On Perspective and Validity

Sometimes, I really want to pull out Giles' utterly hypocritical, "I appreciate your thoughts on the matter... ...except, of course, in this instance, when I am clearly right and you are clearly wrong," (I Only Have Eyes For You -- and if you haven't seen the episode? He's wrong.) because it is so easy to feel that way.

Every so often, I read or hear things that baffle me completely, and I have to remind myself to take a step back and remember that everyone has their own perspective and that every point of view is subjectively* valid (though only povs with factual or (as in a tv-show) canonical backup are valid objectively**, which is completely different). People don't believe things without sufficient cause. I can look at an opinion and be unable to imagine how anyone can think that way, but they do and for them, it makes perfect sense.

Personal example from Stargate -- saying that Daniel and Jack are friends is objectively valid. It's clearly stated in the show. Saying that Daniel and Jack are totally in love is subjectively valid. It's something that I read into the show.


*subjectivity: Judgment based on individual personal impressions and feelings and opinions rather than external facts

**objectivity: Judgment based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices

Jack and Daniel are so in love! It is fact!
( Also, while I'm here, five random Stargate Opinions (spoilers up to Endgame) )