In today’s traditional thought scheme, you are either one thing or its opposite. It seems like more often than not, there is only black or white, no gray area. There is no in-between space for opinions, thoughts or actions to stand. 

The dangers of relying solely on a binary system of thinking serves the benefit of those with the most to lose because this system makes us believe that there is no third option. This system makes us believe that we must choose from the lesser of two evils. This system makes us believe that people are simple creatures who are not capable of complex and, at times, opposing ideologies.

This system solves single problems while systemic discrepancies thrive. 

And yet, our society encourages this type of thinking. To make a significant dent in the governmental makeup, you must cast your vote for a Republican or Democrat. If you don’t want to work at a fast-food restaurant, you must get a college degree. If you are a female and want to be taken seriously, you must ditch the summer dresses. 

In the recent cases of black men slaughtered by white cops, the pressing opinions are either that the cops were flagrant racists or that they acted in the most appropriate manner given the situation. We saw and continue seeing polarizing headlines from major news sources such as Fox News and MSNBC clinging to one theory or the other. 

These two theories arise from the rest because they are the easiest explanations for what has occurred in each situation, but simply because they are the easiest to sell doesn’t make these two theories the most valuable of the bunch. 

Thinking critically, it makes little sense to believe each cop was a flagrant racist, but it makes even less sense to believe each cop was acting in the appropriate manner and just coincidentally happened to be white while their victims were black and unarmed.

It makes much more sense to conclude that systemic racism is not overt, is not that of the days of the KKK and is not discussed in the manner it should. It makes more sense to recognize that ignorance can breed a type of racism that can corrupt even the kindest people we know. 

And though this makes sense, it is more difficult to swallow because it asks us to consider factors we would rather not deal with—like the fact that racism is still a prevalent issue even 145 years after black men were granted the right to vote. 

And because this may start to sound like a binary argument in itself, we must also acknowledge there are times where there are truly only two options. There are times that not standing with us means standing against us. Before we go about setting up boundaries, however, it is always best to attempt to unearth underlying themes that could make our judgment murky. 

Turns out you can make a difference without identifying as an independent voter, you can be successful without a college degree and you can be a girly feminist who takes care of business while wearing heels. 

Confining opinions, thoughts and actions to one of two options leaves no room for critical thinking and alienates us from those who are more similar to us than they are different.