A Citrus County Chronicle columnist reflects on empathy in American life after rediscovering decades-old magazines saved by his parents. Among them were issues from late 1963, including Life magazine and The Saturday Evening Post, which covered the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. The writer was just 9 years old at the time and says the coverage stayed with him.
Revisiting those pages, the writer says the magazines captured the nation’s grief through photographs, articles and quotes from ordinary readers. He notes that the coverage was largely shared by everyone who lived through the tragedy, regardless of political views or background. He contrasts that moment with today’s media environment, where he believes people are more divided and quicker to dismiss one another.
The column asks whether modern society has lost its capacity for empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. The writer points to the constant flow of news, social media arguments and partisan coverage as factors that may harden people’s attitudes. He argues that readers today often seek out information that confirms what they already believe, leaving less room for compassion toward those who think differently.
The writer does not offer a detailed plan for change. Instead, he encourages readers to pause before reacting to news and to consider how others might be affected by events. He suggests that small acts of listening and patience can help rebuild common ground in communities such as Citrus County, where residents share a strong sense of local identity.
The full column is available through the Citrus County Chronicle, which serves readers across Citrus County, Florida. Readers can also explore historical coverage of the Kennedy assassination through the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Citrus County
