Seeking Empathy and Compassion at Johannes Mehserle - Oscar Grant Demonstrations in Walnut Creek, CA
On July 19, 2010 a rally was held in Walnut Creek, California to support the
BART Police Officer, Johannes Mehserle who was convicted of shooting Oscar
Grant. A counter rally was also held and a heated confrontation between the two
sides ensued. I went to talk with participants on all sides about their views
and experience of the value of empathy. The following video gives an
overview of the event and below are the full interviews
See the video at
http://cultureofempathy.com/Projects/Interviews/2010-07-19-Walnut-C...
There was actually a larger counter rally there as well and a heated shouting match between
the two sides which were actually standing toe to toe in some cases. I
and Sherry went to all sides, and directly between the sides, asking
about empathy, as well as, listened to what people had to say. A lot
of people actually started in heated dialog between each other.
An anarchist and a Richmond City off duty woman police officer for example.
It was good and amazing to see people getting into dialog. I could see
a natural innate tendency of many people to want dialog. When I asked
people how we can build a culture of empathy they often said 'get all
sides together to talk in a less charged environment'.
Unfortunately, here's just not a lot of forums where that can
happen. Several black protesters talked about the lack of trust in the
police, but they wanted the police to come to their churches to engage
in dialogue and get to know each other. The Richmond Police Officer said
she was willing to talk with anyone anytime.
The Center for Building a Culture of Empathy
A portal for resources and
information about the values of empathy and compassion.
http://CultureOfEmpathy.com
BART Police Officer, Johannes Mehserle who was convicted of shooting Oscar
Grant. A counter rally was also held and a heated confrontation between the two
sides ensued. I went to talk with participants on all sides about their views
and experience of the value of empathy. The following video gives an
overview of the event and below are the full interviews
See the video at
http://cultureofempathy.com/Projects/Interviews/2010-07-19-Walnut-C...
There was actually a larger counter rally there as well and a heated shouting match between
the two sides which were actually standing toe to toe in some cases. I
and Sherry went to all sides, and directly between the sides, asking
about empathy, as well as, listened to what people had to say. A lot
of people actually started in heated dialog between each other.
An anarchist and a Richmond City off duty woman police officer for example.
It was good and amazing to see people getting into dialog. I could see
a natural innate tendency of many people to want dialog. When I asked
people how we can build a culture of empathy they often said 'get all
sides together to talk in a less charged environment'.
Unfortunately, here's just not a lot of forums where that can
happen. Several black protesters talked about the lack of trust in the
police, but they wanted the police to come to their churches to engage
in dialogue and get to know each other. The Richmond Police Officer said
she was willing to talk with anyone anytime.
Edwin Rutsch
The Center for Building a Culture of Empathy
A portal for resources and
information about the values of empathy and compassion.
http://CultureOfEmpathy.com
Comment
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Comment by Edwin Rutsch on July 26, 2010 at 8:51pm -
hi folks
I'd love to hear any reactions to the video?
best
Edwin
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