Black and White... and everything in between.

I sit before the computer screen with the task of discussing how to efficiently mesh differences. But, how does one go about doing that??? Is it even possible? I'm gonna jump out on a limb here on this one and say: No.

But, do we really want that? Is everyone OK with complete understanding? As a writer, if I write a story with no conflict, no one would read it. Similarly, humanity as a narrative requires these differences to create emotions, to create PLOT within us. According to Powell's definition of modernism, humanity is always heading towards progress. We are presented with the image of prominent figures of that time climbing a mountain heading for... progress? If we a truly living in a postmodern time (as I'm sure our reading will suggest we are heading), there is a serious question that we, as a whole, must face:

What is at the top of the mountain? What will be our image of completion, where there is no room for progress? Where will we be then?

The word I suppose the term I must use to describe this state of perfect and finished progression would be Utopia. However, in my opinion, a Utopia is not a conceivable. As is seen in the a majority of postmodern literature, attempts only result in a Disutopia. The idea of a Utopia suggests a viewpoint that is universal, or an idea that everyone can live with. And, like it or not, universal tolerance is a viewpoint. As long as there is one person opposing it, there will always be someone unhappy. I don't think we can ever reach that point. And yet, our society is more and more finding itself to distorting people's beliefs. The saying that echos throughout our socieites is: Well, it's true for them. That may be true, but we have to again fall back on the principle of reality, of truth. Namely, the definition of truth, is fact.

Not all issues are black and white. They can't be. However, too much grey is nothing but a wishy-washy excuse to take a stand. Sometimes, you just have to fight for what you believe. However, don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean to demean others or not accept them. But you CAN disagree with them. And that's the beauty of humanity. However, right now, it seems that instead of accepting that their are HUGE differences in the world, we seem to be trying to alter one idea so that it fits everyone in. So no one feels "left out." I'm sorry, but everyone is going to be "left out" at some point. Take, on the testy subject of religion, Christianity and Judaism. Very similar, but the belief in Jesus' identity is the radical difference that separates them. Assuming, for arguments sake if you do not believe this way, that their principles of Heaven and Hell etc. are correct. In the end, they can't both be right. By their PERCEPTION, each belief is true for them. But, when they die and come face to face with God, Jesus cannot be both God AND not God at the same time. In this example, you can see the position of black and white come in. Something that will eventually be concretley proven (such as the existence of an afterlife or not) will eventually boil down to right or wrong. Opinion subjects, (such as whether or not abortion is acceptable) will never have a definitive answer given. There, there can be grey.

However, it seems that the world today is trying to eliminate the idea of black and white. People can be wrong, it's OK to think that they are wrong. (Although it is certainly not ok to ridicule someone you think is wrong, or alienate them). Think of it this way: If you knew a secret that was absolutely true, even if people had a hard time believing it, wouldn't you want them to know? With such heated topics as were discussed in our socriatic circle, I find that people don't properly "look at things from the other's viewpoint." We accept others opinions, we accept that they're there, but we don't always want (myself included) to hear the other side. It's there, we acknowledge it, but do we have to invite it to the party? I believe many people who talk so forcefullly about issues aren't nessecarily trying to force it down others throats, even though the other side can often feel that way. But, in a way, they believe this to be absolutely true. Perhaps they're worried about you because you don't know "The Truth" (whatever that may be). However, it is important to realize that this is a way that they care about you. Going back on the subject of religion, most believe that there is some sort of Heaven, Nirvana, or happiness that you can reach in the end (perhaps with the risk of a Hell, or nonexistence as punishment).

I think it speaks volumes that people are willing to risk their friendships with you, or your opinions of them, in an effort to share with you what they believe to be a lifechanging truth. On the minority issue, someone may want their ethnicity's story told, could feel things we would never think of. And we may say they are being overbearing, but they are taking a risk out of care. Trying to show others the truth. Caring for them. By realizing this, I think differences can be approached more harmoniously. And in that way, while we still may feel anger or embarrassment towards another, we can later realized that we were concerned for, prayed for. Cared for.

Andrea.