phenomenon sometimes called the “collapse of compassion.” Experts think this happens because we automatically regulate our emotional reactions when we expect them to be overwhelming. For instance, when we learn of a genocide or mass famine, we might send some money, but fewer of us will stay tuned to twenty-four-hour cable coverage of the event, because it feels like emotional overload. Some research—Bloom’s included—suggests that this reaction can be tempered by the race, religion, or political beliefs of the people affected. If we feel like a person or group is part of our “tribe,” we might
...more
