At a time when political and social debates are becoming increasingly heated, the “beauty of nuance” seems to be lost. We are living in an era of harsh contrasts: you are either part of one side or the other.

But this is exactly where Tupoka Ogette starts in conversation with Tijen Onaran. She warns “MUT Podcast” with Tijen Onaran from taking refuge in the apparent security of simple categories in the confusion of the present.

The simple grid as a tempting relief

Ogette analyzes why the urge to binary thinking – dividing things into good and bad, right and wrong – is so strong right now. In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, the simple grid seems like a tempting relief. But it is precisely this longing for clarity that paves the way for dangerous currents:

“Especially in a world that is becoming more and more complex, where people long for security, there are Pied Pipers on the move. They offer simple answers and promise that everything will go back to the way it used to be – although not everything was good in the past either.”

The effort is worth it

Against the promise of simplicity, Ogette makes a plea for the ability to endure simultaneity. This means acknowledging that two different things can be true in one context. This look at the details is tedious, but there is no alternative for human interaction:

“I am convinced that it is actually more strenuous, but it is worth making the effort: to look at nuances and to be able to maintain simultaneity. These nuances, this parallelism, that is actually what being human is all about.”

Resistance to the algorithm of simplification

According to Ogette, one reason for the increasing polarization is our digital communication. Social media and algorithms reinforce extreme positionsuntil we can hardly perceive the perspective of the other person. This makes it all the more important not to give in to the comfort of drawers. Ogette’s appeal is clear: we must become more resistant to the temptation of simplification.

“We must not lose these nuances and not give in to people who promise us that everything is easy. It can’t be easy. The world is so complex and every person is so complex.”