Yin-Yang

Most people are familiar with the term, Yin and Yang. In elementary and middle school you see children wearing t-shirts with the symbol printed on it, typically a circle half black and half white. But while the term and symbol is familiar, many are unfamiliar with its significance. Simply put, Yin and Yang represent the two opposite principles in nature.

Yin represents the feminine and negative side of things, while Yang represents the masculine and the positive. Yin and Yang are pairs, and the two cannot coexist without each other. The two interchange and interplay so one is not alone. If one side is stronger then the other side is weaker. It is thought the two cannot exist without each other.

If you compare this to genders in society, the same holds true for men and women. Despite the upsurging of political viewpoints and the pressure to act independently, inevitably the male compliments the female and the female compliments the male. I don't necessarily agree the feminine represents the negative and the masculine the positive, but everything is up for interpretation.

If you look at the Yin Yang symbol you will see each side is not completely black or white. This represents the reality of life not being completely black or white, and each side needing the other.

I have never applied the theory of Yin and Yang to my life, but maybe I should start. The shortcomings I face in the world open my eyes to new and interesting perspectives. As a student placing myself in the eyes of the professor leads me to new conclusions about my work and work ethic. It is through these two interactions students and professors need each other to coexist. Girlfriends and boyfriends, while two separate people share the same life. As time progresses each person adapts some of the other person, and the two are encouraged by one another. If one person is weak, the other is strong to build them up. They are a compliment to each other's life and the life they share together. Two halves really do make a whole.