David French, a senior editor at The Dispatch known for his conservative insights, and Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist focusing on race and identity, dive into the rising trend of 'toxic empathy' in politics. They discuss how empathy has become a contentious issue, particularly on the right, and the historical disdain for compassion in political discourse. The conversation highlights the decline of Christian compassion and the struggles of the Democratic Party to revive empathy amid societal divisions, underscoring the complexities of modern political identities.
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insights INSIGHT
Historical Roots of Anti-Empathy
The disdain for empathy on the American right is not new but has historical precedents dating back to the 1920s and 30s.
It has recently resurged, especially with the influence of the MAGA right in national politics.
insights INSIGHT
Toxic Empathy in Trump Era
The Trump era, especially in evangelical spaces, attacks empathy as a weakness or sin, labeling sympathy for others as "toxic empathy."
This attack often stems from a feeling that the group itself is excluded from empathy and is a critique of selective empathy.
insights INSIGHT
Conservative Men Feel Neglected
Conservative white men feel left behind amid social and economic changes and perceive empathy extended to others as neglecting their own concerns.
This fuels a defensive stance and rejection of empathy as weakness or guilt.
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Sinclair Lewis's 'Elmer Gantry' is a satirical novel that critiques religious hypocrisy and the commercialization of faith in 1920s America. The story follows Elmer Gantry, a charismatic but morally corrupt evangelist, as he rises to prominence through his powerful sermons and scandalous personal life. Lewis dissects the revivalist movement, exposing the blend of genuine religious fervor and cynical manipulation that characterizes Gantry's career. The novel explores themes of ambition, deception, and the conflict between spiritual ideals and human fallibility. 'Elmer Gantry' remains a sharp commentary on the darker aspects of American religious culture, challenging readers to question the integrity of those who claim divine authority.
America Last
Jacob Heilbrunn
Jacob Heilbrunn's "America Last" explores the historical trend of sympathy for foreign dictatorships within the American right. The book delves into figures who admired leaders like Kaiser Wilhelm, Mussolini, and Hitler, highlighting their justifications and the underlying ideologies. Heilbrunn connects this historical context to contemporary figures and their views on leaders such as Putin and Orban. He argues that this admiration stems from a disillusionment with liberal democracy and a desire for order and strength, often overlooking the atrocities committed by these regimes. The book serves as a warning against repeating past mistakes.
In this episode, the Times Opinion politics correspondent Michelle Cottle speaks to the columnists Jamelle Bouie and David French about the rise of “toxic empathy” and how the right has turned compassion into weakness.
Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.
This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. The rest of the show's production team includes Derek Arthur, Kristina Samulewski and Jillian Weinberger. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Pat McCusker, Sonia Herrero and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.
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