Balanced view.
Often we coin that term up quickly in situations where an urge to draw a middle-ground between two extremes of opinions (usually strong ones) arises. In many cases the balanced view stand is a commendable one- it makes the most convenient conclusion when there is a dead-lock in opinions, it solves two arguments in a negotiated agreement, it makes moderation the answer and generally satisfies the mass.
In fact, it is so heavily used; it is my contention that the BV (balanced-view) has in itself, become an irony of its own. If ‘balance’ is the point between two extremes, and drawing the balanced view has become a norm (the most common way of making decisions) in itself, where then is the balance in making decisions, or as we say, looking for the ‘right balance’? For if everything is settled by drawing a balance, ‘everything’ is obviously going to be imbalanced.
I don’t think the balanced view works all the time. Here are my reasons why:
1) It is often used as a convenient way to settle an issue; and convenience, by nature eases difficulty but may not always be the best solution. Sure, if two children fight over the ownership of a ball, you could make them play together and save the day with both parties playing happily, but the core issue of the children fighting is not directly addressed and the question of who rightfully owns the ball is not answered.
.
2) Balance is relative. One man’s balanced diet may be another man’s sinful indulgence. So is ‘balance’ really the balance? Is a balanced view truly the solution or is it merely a compromise, and in actuality, a third view by its own? Who is to say the ‘balance’ is truly a balance, and even if one piously makes a calculated middle-point, would measuring a situation rigidly is the best solution?
.
3) We are losing the ability to make decisions, to discern between right and wrong. Truth is more confusing than lies now: is good good, or is good something that is acceptable to be good, or is good even necessary, since every man has his own opinion about good? In the same way a Multiple-Choice Question answer sheet has no 'in between' answers, there are instances when finding the 'balance' is not possible. In some cases, the answer will always be A.. or B...or C, but never A-B or B-C. Sometimes finding a balance could be a form of escapism. Sometimes making a 'balance' could dilute the truth for something more 'acceptable'.
.
4) A balanced view, is a view. Views are subjective, unless based on solid references. But which reference is sound, then? This is where one's personal beliefs come in; one who stands strong on principles knows where to draw the line between an instance to make a 'balance', or not. The truth is while balance can be found in some instances (and probably be the wisest solution), there is never a balance between 'good' and 'evil'. And you can't find a balanced view for that.
So which are you?
On the fence, or just escaping? Politically-correct, or just afraid to make a stand? Wise or just cowardly? Balanced, or just compromising?
