Beggar In The Living Room Analysis

Where would modern civilization be without empathy? Empathy allows us to relate to others in a way that is meaningful during tragedies. Empathy is what makes people human. Without it, humans would act in ways that are closer to zombies or robots. A scary depiction of a world without empathy is “Beggar in the Living Room,” by Bill Watkins. A completely emotionally numb aunt and uncle represent the general population when they are faced with disturbing images via hologram. The aunt and uncle in the story are able to remove themselves from the tragedies because they are geographically removed. Bill Watkins compares their lack of response to horrifying images to the general population's ability to desensitize themselves to tragedy they see with new found technology. The dangers of excessive exposure to violence in the media and how it can cause a lack of empathy in the masses is showcased in the story “The Beggar in the Living Room” by Bill Watkins.
A common method Aunt Zsa Zsa and Uncle Howard use to desensitize and detach themselves from an

The world is changing because of technology, and we need to learn how to adapt to those changes. “Beggar in the Living Room,” by Bill Watkins shows us the worst thing that can happen from repeated exposure to violent images. However, that is not to suggest that everybody will be affected this way. The narrator managed to show empathy, and that is proof that empathy even in the worst situations is possible. The world is rapidly changing, and we need to figure out how to keep up. Exposure to issues all over the world can be helpful if it is channeled the right way. However, it is crucial that we find ways to maintain empathy and stay somewhat attached to these issues. While the images might very well be painful, the results of a society with no empathy is much worse. Repeated exposure to negative stimuli can definitely lead to lack of empathy, but only if we let