One-Sided: When It's Okay (And Not Okay) to Play Favorites

19 May 2024

Remember that friend who swore they were impartial in your epic fight with your nemesis in seventh grade? Turns out, they were secretly passing notes about you in the bathroom (we've all been there). We crave fairness, a level playing field, a world where everyone gets a participation trophy (even if they tripped on their shoelaces and ended up face-first in the snack table). But here's the thing: life, much like your middle school cafeteria, rarely operates on principles of absolute neutrality. Sometimes, we find ourselves leaning, tilting, even full-on tumbling towards "ek taraf" – a side, a bias, a preference that colors our perceptions and decisions.

Now, before you start picturing Lady Justice with one eye squinting suspiciously, it's worth noting that "ek taraf" doesn't automatically equal villain status. Think about it: you have a favorite pair of shoes, right? You binge-watch that one show everyone else finds questionable. We all harbor preferences, leanings that make us human. The real question is, when does "ek taraf" cross the line from harmless inclination to problematic prejudice? When does favoring one side morph into blatant unfairness?

We encounter "ek taraf" in countless scenarios: that friend who always defends their significant other, no matter how outrageous their behavior. The family member who insists their child is a prodigy, even as they're drawing on the walls with permanent marker. Sometimes, it's subtle, a whisper of favoritism we barely register. Other times, it's a roaring bias that leaves us feeling unseen, unheard, and frankly, a little cheated by the universe.

Navigating the complexities of "ek taraf" requires a delicate balance. On one hand, acknowledging our own biases, examining why we gravitate towards certain perspectives, allows for self-awareness and growth. It’s about recognizing that maybe, just maybe, our best friend's new flame actually is a little bit sus (sorry, not sorry). On the other hand, it's about calling out "ek taraf" when it creates an imbalance of power, when it silences voices and perpetuates injustice. It’s about being that friend who gently, but firmly, tells it like it is, even if it ruffles a few feathers (or ignites a full-blown feather fight).

So, how do we navigate this nuanced landscape of favoritism and fairness? How do we embrace our own preferences without succumbing to blind bias? How do we ensure we're not the friend passing judgment notes in the bathroom of life? The answer, as with most things, lies in finding that sweet spot: embracing the quirks of individuality while advocating for a world where everyone has a fair shot at getting their slice of the cosmic pizza, even if they forgot to RSVP to the soul-searching retreat you organized last weekend (it happens to the best of us).

This isn't about achieving impossible neutrality or pretending we don't have a favorite Spice Girl (it's Mel C, obviously). It's about recognizing that "ek taraf," while a natural human tendency, shouldn't come at the cost of empathy, understanding, and a willingness to occasionally swap sides on the metaphorical see-saw of life. Because maybe, just maybe, the view is a little more insightful from a different angle.