The article reflects on the aftermath of Salman Rushdie's attack and the pivotal 'reader effect' experienced by an empathetic audience. The author, affiliated with City of Asylum, stresses the importance of fiction in promoting emotional intelligence and community. With a decline in fiction readership in the U.S., the author worries that the lack of engagement with narratives exacerbates ideological polarization. Highlighting the role of empathy in citizenship, the piece underscores that fostering understanding is essential for a democratic society, calling for efforts to increase engagement with literature to bridge social divides.
The reader effect, a response based on empathy, is vital in combating polarization and fostering a sense of community, especially in times of crisis.
Not reading stories deprives individuals of emotional and cultural connections, compounding ideological divisions and threatening a shared civic space.
Citizenship relies on recognizing our interdependence, emphasizing the importance of empathy in maintaining a pluralistic society.
The clustering of like-minded individuals deteriorates empathy and inhibits moderation, leading to cultural isolation.
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