From One Extreme to Another: The Courage of Those in the Middle

I am neither right-wing nor left-wing. As humanity progresses through ideas that challenge boundaries, I choose to create my own moral compass, thoughts, and stance. When evaluating a presidential candidate, an idea, or a movement, I do not focus on identities, labels, or the allure of societal trends. Instead, I consider the reality of their promises and their impact on society. This choice means “standing in the middle” in a world where polarization has become the norm. However, it also means living a life open to criticism from both sides. Standing in the middle is a symbol of both compromise and solitude.

The Challenge of Charting One’s Own Path

Today’s political climate divides people into two poles: right and left. Amidst the ideological shouting matches, those seeking true meaning are punished with silence.

As someone who chooses to stand in the middle, I often face a harsh reality: forging your own path means embracing both freedom and challenge. It requires letting go of the comfort of blind beliefs. It means developing your own thoughts while respecting others, even in disagreement. Yet, this stance often opens the door to criticism from both sides, as everyone wants to pull you to their side.

The Possibility and Barriers of Dialogue

When I express a viewpoint, I frequently encounter reactions, particularly from left-leaning circles, such as: “What is the basis of your stance? Why don’t you pick a side?”

But ideas are not a game; they are a practice of existence. Throughout history, societies unable to establish dialogue have fractured, and a lack of communication has fueled the greatest conflicts. However, in today’s climate, identities are questioned instead of ideas. It often feels as though every word is a trap, every dialogue a competition.

I want to engage in dialogue, yet too often, it turns into a monologue. While everyone is eager to make their voice heard, listening to the other side is seen not as a virtue, but as a weakness.

On Animal Videos and Humanity

Sharing animal videos, for me, is not just entertainment but a connection. It reminds me of the bond between humanity and nature. Yet, this sometimes draws belittling reactions like:

“Just stick to sharing animal videos.”

Such responses reflect an approach that values individuals only for their ideas. However, humanity is defined not just by ideological stances but also by compassion and love. Love for animals serves as a reminder that we are not merely speaking beings but also feeling and connecting beings.

The Truth Behind Criticism

Journalism has taught me the complexity and simplicity of human thought. Ideas are the mirror of society. They are valuable not just because they resonate but because they inspire people to question. Being criticized or attacked is not merely a personal matter but a demonstration of societal resistance.

Sometimes, these criticisms stem not from simple discomfort but from deeper fears. When people are forced to question their existing beliefs, they often become aggressive because questioning brings change and uncertainty.

The Power of Calmness: Understanding and Explaining

I choose to remain calm in the face of attacks because I know that the volume of one’s voice does not win an argument; the depth of meaning does. If a wrong leader is elected one day, a better one can be chosen the next. However, if the voice of understanding is drowned out amidst the shouting, society is doomed to polarization.

Humanity Beyond Ideologies

Today, it is not just “those in the middle” who are under attack but also the common ground of humanity, the culture of understanding, and dialogue. Defending an ideology should be more than adopting an identity. Our identities should accompany our thoughts, not define them.

Those in the Middle: The Cement of Society

Choosing to stay in the middle may seem like solitude, but it can actually be the foundation of compromise. Bridges are built between two ends. The great leaps in human history are not the legacy of those who shout but of those who think. Even small gestures like sharing animal videos are a way to remind us of this legacy. Humanity thrives not only on ideas but also on love, compassion, and the bond with nature.

Let us remember: humanity grows as long as it can find unity in diversity. And those in the middle are precisely the ones who remind us of this unity.

Victoria Toumit

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