Eric Silver
writer
Ever since we started school, we’ve been taught that sitting on the fence is bad. Very bad. But why is that? Realistically, we can never be completely sure of anything, so what’s wrong with hanging out in the middle instead of being a fundamentalist for one side or the other?
Consider the typically taboo conversation topics of religion and politics. Because of this mindset of anti-fence-sitting, people reject any idea, opinion or belief that doesn’t mirror their own and that’s why these subjects are taboo. I have a problem with this.
If people don’t talk about these things, how can they learn anything? Many people who believe in a religion do so because they were raised that way and encouraged to believe by their parents. I’m not belittling anyone. Spirituality is an important part of life. But religion can be dangerous when followed blindly or too strictly.
Philosopher Emilè Chartier said, “Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it is the only one you have.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. When you have only one belief, one idea of what is right and wrong, how do you expand your knowledge?
I’ve never understood how someone could stand up and say, “There is no God,” with a straight face. The same goes for a Christian, Muslim, Jew or follower of any religion when they say, “My religion is right and your’s isn’t.”
My answer is always the same: “How do you know?” And almost all of the time the answer is “I just do.” This is what comes from being told we always have to choose a side. I’m a proud fence-sitter so I can confidently say, “I don’t know,” when it comes to religion. No one knows, but few people seem able to admit it.
A similar phenomenon can be seen when dealing with politics. Many people believe that you choose democracy or communism — the left or the right — which is essentially right or wrong. To me, these slanted opinions are more forgivable because we’re really only presented with two choices. Although it’s more forgivable, it’s incredibly damaging to society.
When people (although rarely) talk about their political affiliation, they’re usually very adamant about being either liberal or conservative. But ask them what their party’s position is on any given topic and they’ll look at you with a blank stare.
I understand the value of loyalty and tradition, but a vote of ignorance is a vote against democracy.Fence-sitting was originally frowned upon because it allowed people to take an easy way out and not choose a side.
This was obviously an ineffective approach. But it doesn’t excuse the way people view politics, religion and by relation, life in general.
As Friedrich Nietzsche said, “Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies.”
I can’t agree more. When someone is dead-set in their convictions, they often ignore truth, and this ignorance spreads like herpes (dirty, unsightly and often when you least expect it).
Do the world a favour: don’t spread herpes.
Intercamp 