The March of Remembrance and Hope: Examining Critical Empathy and Social Justice Activism through a Holocaust Genocide Study

Date
2011-04-02
Authors
Strandlund, Nicole
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Publisher
University of Regina Graduate Students' Association
Abstract

The March of Remembrance and Hope is a 9 day Holocaust genocide study that takes a diverse group of University students from across Canada to Germany and Poland. With survivors, academics, social workers, and each other; the participating students engage in a critical study of the Holocaust. Through my research I am examining the different forms of empathy that are potentially experienced and fostered through this intense experience. I am interested in researching the connections that may exist between participants who display high levels of critical empathy and their involvement in social justice activism. Do highly exhibited levels of critical empathy correlate with social justice actions? Also, if this can be fostered and supported through Holocaust education can a similar educational experience within a localized context be constructed for students? Would such an experience support the deepening of critical empathy and perhaps develop an increased sense of social justice responsibility within these participants?

Description
Keywords
Critical empathy, Holocause education, March of Remembrance and Hope, Social justice activism, empathy
Citation