Serious response: Studies have proven again and again that reading fiction increases empathy. Many English teachers probably chose their jobs because they had a love for literature in the first place and their exposure to it has had its effect on them. [In that regard the absolute worst people on this planet are well aware of this effect and attack libraries, books with diverse viewpoints and the humanities whenever they get a chance to.]
Conversely, it’s hard to care about literature when you don’t have empathy. Especially “serious” literature, as opposed to sci-fi or fantasy that seems to be easier to connect with for rightwingers (though it may often require reading a dystopian work as inspirational instead of as a warning). I read that many of the important people in silicon valley are into sci-fi …
Conversely, it’s hard to care about literature when you don’t have empathy.
Of course, the question remains how much people with low empathy are willing to pick up a book on their own volition. Though at least studies have shown (here is one) that reading fiction increased empathy even when people were not particularly empathic to begin with.
That makes the one shitty English teacher I had stand out even more in my mind. She wasn’t quite Roald Dahl character level shithead, but she was close. I’m pretty sure her being ex-military had a lot to do with it.
Serious response: Studies have proven again and again that reading fiction increases empathy. Many English teachers probably chose their jobs because they had a love for literature in the first place and their exposure to it has had its effect on them. [In that regard the absolute worst people on this planet are well aware of this effect and attack libraries, books with diverse viewpoints and the humanities whenever they get a chance to.]
Conversely, it’s hard to care about literature when you don’t have empathy. Especially “serious” literature, as opposed to sci-fi or fantasy that seems to be easier to connect with for rightwingers (though it may often require reading a dystopian work as inspirational instead of as a warning). I read that many of the important people in silicon valley are into sci-fi …
Of course, the question remains how much people with low empathy are willing to pick up a book on their own volition. Though at least studies have shown (here is one) that reading fiction increased empathy even when people were not particularly empathic to begin with.
That makes the one shitty English teacher I had stand out even more in my mind. She wasn’t quite Roald Dahl character level shithead, but she was close. I’m pretty sure her being ex-military had a lot to do with it.