Some people hate controversy so they don't take sides when debate ensues. Is that good or bad? I believe that this can work in some cases, but not in others.
For example if you're traveling with a group and some want to go for a hike and others want to swim in the lake, it's no big deal which side you take--the sides want something different but to choose one side over another will likely not be a big deal even though small matters like this can become big deals if there's more to the story. For example, say all the kids are going on the hike and all but a few adults choose the pool. This could result in controversy as some may feel they were left with all the child care responsibilities while others had a chance to relax--then the situation becomes a bigger deal.
In some cases, however, people may feel that there is a direct right and wrong, and to choose one side is to harm another side. Take the war in Ukraine. Many feel that taking Russia's side is simply and deadly wrong while there are others who have decided to take that side for reasons that don't make sense or have worth for the majority of Americans. To take the side of the aggressor is to most certainly increase the death toll and greater oppression and less freedom when it comes to most people involved in any way. There's no way that you can be on Putin's side and Ukraine's side too unless you are siding with the children of both countries--if you were siding with the children you would end the war, build schools and playground, and work on a peaceful, free, caring relationship within and amongst the countries involved. Children naturally seek peace and look forward to positive care.
In our own life conflicts, people often take sides, and while some are taking sides, others may choose to be everyone's friend. Can you be everyone's friend in a conflict? I think that depends on what the conflict is and what each side stands for. If one side is acting in cruel and hurtful ways, it may be seen by the other side as cruel to take the side putting forth harmful statements or acts. I'm not sure that you can be safe or collaborative in a situation like this. Onward.
