Moderation in a World of Polarization

A commentary on society’s urge to go all in, when people should likely fall somewhere in the middle

Recently, especially when it comes to social media, society seems to have adapted the idea that you’re either in support of something or completely against it. That kind of thinking often leads to a mob mentality and individuals who feel their own thoughts diminishing out of a need to belong. Democrat or Republican are grand examples. While even the derision of Far left versus moderate Democrat can be pigeonholing. Well, I’m here to tell you that it is absolutely ok to think or feel however you do. In fact, I find it important to nail down exactly how you feel, even if you have doubts on a particular subject.  You can still support a group, topic, or ideal while having doubts about them. But it isn’t healthy to deny those doubts simply because they aren’t popular.

Everything in life needs a little moderation. It is in the center ground of any given topic that we begin to understand the differences of the other side, and sometimes, it is here where we find the bridge that helps us achieve our ultimate goals. Extremes are often pressed as they are the easiest and fastest way to get to the point, but they don’t always come with the best solutions, especially if another equal but opposite party or morality is in play.

More importantly, you shouldn’t allow yourself to be scared of saying, “I fall somewhere in the middle.” The more voices that begin to support non extremist values, the less the pendulum will sway through societal trends. It’s the “us versus them” attitude that causes emotions to rise so high, when shades of grey would make for a much more intricate and understanding conversation.

Moderation has an easier impact to quantify on your body, but it is no less important to have in your daily life. See if you can begin implementing it into your thoughts as you go through life. I think you’ll feel more like you and less like a voice lost in a crowd.