only won through violence so we should fight when we meet in these forums, open our minds, and not be afraid to bring up controversial ideas because there is no other way around it.

I think what Professor Richards is doing is excellent. I believe that besides getting higher education and becoming successful, college is about learning to think for yourself. We are hear to come become critical thinkers and evaluated/interpret message that is presented to us either through the media or speeches. In addition, this professor teaches his students to be empathic towards others. Sociology is putting yourself in someones else shoes, seeing what it is like on the other side of the fence. By Professor Richards teaching his students this way he is fulling all duties of what a great sociology teacher and this most-likely the reason why he has so many students that want to take his race and ethnic relations class. Furthermore, he deserves the award he was presented because he is an inspirational asset to your society

What Sam Richard is doing is great. People, especially young students need to be informed about things that they do not encounter everyday. Its also a good thing that these students can learn to confront these issues with their own thought, and not the thoughts of what they hear on TV or on the radio. To many people today have opinions that are swayed by the media and they don't learn to think for themselves. Sam Richard even said he did not know how to think for himself until his third year in college. The way he teaches his students is also a great help for the students. Teaching them with a more laid back aspect and "playfully" is great. With the fact that he also makes the hardest things easy to understand and makes everything relevant. Being a college student myself, I understand how helpful it is to have a teacher who is determined to make the material being taught, easy to understand.

Sam Richards is doing great things for sociology and race relations, it makes me happy to read that this is occurring somewhere in America. This reminds me of a recent discussion we had in our race relations course where we discussed how these courses were being banned in Arizona. It seems crazy to me that at Penn state these classes are so large and sought after when they are being banned in Arizona what a huge difference. I am so great full that a race relations course exists at my school, this course has opened up my mind to think differently and to dissect each institution and law in order to see the bigger picture and why it has become the way it is or why it has stayed the same. I am glad that Professor Richards is inspiring young college students to think critically and for themselves, we need more Americans who can do this in their everyday lives. I feel that sociology is doing great things for those who are studying it in college but these view points are only being taught to those who choose. I think that sociology should be required for all under grad students so that they too can learn to think critically and have a different outlook on the world. In my opinion those who study sociology tend to be more aware of the decisions they make and how they effect others, this type of behavior should exist in all individuals but unfortunately it doesn't. I feel that there should be a race relations course at every university and they should all have a professor who is as inspiring as professor Richards.

It is a great and very helpful lecture. It opens my mind more to see from others perspectives. I remember how I was frightened on 9/11 when I watched the two Icon towers went down with over 3ooo brave American people in it. I remember when the first time we targeted Sadam Hussen and bombed Bagdad I felt what the eiders, women and children fear. I was touched on both incidents. Putting myself in to those situations and thought about it affected me for long. To come to the point, understanding helps to see what people see from their point of view. Generally, there is a right way and a wrong way, from the perspectives of other‘s person shoes we can understand the thought or actions regardless. But understanding only is not always the answer. Sometimes things have to be done. I think most American knows the main cause of the war. I am not supporting war at all also there is no good war. War has its own ugly complex process we have to understand that too.

Sam Richards is just an overall inspiring teacher, speaker and person. He tries to teach his students through a different method than most professors. He wants his students to be empathetic towards each other because in reality that is the true meaning and defintion of sociology. He wants us to realize that sociology is about thinking in someone else's shoes and see and feel what they are actually going through. Sam Richards is passionate about sociology and his students. He wants his students to understand what it is to be empathetic and see what other people are actually going through. He shows how much he cares about the topic when he talks about his examples and stories. He knows how to relate to his students by going down to their level and not lecturing them, but talking with them. He wants his students to get the most out of the situation. He knows how to make his students learn the best. Being in college, I know how important it is to have a teacher who will talk with you, not at you. Sam Richards is really inspiring and would be the person that you would want to talk to.

Professors should challenge students thinking. But more importantly, I think everyone should be asked to challenge themselves. Individuals should ask questions like, “Why do I believe this?” “Why do I think that?” These questions are apart of a lost art known as self-reflection. Have you ever tried it? Stop, and think, stop and process what surrounds you. People will look at you funny because in our socialization we learn not to question what is said, we must ingest and keep moving. Once we start to thoughtfully process rather than blindly accept, we can look at things accurately and more critically. We can carry an understanding that ideas originate from someone’s benefit. We can intelligently separate ourselves, our emotions from arguments, and critically examine ideologies. This professor is on to something. Self-examination will breed empathy because we will begin to understand we are more alike than different.

To wonder about the world and our society and to examine it through open and objective investigation may lead us to wisdom and deep understanding of similarities and differences. There is diversity in all things and people. When it comes to people that inhabit this great world, commonalities can unite us while distinctions may segregate us. It is wonder, coupled with objective search and investigation of what is about us that leads to the uncovering and comprehending of common human needs and interests; in short, humanity. But this inclusiveness is only one tendency that may develop. There is also an exclusive and potentially socially apartheid-like tendency that may develop when people are introduced to diversity and differences. Here, people get hung up on "difference" between their own understanding of the world and that understanding which other cultures possess. Difference is therefore a lived experience that is ever evolving and may come to identify who or what is to be opposed/embraced, feared/loved, dominated/promoted, and/or kept at bay. Wonder accompanied by fear can lead to objective acts designed to remove the unknown. Discovery of the unknown calls for trust; and what some might call risk taking, as noted in Sam Richard's video. In order to objectively investigate differences in peoples, a person or persons must be willing to expose their inner subjectivities as well as their outer objectifications. This is one component of empathetic role taking. Wonder about others that is accompanied by fear, an unwillingness to be objective, and a refusal to trust others blocks, or hinders true understanding of shared interests and needs, and reduces or eliminated positive experiences between cultures. But thoughtful, deep searching for identity that accompanies use of empathy leads to understanding, and trust building relationships.

I love professors who teach this way. Professors, whose main goal is to enlighten, challenge, and enthrall students by asking them to open their mind. Empathy challenges people to experiment with their feelings and thoughts, and to me this is what helps create an open-mind. Empathy not only expemplifies feelings of happiness, but also of fear, sadness, and anger. These emotions and attitudes are able to convey different perspectives to others. When people are able to divulge their true experiences and emotions, they enlighten others into a different way of thinking. I think that some people fear empathy because it can become very intimate. But without knowing what people feel and what they experience we become blind to problems way face in society. What this professor is doing is great because he is showing how to look at the world with an open-mind.

This speech by Sam Richards offers a new look at experiencing different people’s ideas. This speech is all about how people need to practice empathy when thinking about different people and their ideas. To truly understand why people act the way they act you need to be empathetic. Empathy must be practiced. You must go into the shows of a different person and experience life as they see it. This speech spoke about how Iraqi’s live in their everyday life. Americans do not truly understand what the common Iraqi citizen thinks about our country. If an American uses empathy they can truly understand how Iraqis live. These people are very poor and do not have much food. They fear that Americans want to convert them all to Christianity. If we look at the Iraqis empathetically, we can truly understand how life is like for them. Empathy should be used in every way in America. Whenever a person does not understand how a different person lives or thinks, they should put themselves in that person’s shoes and try to think how they think.

Sam Richards is an inspiration to all. He shows that it is alright to be himself and his teaching reflects the importance of being an individual. His influence on students comes from his openness. Professors who can engage students while talking about social problems do so with integrity. He clearly invites his students to be open and share their thoughts and feelings. Since he is so optimistic, he creates an environment amongst his students that promotes their social intelligence and well-being. He can change the world by impacting all his students in the way he has. More professors should work to engage their students in social problems that affect everyone. When he challenges his students, he helps to expand their minds and push them outside of their comfort zones. They will have more universal experience and undertsanding because of him.

Sam Richards is a professor that all sociology majors and incoming students should takes. He lectures in a way that very few can do by visually bringing a connection to students so they can understand. Mr. Richards tells the audience to visually empathy by being in someone else's shoes but then pushes your imagination even farther by showing pictures of individuals and creates a connection to them. I thought that it was clever of him to begin with Americans biggest challenges (the War in Iraq, and the claims over oil) because once he has enlightened people on the hardest topics of today; we begin to see our world differently. For example Richards mentioned that once we see Iraqs' as people protecting their land maybe we won't judge our neighbors or the other students in our class.
His lecture covers how the war in iraq is over oil; and how Americans are there not only for the resources but to bring Democracy to the people. In sociology this is known as forced assimilation, the military are trying to bring schools, and the American culture to a country that has been established for years.

Professor Sam Richards brought up an interesting point that I agree with. To fully experience sociology and understand people’s relations one has to show empathy toward different people and groups. As we learned before in classes, the understanding of people and groups can lead us to diminish different radical ideas we have of them. The presentation Professor Richards gave was about how we don’t feel empathetic toward Iraqi people living outside the United States. We as Americans don’t care how other countries view us, especially the ones that are dirt poor. The video was showing how we as Americans don’t care how they live. We’re stuck on our way and we can care less if people in another country are ok. That’s why I agree with professor Richards that we should be empathetic toward other countries and place ourselves in their shoes so we can make a difference in our society.

I like this presentation by Dr. Richard not only because it focuses on Empathy but because it does so using what is occurring in the Middle East. Dr. Richard managed to pick two topics that are on many Americans minds then he presents us with images that Middle Easterner’s are likely to see of Americans today. The intended results of presenting the information in this way looks a lot like a study in my Social Psychology book by Sanderson, which indicated that individuals showed significantly less aggression when they know more information about another person (Kremer & Stephens, 1983). I feel that presentations like this one really hit home and would cause people to empathize more with the situation that Middle Easterner’s are faced with rather than the bombarding us with the weekly death toll numbers, which may only inflame people further. Empathy is a topic that really should be pushed forward more I thank Dr. Richard for helping in that cause.

First, I applaud Dr. Richards and in his work to educate students in race and ethnic relations. I feel that one of the best ways to break down barriers between the races is education. Also, his presentation on empathy was very well done. Empathy is one of the most powerful human emotions, and can cause substantial change in the United States and around the world.

This seems to be an interesting course. He certainly seems to be an engaging professor. The World in Conversation program is what this nation needs: an honest discussion on cultural and societal issues and what factors contribute to racism and "politically incorrect" speech.

His talk is a bit divisive however. I think that there is a difference between examining cultural differences and blaming the United States for all injustice in the world (particularly in Iraq). However, in his rather cynical discussions of Iraq lies a lesson in empathy. Whether or not you support America's action worldwide, we must have empathy for the lives that are put at risk or destroyed by our actions worldwide.

This seems to be an interesting course. He certainly seems to be an engaging professor. The World in Conversation program is what this nation needs: an honest discussion on cultural and societal issues and what factors contribute to racism and "politically incorrect" speech.

His talk is a bit divisive however. I think that there is a difference between examining cultural differences and blaming the United States for all injustice in the world (particularly in Iraq). However, in his rather cynical discussions of Iraq lies a lesson in empathy. Whether or not you support America's action worldwide, we must have empathy for the lives that are put at risk or destroyed by our actions worldwide.

Regardless, the program is a positive thing and will hopefully inspire discussion on issues of empathy and cultural divides.

Sam Richards sounds like a very good professor in class. He seems like he would make you come up with your way of doing something rather than just listen to him talk the whole class. I would be very interested in taking his Race and Ethnic relations course. I feel like you would get so much more out of it than any other course. I would change a persons perspective on life. With the classes being unscripted it lets the students run the class and let them teach themselves.

i feel that sam richards is a professor who makes you want to learn. he understands what he is doing and inspires you to place yourself in someone elses shoes. he does deserve the award because he took a topics that we are faced with today and taught it in a way that as students can give you a new perspective on things.

I think empathy is very important for obtaining equality in our society. The dominant culture was reconstruct and give up the notion of dominance and even the playing field. Society needs to be deconstructed for change to take place. The truth is people hold on to the ideals of racism, sexism, and other isms to keep the privilege that white people have stolen. The privilege should be everyone. Everyone should be entitled to the having pride in themselves and their people. They shouldn't have to conform to the dominate culture.

I believe that what Sam Richards is doing over the discussion of social issues is truly wonderful. He is taking a topic that is very taboo, in that of racial discussions and he is making people feel comfortable in talking about them. This is now easy task, and the fact that his class is one of the most popular at Penn State speaks volumes to his character. For these reasons I feel that Sam Richards is very deseving of his award, and I hope that he continues his battle for empathy.

I feel that empathy is the beginning to a productive discussion on race. Blind to their own privilege, most white people cannot fathom the experiences of people of color and how they might differ from theirs because the assumption is that they are the same. Despite the discussion seeming to be a positive thing, we need to pause and assess the reality the spaces we create for these discussions. Are they an environment where true feelings can be shared? Or are they protecting the wrong group? As we have read from Leonardo, often times these spaces protect whites from feeling "attacked" or "uncomfortable" when the intention is to create this environment for people of color as well. What makes this most difficult is that the discussion of racial issues cannot be a comfortable experience. There are issues of pain, anger and confusion on both sides, but more often than not it is the white group that gains the sympathy when they feel uncomfortable and then the discussion makes no progress because it caters what fuels the problem: denial and ignorance.

I’m really glad I took the 19minutes and 15 seconds to watch that. Empathy is a word that is tossed about so often I am not sure it still packs a punch. What Sam Richards did was reinstate that punch. It’s hard to follow up such a great lecture with my seemingly insignificant comments, but I think the point is the more people talking the more we can understand. I was under the impression that empathy was something you were born with, it seems to come so naturally to some people, but now I realize like all things worth having it’s a skill that needs to be exercised. I have a friend who was born in Persia (as her family still refers to their homeland as Persia), and during the tumultuous elections that were all but ignored here in the U.S., her parents returned home to cast their vote. They literally risked their lives (and that’s not just me being dramatic) because they believe so strongly in their people and are so grateful for the opportunities they have had here. Can you imagine? I’m not sure most of us would cross the county line to vote if we needed too – they traveled half way across the world and risked everything they had. It was a true eye opener for me, and I think it parlays exactly into Sam Richards lecture that until we all take a deep breath and truly look around we can’t possibly understand. If we don’t understand and have empathy for our fellow humans how can advance as world? It’s so important but it’s so ignored.

I really enjoyed this presentation by Dr. Richards. I never really think about the war in the Middle East or our reasons for being over there, but when he used the parrallel story about China, it really opened my eyes. When he goes on to talk about how the oil that the United States is taking from the Middle East, I can't help but think of something similar that happened here in the US two centuries ago when the US government impeded on Native American land for resources. Well, the same thing is going on in the Middle East. The oil that we are taking is THEIR oil, not ours. And we are causing terror to those people much like we did over 150 years ago. Another interesting point he made was about how religion plays a factor. When he talks about Lt. General Boykin and how he said the only way to win the war is to convert the Muslims to Christianity, it reminded me of the imperialism that has occured in Africa, Southeast Asia, and India. Everything that he says makes sense. If you put yourself in the shoes of the Iraqis, its no wonder they feel the need to fight back. I agree with him that if everyone starts empathizing, more good will come. I enjoyed this a lot.