Food Allergies and "The Empathy Gap"

I was listening to my local NPR station today, WBEZ in Chicago and heard a very interesting discussion about empathy and public policy.

While the author of a book called "The Empathy Gap" did not mention food allergies, his arguments could be applied to the peanuts on airplanes debate as well as to the idea of banning food/peanuts in the classroom.

On this blog, we've often discussed how empathy plays a role in how food allergies are perceived and the public policy that surrounds the issue. I've also said (along with some of you) that peanut bans in any venue are hard to come by because Americans value rugged individualism and the notion of "freedom" above all else.

Today's radio discussion covered these exact issues very eloquently: I hope you'll listen if you have time.

Also, if you live in Chicago, WBEZ is currently having their fundraiser. If you can, send them some $$ by clicking here.