What Things in Life Are Black and White?

The concept of 'black and white' exists in various aspects of life, often reflecting both literal and metaphorical interpretations. This article explores these different dimensions and illustrates how clear distinctions coexist with underlying complexities.

Literal Black and White

Animals: Certain animals are naturally black and white, such as:

Penguins: Known for their distinct black and white plumage, penguins are emblematic of stark duality in nature. Zebras: Stripped with alternating black and white stripes, zebras exemplify the literal nature of black and white. Pandas: Adored for their black-and-white fur, pandas represent stark contrasts in animal coloration.

Art: Art forms also frequently incorporate black and white:

Photography: Old photographs and black and white film photography capture a timeless essence, allowing viewers to appreciate a simpler, more straightforward aesthetic. Sketches and Drawings: These mediums often rely heavily on the interplay of black and white, emphasizing form and contrast. Classic Films: Monochromatic films like The Maltese Falcon or Schindler's List feature visual storytelling that is both striking and unambiguous.

Clothing: Certain clothing items and patterns adhere to the black and white aesthetic:

Formal Wear: Tuxedos, for example, are predominantly black and white, emphasizing elegance and sharp contrasts. Striped Patterns: Clothing with stripes, such as polka dots and stripes, create clear visual boundaries and distinctions.

Metaphorical Black and White

Morality: Morality is often viewed in absolute terms, where concepts of right and wrong are seen as clear-cut:

Right and Wrong: While many believe that morality can be more nuanced, there are still instances where the distinction is stark, such as breaking laws or engaging in unethical behaviors.

Decisions: Certain choices are seen as clear-cut with no gray areas:

Legal Judgments: Legal decisions often involve black-and-white outcomes, where the law is clear, and consequences are specific. Ethical Dilemmas: Some ethical dilemmas may also be seen as clear-cut, with no room for ambiguity.

Opinions: People often have strong, polarized views on certain issues:

Polarized Views: Issues like climate change, abortion, and gun control frequently generate strong, opposing viewpoints where one side sees it as black and white.

Rules and Laws: Many laws are designed to be clear-cut, with specific consequences for violations:

Clear Laws: Traffic laws, for example, provide clear guidelines and sanctions, making the distinction between right and wrong unambiguous.

The Black and White Nature of Life

Birth and Death: At the most fundamental level, life itself can be seen as black and white:

Alive or Dead: If you can breathe and think for yourself, you are considered alive. If you cannot, you are considered dead. This dichotomy leaves little room for ambiguity.

Gender: Human gender is black and white, with the reality grounded in biological facts:

Gender Determination: Human beings are either male, female, or hermaphrodite, with chromosomes that remain constant. Some may choose to identify differently, but the biological reality is unchanging and clear.

Science and Truth: The pursuit of truth is also a realm where black and white exist:

Truth as Absolute: Truth is a living entity that cannot be altered by personal beliefs or perspectives. Whatever is true is true, regardless of how many people believe otherwise.

In conclusion, the concept of 'black and white' in life is pervasive, appearing in both literal and metaphorical forms. While the complexities of life often challenge these distinctions, they serve as a unifying thread that binds us together.