Building empathy from "summary" of Riding the Bus with My Sister by Rachel Simon
In Riding the Bus with My Sister, the concept of building empathy is portrayed through the protagonist's journey of understanding and connecting with her sister, Beth, who has an intellectual disability. Through the daily bus rides they take together, the protagonist learns to see the world through Beth's eyes, gaining a deeper understanding of her experiences and emotions. As the protagonist spends more time with Beth on the bus, she begins to empathize with her struggles and challenges. She witnesses firsthand the discrimination and judgment that Beth faces from society, as well as the moments of joy and connection that bring her happiness. Through these experiences, the protagonist is able to put herself in Beth's shoes, feeling both her pain and her joy. Building empathy is not an easy process for the protagonist. She must confront her own biases and preconceived notions about people with disabilities, challenging herself to see beyond the surface and truly understand Beth as an individual. This requires a willingness to listen, learn, and open her heart to a different perspective. Through her journey of building empathy, the protagonist not only learns to see Beth in a new light, but also discovers a deeper sense of compassion and connection with all people. She realizes that empathy is not just about understanding one person's experience, but about recognizing the humanity and dignity of every individual, regardless of their differences. In Riding the Bus with My Sister, the concept of building empathy is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeing beyond appearances and truly connecting with others on a deeper level. It challenges readers to step outside of their comfort zones, confront their own biases, and open themselves up to the richness and diversity of the human experience.
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