What's the Matter with the Middle?
Wherein Our
Heroine Wonders Why.
Occasionally, I read something which
castigates those of us who have not chosen a religion or a political party as
somehow morally deficient. In their view, not making an either-or choice in
this matter indicates a weakness of will, a failure to make a decision and stick
by it.
To those people, I say,
"Nonsense." Sort
of.
Centrism/agnosticism is
not necessarily a failure of spirit, intellect or will. It is a failure to find
what is needed in any of the available options, and a failure to settle for
something that's "close enough." Society often demands labels of us - pro or
con? high or low? Lennon or McCartney? smooth or crunchy? And in most
instances, I can truthfully respond "Both." (Except for smooth or crunchy -
that one gets "Neither." It is a further demonstration of what an un-American
philistine I am that I don't like peanuts).
It is not necessarily
weak-minded vacillation to see both sides, to appreciate more than one angle.
Nor is it "strength" to pick a side simply because the major options are A or B.
Human beings are celebrated for their individuality: why is it necessary to cram
your belief system or world view into a channel that leaves you with the
uncomfortable feeling that you are tacitly endorsing things you do not agree
with?
Posted: Tuesday - March 30, 2004 at 08:34 AM
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