The Absent Uncle: Dichotomy

Dichotomy. Easily one of my favorite words in the English language. The spelling of it and the meaning: a division into two parts, groups, or classes especially when these are sharply distinguished or sharply opposed. 

I’ve a tendency to look at and appreciate dichotomies. So many issues, so many questions have sharply different answers, but yet as a person, I can see both sides.

As a youngster I remember my mom encouraging me to listen to both sides of a debate – listen and think for myself. The earliest of these memories was in 1964 during the Presidential election between Lyndon Johnson and Barry Goldwater.   

Now given, I was 13 at the time. I listened to one speech, then another. I was swayed each time bowing to the “wisdom” of each of the candidates and believing what I was hearing – regardless of the dichotomy of the speech as delivered. I was 13. My mom was relentless and straight forward: listen to both sides. I really don’t remember who I thought was right in the end. 

In time, I have realized that listening to both sides is important, but verifying what is said is how you make your mind up. After all – how can both sides be right? (And more importantly – be wrong!) 

We, as Americans, are a very unique society. We are chock full of dichotomies. But those dichotomies are what make us special and will continue to make us strong and special – so long as we accept those differences. Those differences help us to see different ways of looking at things; help us to find solutions to problems that may not be evident when viewed through a one-sided tunnel vision.

It is not “my way or the highway”; dichotomies are valuable – they promote discussion, debate, and solutions. You may not agree or even see the potential for agreement in the initial statement but hang in there. Dichotomies – they are more than just an interesting word and spelling. They are a way to understanding and moving forward.