Dr. Matthew Kester, Brigham Young University–Hawaii’s archivist and professor of History, was the speaker at the University’s 2015 Convocation held in the David O. McKay Auditorium on August 6. His speech, entitled “History and Empathy.” He challenged the audience to be aware of how they construct the past (and to what ends) and urged them to be cognizant of historical patterns, illustrating the need for empathy in understanding.
Convocations represent an academic tradition that provides an opportunity to celebrate scholarship and learning. The tradition of convocations began on the BYU–Hawaii campus in 1989 by R. Lanier Britsch when he was Academic Vice President. Convocations have been held yearly with a variety of speakers drawn from the university faculty. Currently, the Dean’s Council organizes convocations.
Kester began his address with an introduction of his official job title as the “University Archivist,” explaining that the BYU–Hawaii archives “collect, preserve, and make available” historical records relating to the university, the Polynesian Cultural Center, the La’ie Hawaii Temple, and the history of the LDS Church in Hawaii.
“History and the past are not the same thing,” said Kester, “History is a specific way of experiencing and, one hopes, understanding the past, but it is not equal to it.” His focal message of the day explained that, “When we speak of history and empathy, we most often refer to developing a level of historical awareness which allows us to understand why people in the past acted the way they did.”
After identifying his belief in the importance of historical empathy, he proceeded to make a case for an attitude toward history that enables the development of empathy for present-day events. “Empathy can be expressed in terms of affinity, appreciation, compassion, or insight. Empathy is the antidote to feelings of disdain and indifference towards others. The ability to feel empathy for another person or people is the precursor to understanding and ultimately, to love.” He added, “Developing empathy for people long dead is actually not particularly difficult. Developing empathy for people who occupy the world with us in the present-day is quite another matter. I believe history can help.”
He suggested that the audience should reflect “critically,” on how and why the past is being used. In addition, he mentioned that there is something deeply “cathartic and human” about extending an olive branch to someone who sees the past, and thus the present, differently. He counseled, therefore, that the audience to re-evaluate the purpose for which the past is constructed, through the enlightening lens of empathy.
At his remarks, he reminded, “If we are not careful, [historical patterns] can blind as easily as they can illuminate.” Kester further encouraged “to first emphasize what we do share - our humanity. As we celebrate our history, let us strive for empathy.”
To read or watch the entire Convocation, visit http://devotional.byuh.edu/convocations.
