A recent article titled "Empathicide: The Corruption of Empathy" by UCLA psychiatrist Dr. Kira Stein has garnered significant attention, highlighted by an endorsement from physician-scientist Dr. Houman David Hemmati. The piece, published in the Jewish Journal, delves into the concept of empathy being weaponized, particularly in the context of rising antisemitism on college campuses.
Dr. Stein, an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, introduces "empathicide" as a phenomenon where empathy is distorted and used to manipulate perceptions of right and wrong. Her article asserts that this corruption is evident in the acceptance of anti-Zionism as a form of antisemitism, citing specific incidents at UCLA post-October 7th, including protests that allegedly excluded Jewish students and enabled harassment.
The article details examples of "Strategy-Driven Empathicide," such as a March 2024 protest at UCLA where a mannequin depicting antisemitic tropes was displayed. Dr. Stein emphasizes that true empathy should be agenda-free and care for all pain, contrasting it with what she describes as its weaponization.
Dr. Houman David Hemmati, a board-certified ophthalmologist, biomedical research scientist, and alumnus of UCLA, publicly endorsed the article, stating in his tweet, "This amazing article on Empathicide: The Corruption of Empathy by UCLA psychiatrist Dr. Kira Stein is a must read! Link is below." Dr. Hemmati's background includes an MD from UCLA and a PhD from Caltech, with extensive experience in academic and pharmaceutical fields. His public commentary often addresses issues related to medical ethics and societal well-being.
The article's timely release and its focus on campus dynamics resonate with ongoing discussions about free speech, protest, and the safety of students from diverse backgrounds at academic institutions. Dr. Stein's work aims to shed light on how emotional manipulation can contribute to societal divisions, particularly within highly charged environments like university campuses.