70. Echo Chambers – Julian Marshall
Prioritizing empathy is a necessary first step in reconciling our hyper-polarized world.
In our polarized country, where we’re all locked in echo chambers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find common ground. Social media has created an environment that disincentivizes critical thought, especially as it pertains to views that are different from our own. And it makes perfect sense that we have landed in this paradigm: Why would a for-profit social media platform risk alienating its customers when it can feed them a constant stream of euphoria and, in turn, maximize the amount of time they spend on the platform, clicking ads? Of course, this is not sustainable. Echo chambers are destroying the fabric of our beautifully diverse society.
As a filmmaker, echo chambers are a thorn in my side because empathy is the currency of my industry. I have to tell stories about people who are not only different from me, but also hold very different beliefs than me. I have to love each and every character in my stories equally, even if they are “bad” people.
This requires an understanding that every character feels justified in their own actions, which are motivated by their discrete point-of-view. Think about the betrayal of Francis Underwood in House of Cards, or Walter White’s desperate need to take care of his family in Breaking Bad.
This way of thinking informs how I engage with people in real life and helps me communicate with people in their “native language,” which is where we find a common purpose, and I believe a common purpose is what will save the soul of America. Prioritizing empathy is a necessary first step in reconciling our hyper-polarized world.
– Julian Marshall
Prompt:
Write about a view that you hold so strongly it makes you emotional. Now rationalize this view: Why is it important to you?
Next, write from the perspective of someone who holds the opposite stance. Rationalize it from their point of view, based on their discrete circumstances. Write it as if they feel just as righteous as you do.
Heather Viviano
Location: Seattle, WA
About: The Isolation Journal team requested submitting this for consideration. It is from a day shortly after returning to work after the "stay at home order." There was frustration for me in helping clients learn the new normal and considering the collective in the re-opening.
Age: 51
Sorry, gotta vent and I guess it's my journal, so here goes.
My view:
Yes, I realize you like having your hair blown dry after it's cut, but since we are in the middle of a pandemic, we are not offering that service right now. There is a small risk of blowing potentially infectious particles around, so for now, we are operating under an abundance of caution. I will still give you a very nice, precision cut that will grow out very well and help you feel a bit better. I understand you want a discount on your service because I am not drying your hair, however, along with your service I am also adding extra steps to ensure your safety, such as completely sanitizing all of my equipment, my chair, my station, the shampoo bowls and containers between each service. I have lengthened the time of each service in order to give you enough time to talk and to reestablish the long overgrown shape in your hair. I wash my hands and change smocks between each service. If I want to eat or drink anything, I have to hope I have enough time to run to my car, because our break room is closed. I know you don't know this, but I've just today had clients tell me many things I'm still processing like, "I'm getting a divorce", or "My 27 year old daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer" or, "My husband had 4 stents placed", or "My husband had two more stents placed", or "3 of my friends died from covid", or "My daughter was in the hospital with covid".... All the while I am listening (to YOUR stories too!), supporting you and still providing you with excellent service in a hot mask and a hotter smock. I am also afraid to be here due to the risk. When I get home I have to strip off my clothes and head to the shower. When I arrive at work I am screened. I have learned an entirely new hands free check in/out system as an added safety measure. I know your hair, it's growth patterns, density and idiosyncrasies so well that I can do all the detail work while it's still wet and you'll be just fine, honey.. I'm doing my best to be here for you and keep you safe. Please, all I ask is be nice.
Your view:
I deserve a discount because you are not drying my hair.