I think empathy might be a flawed position most of the time. We can't put ourselves in others shoes, but we can feel like we can. This means that we can act thinking we are helping, even if  our "other's shoe simulation" is flawed. I prefer compassion instead. 

The internet has given as the potential for insight into other cultures, but it has also given us tools that can be weaponized for control - such as the identity politics drive the last decade or so. We end up concentrating on the wrong things and spending resources in the wrong areas. 

BTW, how's your bachata?