Any emotion can be weaponized, including empathy. But the most common emotion to be weaponized is fear. Fear of the other, fear of “they”, fear of the unknown, fear of change, etc, etc.
Discussion
I have to agree with Teal Swan: Humanity is in the dark ages when it comes to feelings and emotions. We see them as weakness, something to be controlled and suppressed. Or we let ourselves get overwhelmed. Balanced understanding, interpretation and working with feelings is a rare skill.
I got mixed feelings about Teal, but I agree with her here.