avatarLynda Coker

Summary

The article discusses the courage required to maintain a neutral stance on contentious issues, despite pressure to conform and the challenges of facing opposition from both sides.

Abstract

The author of the article emphasizes that choosing to remain neutral in the face of polarized opinions is an act of bravery. This stance is often met with harassment and criticism, as it defies the societal pressure to conform to one of the two prevailing viewpoints. The article argues that neutrality stems from personal convictions and requires the fortitude to face resistance from both opposing sides. It also suggests that understanding the motivations behind differing opinions can help maintain a balanced perspective and a non-judgmental attitude, which is essential for personal integrity and peace.

Opinions

  • Neutrality on issues is rooted in personal convictions, faith, beliefs, and experiences, much like the convictions of those who take more polarized positions.
  • Maintaining a neutral stance is portrayed as requiring more courage than choosing a side, as it invites criticism from both opposing viewpoints.
  • The article posits that conformity is a powerful social force that makes being different or separate a difficult path, yet it is not as valuable as staying true to one's principles.
  • The author values self-respect and peace, believing that respecting others' rights to disagree is key to maintaining both.
  • The article encourages readers to understand the motivations of those with differing opinions to foster a non-judgmental attitude and balanced perspective.
  • The author cites a quote by Albert Einstein to underscore the idea that those who walk alone, i.e., maintain their individuality and neutrality, may find unique paths and insights.

There Are Two Sides to Every Issue —But the third one takes the most courage

Why choosing a neutral stance takes courage

Image by John Hain from Pixabay

“To be nobody but yourself in a world doing its best to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle any human can ever fight and never stop fighting.” — E. E. Cummings

Have you ever been harassed because you refused to take sides on an issue that other people were passionate about? Have you been called cowardly, weak, or just plain stupid for sticking to your principles? I have — and it’s not a pleasant situation.

In actuality, all three sides share some of the same characteristics. Their views stem from their personal convictions, faith, beliefs, and experiences. And all three sides want their views to be respected.

It’s the third option, however, that requires the most courage to maintain. Why? If I were in either of the first two groups, for or against a certain issue, I would be facing only one opposing side. But, when I choose to take the neutral stance on the same issue, I’m now facing both opposing sides — double the trouble.

Conformity is a strong pressure

Being separate or different when others are adamant in their choices is to take the path with the most resistance. I, like everyone else, like to blend and mix well with those around me whenever possible. Who doesn’t want to be liked and accepted as part of a community?

But if being accepted means ditching my principles and faking a response just to please others, it’s not worth the price.

Understanding motivation can help you stay balanced

When making my decision to stay neutral on an issue, I also try to understand the motivation moving the actions of those who are divided over the issue. This helps me keep a balanced perspective and a non-judgmental attitude toward them. Respecting the right of others to disagree is crucial to maintaining peace and, in my opinion, self-respect.

Takeaway

“The person who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever seen before.” — Albert Einstein

Life Lessons
Self Improvement
Self-awareness
Motivation
Character
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarLyrical Lioness, OCT, M.S.Ed., BMus.
Sex, Women and Emotional Safety

The Truth Many Men Don’t Want to Hear

17 min read
avatarHarvey Richards
The Secret Weapon of Respected People

It’s Not What You Think (But It’s Powerful)

4 min read
avatarDr. Fatima Imam
Interpretation

Is it possible to translate a dream

2 min read
avatarThomas Oppong
The Disturbing Life Theory Carl Jung Wanted Everyone to Understand

Pearls of wisdom from one of the most influential psychologists

5 min read
avatarnasyassss
The art of letting people be

In this world that moves with time, I often encounter a delicate thing called “belonging”. Things that are not quite easy to accept when it…

2 min read
avatarsmoul
What Actually Matters in Your 20s

Maybe, you’re living it all wrong

6 min read