Huujuu,
no, I wasn't asking for a definition of the word, I was really meaning, in what practical way would empathising with for instance, the person who prompted this whole thread, deter them from being anti social/violent?
I think we agree that it will indeed take generations to solve, & I empathise with your overall approach, but you still really haven't answered my question about what practical steps would you take now which you have personal control over? (unless it was handing out buscuits & balloons - was that you?)
Personally, I believe that when my child misbehaves they should face consequences. Sometimes this is a 'please don't do that' sometimes it's a 'go to your room or a short term ban from something they enjoy. It may even be a smack (although I must say that having brought up 3 children, I have never smacked them any of them once, but I have been prepared to have that sanction in my arsenal)
I firmly believe that because people have not been prepared to show this kind of person that there are consequences to their behaviour, that is why such behaviour has been free to proliferate. I would suggest that the same consequences I use with my kids are available to me with problems on the street. I choose to use them, most others do not & prefer to ignore it. That's their choice, but I don't think they should complain if they find the problem getting worse, or at least not getting better.
Having said all that, there are some people who just won't learn or empathise with my rights for a peaceful life no matter what consequences you show them. It's all very well saying it's the government's fault for bombing Iraq, but that's not gonna help me sleep tomorrow night.