"Another form of ridicule we should avoid is mocking people when they show genuine emotion. 

The finer feelings—love, awe, pity, or poetic inspiration—are delicate and easily discouraged. They flourish best in private or among sympathetic people, and quickly withdraw when observed with indifference or contempt.

Picture an open-hearted young person watching a powerful tragedy. If everyone around is moved, the tears flow freely. But if one person shoots them a look of sneering indifference, the emotion dies instantly. They blush for having felt deeply and shut down. 

Ridicule is a dangerous weapon. Even a mild sneer can instantly kill anything noble or tender. Those who habitually mock others cut themselves off from the highest pleasures of both art and morality. 

This is especially damaging to young people. It stifles their natural openness and generosity, replaces it with unhealthy self-consciousness, and robs them of the ability to fully enjoy heroic ideals or generous actions." Anna Lititia Barbauld.