---
title: Maintaining A Sense of Empathy Within Activism
date: 2022-11-11T21:41:12-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-maintaining-a-sense-of-empathy-within-activism"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Maintaining A Sense of Empathy Within Activism

MB talks about the importance of empathy in activism and not making assumptions about people as it relates to privilege and personal experiences.

## Transcript

**MB:** One thing that I’m always struck by is like again like I, everyone’s, I don’t want to say privileges but like the things that affect people, you might not realize surface-level, you know what I mean, so like just you know somebody on the street might just seem completely, you know, normal whatever, but they have like traumatic pasts, like nobody’s traumas are like advertised \[*laughs*\].   
  
And I think that one thing that being an advocate you need to realize, or you don’t know anyone’s full story, so I think that I think privilege is something so tricky because it’s not always visible. Some things are, obviously I’m a white woman. I’m also a queer woman, you know I can’t relate to someone who’s experienced, you know, like situations of like sexual threats. So, some of these experiences are universal but I think, I think the whole privilege debate definitely has weight, you know, but it’s like, I’m always careful not to make sweeping statements, you know, I think that’s the key. \[*laughs*\] It’s like don’t assume you know anyone’s struggles until you talk to them, and I think that’s the most important thing is maintaining a sense of empathy within activism.   
  
**OBOS Today:** Yeah, no that’s really great to hear. I think it takes a long time for people to actually, you know, be able to gage something like that. And again, because of all this information that’s just at the tip of our fingers and every time we go on social media, we’re just bombarded with information and it’s just, it’s difficult, those words, those phrases, those ideas, they stick into your head and it becomes difficult to really, um, I guess \[*pause*\] kinda’ understand that in the context of the life that you live, and what you’ve experienced and, you know, what other people, which you don’t personally have experience, it just becomes hard to kinda’ combine the two, you know? So yeah, it’s really great that you have this, you know, outlook and this, you know, approach to advocacy and activism.

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [activism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/activism)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Using Empathy to Connect With the People I Meet Through My Activism

MB discusses how empathizing with others has motivated her invovlement in justice movements; getting to know people on a personal level inspired her activism.

![Marley](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses how empathizing with others has motivated her invovlement in justice movements; getting to know people on a personal level inspired her activism.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-using-empathy-to-connect-with-the-people-i-meet-through-my-activism)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Learning How to Use Social Media Appropriately for Activism

MB talks about how helpful social media can be for activism, at the same time that it has potential drawbacks.

![Marley](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB talks about how helpful social media can be for activism, at the same time that it has potential drawbacks.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-learning-how-to-use-social-media-appropriately-for-activism)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Feeling Advocacy Burnout From Too Much Social Media Exposure

MB discusses the ways in which social media may be harmful for activists and gives advice on how to have a healthy relationship with social media.

![Marley](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses the ways in which social media may be harmful for activists and gives advice on how to have a healthy relationship with social media.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-feeling-advocacy-burnout-from-too-much-social-media-exposure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Discussing How Important Youth Social Movements Are for Feminism

MB discusses how youth movements, horizontal organization, and social media mobilization can promote change.

![Marley](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFZElEQVRIiV1W264ktw2sojRe20hekv//qfyCgcC52Fnv2enWhazKQ/ecs2uB4BADNUtFSiXxl1/+YVtSVeXeufeac8+55thz7DVzr9pLSkgAIhgR0fq7MTqjIZrZjDDCoE0DBjpAECQJkAQAAgTuCDA+/J/D9/Hxzfd/IhgkAyQYAEnymn2BgR8Qfnnf8fepryC+8QTYg80wCIcjgnwZAqRBg/BN+YL6wDMNEjSCd95vAQCwRzQDQNkmRTay8X2eaeM2ATCCFhyv7DdG4M92M+vROmyCNiIcUWQDA2z3PNOmBBgGQjZfkH4vSxgNt8V3JWrtYRuoFlBzRUXkTeJKbUqwYL1/BYoRtGmTDiDgABr4jnHXtrfWbRNhI8qMuqoEhhF2WLQgwfJVIhIWZNC0ww44yHcGDQ5f6wN7i4dhoiREOJiM/podNm2UUGXLhG2DphC62nN1IuwAG9yN5pvQNwxgtnBFi+jk3Sg7bEpUQWXp2msmobBuDFphBtF8VQnNaDaNsK9dZNiMMFlkEI1s772tguryIuxm0AxEgwSKDNphBaJd3TbCbroYRHRfvEOMV/Wv4goSJFc5Uy6DagaoCFc5GihQRJAmFL471/QqwFUQkybi3s4mQBsyVah0piqlEiE3gI5QlKvABgoQCCIIU6BN3f1jBwMwIJDApVC0KEPlkqtcqUwpi3QYpCIczVFWgQHULSkmDcrUffjZcYnepX+vEyv7zp7OVKZyl7JAN5kMhqIpmljXWi9hAwABMvQ6//36kXx1woJk1b3wysqsvWvvUiZh9yAjovICaEbIEJsgmbYtW5YcNrok2ZJVqpdlVVVd2XNX7twrlUnaDjKiVbTKLmSBMkQLlFlyyKybBHuVZFVV1eU/Uu+svXOv3GvvtZWbtNXAYMtoyZ2MAitQVyCETNnlJttGz0zZld+MnTvzut3usfae7wAiGdGjPRjJSCPDiWhgCJRR1xV5bdO9t+3M2t+PtfdaV+q15tpzKhdpu5OM1qPviERsoYcbIsA7e1mlkCizr70sV9Xaa6291lp77XXZXPO2CyAIWxcA22YsRxd6qCFoQna5Uq0UJVrsa86bwVprzbXmmnPOD7/mWGPsMZSrBezOQLR2Xfdml9ut7nC5Sj0VqShRYp9zyK6svfacY44x51jzw88x1nnu83SuarAfEbwAEN1sclzSJVS5p1pWy2JeAGMM21m115pjjHnbHOcc5zzPdR7zPPJ4ulZrhH+IIPs7QJTI5ktWSm1X2xVZzGIJfYzTdmbuvecYY5xzHHOcY5x3fB7reO7jK3K1B4EfozFugCYwdF0clyS2nbGKO7mTJfRzHL5LtMaYYxxjnGMccxzzfM7zOY+v8/klv76xpj41sqIzHo29IeICcEjI8t4VK2Mm18ZOZL0YVOZee4wxxznOY57HGMccz3l8nceX9fa//PIb6/n4+aeIbI9ojx79ZkDBLCG32s6YybEwN+ZGlvv4hsEcc4xjzlf28znPt/n18/z8T/36hQD+dsSj2qdH++HBx+MGKDsyX8sfC+fEuTyW10afc1iuyrX2mmPOc45zzmOOY47nOr6st3/tX7/oein8jvbz5/bTz+3Tp3g82FqAaBar3FbFWDiXj+Hn6efwWO5zDtt17aI11hxrjbXGnucaz3V+3n/8ZwN6vUbqK/TXf9f+S+WP3A8xIIiVaiuxFsbwcejtqT+e+vx0z7xP8q1qufZeuefeI9eR4/f8Dfl6LhagN9TfU3kqZ+UPEc2NgrIiE3t5DY2zvr7Vr//VfKpXlm81zZftS6MrZ63fC6jX49aACy5YU9qhlNJogquiEpnOXWvm8az5LED/B9BQZCtw7vm+AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

MB discusses how youth movements, horizontal organization, and social media mobilization can promote change.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-discussing-how-important-youth-social-movements-are-for-feminism)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Calling on Society to Help Break the Stigma Surrounding Women's Health

XY discusses why there is little research on menstrual health.

![My Story: Calling on Society to Help Break the Stigma Surrounding Women's Health](data:image/png;base64,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)

XY discusses why there is little research on menstrual health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-calling-on-society-to-help-break-the-stigma-surrounding-womens-health)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Explaining How Harmful Internalized Misogyny Is for Society

XY discusses how internalized misogyny harms women. She addresses the scarcirty mindset and the infighting that can occur.

![My Story: Explaining How Harmful Internalized Misogyny Is for Society](data:image/png;base64,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)

XY discusses how internalized misogyny harms women. She addresses the scarcirty mindset and the infighting that can occur.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-explaining-how-harmful-internalized-misogyny-is-for-society)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Feelings Around Having an Abortion

MC describes her thought process behind getting an abortion. She shares some of the feelings she had about the experience.

![A woman has her hands on her head as though disappointed. In front of her is a positive pregnancy test on a table.](data:image/png;base64,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)

MC describes her thought process behind getting an abortion. She shares some of the feelings she had about the experience.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-feelings-around-having-an-abortion)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Dirty Business: Lack of Menstrual Equity in Colombian Prisons

I worked as a teacher and coach in a medium security prison in Sogamoso, Colombia. I have seen many shocking things in my work Particularly upsetting is the paltry number of menstrual pads (about 25 per year) that women inmates receive.

![Toallas carcel 3](data:image/png;base64,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)

I worked as a teacher and coach in a medium security prison in Sogamoso, Colombia. I have seen many shocking things in my work Particularly upsetting is the paltry number of menstrual pads (about 25 per year) that women inmates receive.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/dirty-business-lack-of-menstrual-equity-in-colombian-prisons)