Compassion in the News

   I’ve set an Alert for the word “compassion” in Google, so every evening I get an e-mail with links to all the articles and blogs that have “compassion” in them from that day on the Internet. Since I set the alert on Sept. 12 there have been 327 news items, videos, and blog entries that mention compassion.

   At first blush that may seem like compassion is getting a lot of attention, but upon further examination many of the mentions are superficial usages of the word in a list of accolades, the title of a public lecture, or an editorial exhortation encouraging people to be more compassionate.

   Schools and churches seem to be the groups involved most in promoting the concept of compassion, from anti-bullying programs that teach tolerance to sermons encouraging civic participation.

   End-of-life groups and medical marijuana supporters have also donned the compassion banner to promote and market their cause, as have vegetarians and animal rescue groups. (Ironically, a new business venture – Compassion Couture – sells wares entirely free of animal ingredients or byproducts.)

   Numerous articles laud community heroes as compassionate in their charitable giving to others, or memorialize the deceased for their compassionate nature.

   In the wake of natural or other disasters, compassion is prevalent as community members respond with outpourings of food, labor, and care.

   Predictably there were dozens of articles and opinion pieces about compassion following the 10^th anniversary of 9/11, most extolling the virtues of individuals who selflessly gave of themselves to help those who suffered in the aftermath.

   Also predictably, there are a smattering of compassion detractors who decry “indulgent and misplaced” compassion, particularly when it comes to social programs and taxes.

   Columnist Paul Krugman wrote in the New York Times after a recent televised Tea Party debate, “Now, however, compassion is out of fashion — indeed, lack of compassion has become a matter of principle, at least among the G.O.P.’s base.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/opinion/krugman-free-to-die.html?_r=2&ref=opinion)

   In the aftermath of this particular debate, a Michigan pastor wrote in an editorial: “The cries of one side or the other over nearly any social issue, the tearing down of civil discourse, the inability of people to see the Other in a spirit of compassion is frustrating, and the ensuing polarization can cause one to despair.” (http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2011/09/17/life/srv0000013892573.txt)

   What I am left with in reviewing this week’s worth of compassion news online is a cautionary observation: Compassion as a tool of caring and loving kindness is a powerful force for the good. 

   However, using compassion as a conquering weapon, a political cudgel, or capitalistic crowbar is a grave misuse of the ideal, and is likely to leave the wielder stinging from self-inflicted wounds.

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   To read more perspectives on compassion, go to: www.CompassionSpace.com.