“Black and white” refers to clear answers or thinking in absolutes. Children often think this way, while mature thinking recognizes gray areas where context matters. Recognizing the gray area is important for making good decisions and understanding different perspectives.
When something is “black on white,” it means that the answer is very clear, that there is a simple right answer and a simple wrong answer, or that an individual is thinking in terms of absolutes. Thinking in terms of black and white can be helpful in some situations, but in general, recognizing the many possible “grey” or in-between areas in life, for example where a certain action might be right or wrong depending on the context, indicates one way to think more mature.
To say something is black and white is not referring to literal colors. Instead, it is a metaphor that represents two different extremes, or two opposites. Children often think in these extreme terms because they haven’t yet developed the nuanced cognitive skills needed to see both sides of an issue. Children might get angry if they have to share a toy, for example; they see the toy as belonging to them and have difficulty understanding the benefits of sharing their stuff with others.
Also, stating that something is black and white could indicate that the meaning or response is clear. In some situations, a clear right or wrong may be clear; in this case the situation is said to be black and white, which implies that the solution is obvious. It does not require further discussion and discussion to arrive at the correct answer. Of course, what is a clear solution for some people may not be the same for others, which is why it’s rare for situations to be truly abundantly clear without any gray area in between.
Describing the middle ground of a situation or question as a “gray area” takes the metaphor even further. It refers to an area where things get darker or less clear and where further questions arise. Depending on a person’s perspective, a decision, response, or point of view could be right or wrong, and it’s important to recognize that throughout life. People who are good with other people and act more mature in most situations are often better at recognizing the gray area and finding the middle ground in arguments. This makes it possible to see both sides of the story before making a decision.
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