July 16 2012 Is There Always Another Explanation or Another Point of View?

Some believe that there is only one perfect solution or correct interpretation, but nothing is ever that simple.  For better or worse, an alternative point of view always exists. This raises the question, is there always another explanation or another point view? I think so, based on history and my own experience.  

There can be no definite answer to how many wars there have been in the world. However, we can recall a few of the important ones that have had an impact in the world, such the Austria–Ottoman Wars and the American Revolution. All of these wars were mostly fought for land or freedom. The citizens from the warring countries would definitely have a different explanation why their country had the right to win. Consider the Korean War.  It has not ended yet, but each country has its own point of view. For example, South Koreans did not understand North Korea’s former dictator Kim Jong Il. He killed many soldiers and dropped bombs on the South Korean Navy. Few consider him the greatest leader in the world. On the other hand, North Koreans still praise and respect their previous dictator, even though his son, Kim Jong Eun, has replaced him. They think the bombs and killing were to show that North Korea could as be strong as South Korea and nothing would stop them from being brave. History contains innumerable similar conflicts based on pride, insecurity, and distorted perceptions.

Another example comes from my friends. My classmates sometimes call me “Therapist Jang” because most of my friends tell me their problems. They usually tell me about their fights and I always find another explanation for every situation. For example, one friend told me that her pencil had been stolen by an acquaintance, who in turn told me that the pencil had been hers in the first place. In another case, someone told me that her best friend had ignored her in the morning and had shouted at her that whole day. On the other hand, when I asked that friend why she was ignoring someone close to her, she denied it and said she was having a bad day and thought her friend would understand.

In conclusion, there is always another explanation or point of view to everything. However, those different explanations may sometimes be caused by misunderstanding.