The Importance of Empathy in Yeonmi Park's in Order to Live

In her memoir, "In Order to Live," Yeonmi Park shares her story of escape from North Korea and the harsh realities she faced as a refugee. Throughout the book, Yeonmi is candid about the physical and emotional toll escaping North Korea took on her and her family. Yeonmi’s story emphasizes the importance of empathy in understanding the experiences of refugees and the struggles they face. In this essay, I will explore the role of empathy in "In Order to Live" and examine its significance in our understanding of refugees and asylum seekers.

Understanding the Experiences of Refugees

Firstly, empathy is a key component in understanding the experiences of refugees. Yeonmi’s account of her journey from North Korea to China, and eventually to South Korea, is marked by numerous instances where she experiences violence, hunger, and desperation. Her traumatic experiences are indicative of the harsh realities that refugees face in their attempts to flee danger and secure a better life. As readers, we can use Yeonmi’s story to empathize with the struggles of refugees who are forced to leave their homes and families to escape persecution and violence.

Emotional and Psychological Struggles

Similarly, Yeonmi's story also highlights the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological struggles that refugees face. The trauma and abuse that refugees often face during their journey has a lasting impact on their mental health and well-being. This is evident in Yeonmi’s account where she describes her struggles with depression and suicidal urges, a common experience for refugees who are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By understanding the emotional toll that refugees face, we can empathize with their struggles and advocate for the proper support and care that they need to overcome their trauma.

Promoting Understanding and Compassion

In addition, empathy is crucial in promoting greater understanding and compassion towards refugees. Yeonmi’s story serves as a powerful reminder that refugees are not just statistics or faceless entities, but people with their own unique stories, experiences, and struggles. Through empathy, we can recognize the humanity in refugees and seek to promote greater awareness and understanding about the challenges they face. This, in turn, can help to minimize negative attitudes and stereotypes towards refugees and create a more welcoming and inclusive society that values diversity and human rights.

Supporting Refugees and Upholding Their Rights

Finally, empathy enables us to play a more active role in supporting refugees and upholding their rights. As Yeonmi’s story illustrates, escaping persecution and violence is only the beginning of the journey for many refugees. Most refugees face numerous obstacles and difficulties as they attempt to rebuild their lives and integrate into a new society, including access to education, employment, and healthcare. By empathizing with their struggles, we can support refugees in their rebuilding efforts, and contribute to a society that values compassion and humanity.

In conclusion, empathy is an essential tool in understanding refugees and the challenges they face. Yeonmi's memoir, "In Order to Live," serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and hardships that refugees face, emphasizing the need for greater empathy and compassion towards them. By being empathetic, we can promote greater understanding and support for refugees and help to build a more inclusive and compassionate society.