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Either/Or/Both
Why do so many people force an either/or situation?
Is it just me, or do we seem to be polarizing society more and more? It feels like everywhere you turn, the only choice is either/or.
This can get pretty extreme. For example, following the tragic fire at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, people are contributing money to help repair it. Yet a lot of people are pointing out, well, that’s great, but what about fixing the tainted water in Flint, Michigan, repairing the firebombed churches of Louisiana, aid hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico, and fix other more local issues?
This is an example of the either/or mentality on a grand scale. It’s also being increasingly seen on a more personal level. For example, say a friend posts about an issue on Facebook. You innocently offer a suggestion or commentary with no intent but to commiserate and let them know you are there. Yet now that friend, or another friend or acquaintance, calls you out for insensitivity or failing to recognize privilege or what-have-you.
This can be really depressing and frustrating. No matter how good your intent, the chances of causing offense or otherwise upsetting someone are really high. How do you recognize what you can and cannot offer up without somebody getting distraught over it?
