One story; two versions

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February 15, 2024

Every story has always two versions; the villain in one side’s narrative is a victim in another’s.

Heba Hendawi

I have a problem. I must admit! I cannot just listen to people telling me about their own personal problems or worries without being fully absorbed in their stories. I feel for them so deep that I decide to be their spokesperson and speak up on their behalf so that the whole world see them and feel for them. This happens to me all the time. The fact that I have many friends from different cultural and ethnical backgrounds makes my life so rich with experiences and lessons. I believe that anything that happens to someone bears a lesson not only to that very person but to other persons as well if only they realized the message beyond the apparent incidences.

At times, I find myself torn between narratives. Every story has always two versions; the villain in one side’s narrative is a victim in another’s. What is the correct verdict? No one actually knows unless they have specific traits of being unbiased, wise and good hearted. Unfortunately, people render themselves judges at many times even if no one asked them to play this role. They sentence people to death by shaming them as guilty while they unjustly set others free even though they deserve punishment.

Unfortunately, people render themselves judges at many times even if no one asked them to play this role.

A well-spoken person who is an expert in speaking up for himself loudly always wins the battle of societal survival and sympathy. You might not possess the strongest claims yet you succeed because your opponents is tender hearted or prefers rather not to be a trouble maker.

Also read: Speak so that I may see you

A wise evaluation of any situation or conflict needs hearing both sides and assessing the facts according to previous personal experience of dealing with one party over the other. Personally speaking, I have been in situations that perplexed me and I felt helpless and unable to announce one side a victim while denouncing the other as an oppressor. Both sides can sometimes be victims of their upbringing, society, or just destiny.

Also read: Reading for all; what about writing?

Throughout my life, I had the opportunity to hear from both sides. In rare incidents, I only had half the truth or I can put it as single angled perspective. However, in either cases there is a lesson to be learned and a message to be delivered. A bad experience can teach us a lesson and show us how to react and take actions in times of hardships. On the contrary, a good experience can be a motivation and inspiration for others to proceed through life with strength and never give up. I ponder over a lot of stories around me and a persistent question strikes my mind: “what would you do if you were in their shoes?”