problems of perspective

I've got a problem, and it's persistent and wide ranging. In short, I don't believe in a linear, polar, binary opposition sort of world. I think I experience this a lot in relation to gender, but gender isn't the root of the problem (though it might be the place where I experience the most conflict). Politically, it maddens me, as I'm generally progressive and liberal (some might say "radical"), but I don't buy the package, and tend to be some flavors of conservative in relation to economics; I'm no Democrat, but I'm no Republican, either. (I suspect that at the root of my deep, detailed fantasies of living under a parliamentary form of government is that they require more than two parties.) I don't think "for or against" constructions do anyone any favors. I don't believe things can be broken down into either "good" or "evil" (fuck you, Zarathustra), that "light" and "darkness", day and night are at odds, that it's a question of black or white, rich or poor, selfish or selfless, strong or weak.

The point at which I usually get very, very frustrated is when I can't seem to see anything other than either/or, when I know there are other options. It feels like a personal failing on my part, my fault that I can't see past the dualistic perspective that is perpetually reinforced on a daily basis, that is the culmination of thousands of years of cultural effort (yes, I do use personal arrogance as the muscle behind my self flagellation). I hate the linear model, and that seems to be a disconnect between me and most people; polar opposition seems to be the default metaphor and/or frame, and I hate it.

More, not less.

(no subject)

Damn, but I escalate quickly when someone suggests my team isn't carrying their weight, particularly when the accuser is wrong.