The concept of neutrality arouses controversy in various humanitarian and social fields, because it expresses a position in which a person refrains from taking sides in a conflict or controversy, which gives it a character sometimes perceived as a symbol of balance and objectivity. But this position is not immune to criticism, as the perception varies between a virtue that reflects wisdom and deliberation and an evasion of moral responsibility. While in some cases neutrality is seen as necessary to achieve justice and equity, in other cases it can be seen as a form of silence that helps consolidate injustice.
The researcher and thinker Mahmoud Haider says – in his article on the philosophy of neutrality – that neutrality is an occasional presence, and that prejudices are its origin, and that the image of neutrality indicates that it is located halfway between two spaces, so neutrality is often lack of trust from people at the beginning and end, so how can a party that has chosen neutrality win With the trust of those who do and who have the capacity to change the facts, and neutrality, according to Haider, is a phenomenon that distances its inhabitants from a conflict in which they imagine having taken a safe space. Its repercussions.
Is neutrality a crime?
The concept of neutrality that prevails today in attempts to reform human relations refers to a position that avoids any commitment, because it is sometimes used as a means of protecting oneself from taking a clear position in favor of the truth, which can make it a tool. for silence in the face of injustice. Marwa Abdel Aziz (32) told Al Jazeera Net that her married life ended because some members of her husband’s family asserted their neutrality, avoiding taking a clear stand to defend her. She added: “They listened without interfering, adhering to a seemingly neutral position, but if someone had told the truth at the right time, we could have avoided this unfortunate ending for me and my child.”
The complexity of human relations has made the concept of neutrality ambiguous and widely interpreted, so much so that it is difficult to determine when neutrality turns into a crime, or when to take a clear position in favor of one side becomes an inevitability. need. It can also sometimes be difficult to know when silence is the best option to avoid making the situation worse.
For his part, Dr. Ali Abdel Radi, consultant psychiatrist at Al-Azhar University, said in his interview with Al Jazeera Net that human relations in the Arab world – in all their forms – lack understanding of neutrality in as a real concept. Neutrality does not mean avoiding situations or denying the existence of differences, but rather the ability to manage crises wisely, without taking sides or contributing to the escalation of disputes between parties.”
Is it possible to remain neutral?
Dr. Abdel Rady confirms that the lack of neutrality in marital relations is one of the main reasons that push couples to seek psychological counseling. He explained that many couples believe that a psychotherapist or marriage counselor cannot be neutral and will tend to side with one party over the other. This perception encourages some to adopt defensive behaviors, such as claiming victimization or even questioning the feasibility of the treatment itself.
He emphasizes that the therapist’s professional experience allows him to detect the defensive attempts that both parties use to obtain his support. He emphasizes that neutrality is the main factor that makes marriage counseling sessions effective and able to deal with crises without escalation.
He adds that marriage counseling provided in clinics today used to take place within families or among close friends. However, the lack of confidence in their impartiality has pushed couples to turn to specialists. Abdel Radi explains that this trend reflects a shift in social culture, where it has become common to rush to end relationships at the expense of efforts to repair them and resolve disputes.
The psychiatric consultant concludes his speech by emphasizing that true neutrality is the key to the sustainability of marital relations, emphasizing that natural disagreements between spouses, if managed with wisdom and objectivity, can become an element of strength that strengthens the stability of the relationship and helps to build it on solid foundations.