Have a Heart of Stone? You Might be a Rare Breed in Today's World

As we all know I have a slight OBSESSION with my google reader.  Who wouldn't love all your blogs brought to you in one convenient location.  Why I mention said reader there are many articles which come up from time to time, but sadly I do not have the time or energy to post something on this here blog that same day.

So this article comes out of those archives (and also something that Maria, my super star AmeriCorps co-worker sent me).

David Brooks, a NYT op-ed writer, recently posted an article The Limits of Empathy.  It was a very timely article because we had just wrapped up our Motivational Interviewing training.

One phrase that stuck with me, and is located towards the middle of the article, was:

"It influences people to care more about cute victims* than ugly victims." 

The issue of public health, primary care and human services has never been a sexy topic.  There are no television shows about primary care services (the closest I can come up with is a dysfunctional, quasi ACO on Private Practice) or human services (Judging Amy comes to mind, but most of you probably have no idea what I am talking about).  Similarly some issue areas get a greater amount of publicity because a certain celebrety or politician may pick up a cause.  Other topics remain taboo in our society, sexual assault for instance, and even though there may be some empathy/sympathy among the general population they may refrain from becoming an advocate.

Homelessness, just like domestic hunger, are issues that we really don't talk about.  DC has one of the biggest homeless populations on the east coast, but if you asked a tourist or someone living in the Foggy Bottom bubble they might have no idea.  I use this example because it is not only the population I am working with, but because homeless men, women and children tend to be one of the most ostracized populations in the country.  After speaking with many clients, I have found several common themes within their stores such as a loss of dignity and the feeling that society has turned their back on them.  

No one ever grows up wanting to be homeless, for many it is the snowball effect of being dealt a few unlucky hands.  Violence, losing a job, ending up in the hospital for long periods of time after an accident/illness, being diagnosed (and in some cases undiagnosed or misdiagnosed) with mental illness and/or being a veteran are just some of the major issues that have impacted these people's living situations. 

Have I opted to join a cause or do service with 'cute victims', of course I have.  Who wouldn't want to go work with some Jumpstart kids or plant a tree.  And I want to follow that up by saying this.  I am not in any means trying to diminish the impact that these programs have on our society - giving back in any kind of a capacity, both with money and time, is an amazing thing. 

I challenge you (let me know if any of you actually take up these challenges and AmeriCorps members please weigh in with your experiences) to become more aware of those 'ugly victims' for whom society has turned their back.  While I am not saying go out tomorrow and find yourself a cause, but maybe start to educate yourself on a cause that takes you out of your comfort zone.  Maybe share what you have learned with a friend and family member.   

By even taking the time to start the conversation you have become an advocate.

* After working with the DC Rape Crisis Center for a number of years using the word victims has always left a bad taste in my mouth; instead we frequently use the word survivor.  It has a much more positive connotation and many times helps to improve a client's sense of empowerment.  I decided to stick with the word in this posting to cut down on any confusion.