Hi, Amy - thanks for your thoughtful and enjoyable comments:)

I loved your real-world examples of how we objectify others in our daily doings, even as I was wincing slightly because I recognized myself and could even visualize the grocery store aisle where it happened.

The word that popped into my mind as I continued to read your thoughts was "empathy".  It's much easier to feel sympathy for another, because you are keeping yourself at a distance.

Empathy requires that you really try to internalize how that other person experiences the world.   Recognizing that other people have goals, desires, and dreams too is a good first step.

Appreciate your engaging contribution:)

John