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The 'Black & White' Mentality
(Picture by @waddah_photography)
After the passing of my teenage years, I began to gradually observe a mentality which was more than widespread amongst the individuals of my surrounding environment. Initially, the concept of which I developed through my observations in order to explain that specefic mentality to myself was still a blur. However, as I kept on encountering people in my society who possessed that mentality, and as I spent more time thinking about it and trying to understand its details, the matter became clearer. Later on, I named it: The black & white mentality.
What I signify by that name is that, unfortunately, there is a primitive mentality that makes individuals think in a negatively simplistic manner, whenever they are involved in a discussion of any sort. As the name may suggest, this mentality forces them to think that there are only two sides to every matter. You must be a representative to either side, if you intend on taking part in the discussion. And metaphorically; the name indicates the two sides are complete opposites of each other. If you are not 'with them', then you must be 'against them'. In my opinion, such a way of thinking deprives the mind from its complex capabilities. I find myself in the unfortunate position of knowing lots of people who think in such a manner, close people as well. So often do I find myself listening to two individuals arguing about certain matters, due to their subconscious usage of the black & white mentality. 'They' want 'you' to engage with them in their 'discussion', but 'you' want no part of it. Why? Because you recognise the fact that the very first thing and the very first piece of information of which they attempt to acquire from you; is the 'supposed' knowledge of the side you're supporting. Then, once they fail in knowing which side you're on, they would just assume if you are 'black or white', then they would proceed to shower you with 'labels'. If they assume you are on their side; they will shower you with all the positive, supporting labels. And if you are assumed to be against them; they will overwhelm you with all the negative, opposing, most likely stereotypical labels.
So, what is the point in engaging in such conversations? One should assess if there are any benefits to be gained from the engagement in discussions; if there is something to give, if there is something to be given.
When a person plans to take part in a discussion, they should never 'enter' with the mentality of having something to give and nothing to take. Instead, they should approach discussions with acceptance and/or entertainment of the possibilities of convincing, but also being convinced. Otherwise, I find no purpose in being involved in discussions.
As for those who take opinions and discussions with the basic concept of 'sides'; I urge them to seriously reconsider and reevaluate their understanding of the human mind, for if the mind is 'fed' in a proper way, then it must be complex and independent, and if it's complex and independent, then the individual who's in 'possession' of that mind will have the ability to maintain independent 'takes' on ideas and opinions, rather than picking a side to represent and having to stick with all its formerly chosen opinions. You can be objective. There doesn't necessarily have to be a correct and a wrong opinion; an opinion can contain many layers, and you can derive layers that you agree with, as well as layers you disagree with.
After this matter was explained, it may appear as common sense. However, one would be surprised by the enormous amounts of people who fail to get a grasp on this concept; and their failure, is precisely, one of the main reasons behind my absence of participation, when discussions occur in my presence.
For a long time, I was in denial that this mentality actually existed among adults, but my constant 'encounter' with reality left me no chance to keep on denying it.
After the passing of my teenage years, I began to gradually observe a mentality which was more than widespread amongst the individuals of my surrounding environment. Initially, the concept of which I developed through my observations in order to explain that specefic mentality to myself was still a blur. However, as I kept on encountering people in my society who possessed that mentality, and as I spent more time thinking about it and trying to understand its details, the matter became clearer. Later on, I named it: The black & white mentality.
What I signify by that name is that, unfortunately, there is a primitive mentality that makes individuals think in a negatively simplistic manner, whenever they are involved in a discussion of any sort. As the name may suggest, this mentality forces them to think that there are only two sides to every matter. You must be a representative to either side, if you intend on taking part in the discussion. And metaphorically; the name indicates the two sides are complete opposites of each other. If you are not 'with them', then you must be 'against them'. In my opinion, such a way of thinking deprives the mind from its complex capabilities. I find myself in the unfortunate position of knowing lots of people who think in such a manner, close people as well. So often do I find myself listening to two individuals arguing about certain matters, due to their subconscious usage of the black & white mentality. 'They' want 'you' to engage with them in their 'discussion', but 'you' want no part of it. Why? Because you recognise the fact that the very first thing and the very first piece of information of which they attempt to acquire from you; is the 'supposed' knowledge of the side you're supporting. Then, once they fail in knowing which side you're on, they would just assume if you are 'black or white', then they would proceed to shower you with 'labels'. If they assume you are on their side; they will shower you with all the positive, supporting labels. And if you are assumed to be against them; they will overwhelm you with all the negative, opposing, most likely stereotypical labels.
So, what is the point in engaging in such conversations? One should assess if there are any benefits to be gained from the engagement in discussions; if there is something to give, if there is something to be given.
When a person plans to take part in a discussion, they should never 'enter' with the mentality of having something to give and nothing to take. Instead, they should approach discussions with acceptance and/or entertainment of the possibilities of convincing, but also being convinced. Otherwise, I find no purpose in being involved in discussions.
As for those who take opinions and discussions with the basic concept of 'sides'; I urge them to seriously reconsider and reevaluate their understanding of the human mind, for if the mind is 'fed' in a proper way, then it must be complex and independent, and if it's complex and independent, then the individual who's in 'possession' of that mind will have the ability to maintain independent 'takes' on ideas and opinions, rather than picking a side to represent and having to stick with all its formerly chosen opinions. You can be objective. There doesn't necessarily have to be a correct and a wrong opinion; an opinion can contain many layers, and you can derive layers that you agree with, as well as layers you disagree with.
After this matter was explained, it may appear as common sense. However, one would be surprised by the enormous amounts of people who fail to get a grasp on this concept; and their failure, is precisely, one of the main reasons behind my absence of participation, when discussions occur in my presence.
For a long time, I was in denial that this mentality actually existed among adults, but my constant 'encounter' with reality left me no chance to keep on denying it.
