[amendegree]

You like many are confusing pity with empathy. You don’t need to feel bad for them you need to understand them.

Just based on the stuff you say here it’s pretty clear you very closely align yourself with “progressive values”. Many studies show that those who hold progressive beliefs, struggle to even accurately articulate the values and beliefs of those they believe they appose. Much less actually understand them.

You very clearly exhibit this behavior as well.

If you can’t understand the person who’s talking opposite you there is no way to come to an understanding, if you refuse to attempt to understand them, you can’t blame them for the state of animosity.