Looking for Contrast

I had the pleasure recently to pay a trip to the lovely country of Turkey, a country that finds itself at a central point intersecting between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Stunning topography and fascinating historical heritage aside, what continually piqued my interest through my week-long stay was the sense that the Turkish culture I witnessed was essentially a fusion of many European and Central Asian elements culminating over centuries. Many cities you could see the leaning more towards one continental expression than the other. The grand city of Istanbul was described by our tour agency as "the meeting point of the two continents", as the two halves are split only by the Bosphorus. The cosmopolitan and frenetic European section stands in marked difference to the ambiance and history of the Asian side. It was this level of contrast within the confines of a single city that sets Istanbul apart from any other major global metropolis, and gave me a bit of inspiration to explore the concept of contrast further.

Contrast refers to a difference in juxtaposition of something with something else. It is more commonly thought of as a visual phenomenon. When one objects displays a luminance or color lacking in the other, the concept of contrast is evident. But contrast that we witness in our surroundings hold meanings that call for a degree of contemplation. It we look further, we can realize that contrast is something that speaks deeply to our psychological buildup, how our brain operates. If we accept that humans are beings created with a gift of observation, then contrast plays a vital function.

There are aspects to contrast that are inimitable to human perception. The Contrast Effect, for example. The easiest physical demonstration of this phenomenon is to notice the response of putting one hand in cold water and the other in hot water, and then to simultaneously put them both in water of room temperature. We'll receive two different sets of sensory input telling us what temperature the new water should be. This effect extends on the sociological level as well. How we judge other human beings is dependent to a large extent by measuring based on societal and group expectations before they're seen as good/bad, rich/poor, tall/short, etc. We need to contrast any object or person with its broader place in the environment to define its meaning. We constantly search for contrast to understand our surroundings.

I was recently taught about the principles of permaculture, a methodology meant for creating ecological designs that are truly sustainable and resource independent. I particularly struck by the concept of edges, the meeting or overlapping point between two different ecosystems, such as land/water or forest/desert. The edge effect is unexpected in that it tends to produce an increase in diversity and productivity, more energy, wildlife and plant life. My own meandering mind suggests that it touches on a more universal theme of contrast, and the collision point between two highly contrasting elements, or maybe the point of maximum contrast, creates a zone of intensity. Think of the splash of colors in the sky during sunset, when the day and the night meet in head-on collision.

The theme of contrast also abounds in the Holy Quran. Repeatedly, Allah (sbt) compares fundamental elements found in the observable Universe. Among many sacred dualities mentioned are the Sun and the Moon, man and woman, human and jinn, Sammawat (Sky) and Ardh (Earth), etc. "And all things We have created by pairs, that haply ye may reflect." (51:49) There is a mesmerizing attraction to such dualities when you think about it. Think of the finest natural scenery that you have witnessed in your life, and inevitably the contrast of color and topography defined the sense of wonder. Each quality of a created object or being is highlighted and reified through reflection with another counterpart. And the more fundamental and contrasting the nature of the archetype, the deeper the impression it leaves on us.

Beyond the sheer beauty, contrast in the Sacred Text becomes a tool of instruction. This is especially clear in the famous verse: "O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another." (49:13) The marked differences between people serves to educate them as to their own nature and that of the other. The differences are given a Divine Sanction. It also necessitates that cultures and ethnicities interact through channels of trade and diplomacy. Through contrast can come knowledge and mutual benefit.

We live in an age where there is almost a conscious effort by those on top to remove contrast in terms of culture and lifestyle in place of a standardized national or global identity. Some Western countries over the decades have realized the excesses in this approach, and replaced it with a kosher liberal democratic vision of multiculturalism. This much-touted multiculturalism, while certainly having many advantages, hasn't succeeded in any true 'celebration of diversity' though but has become more of a cultural leveling device in the West. Rather than allowing each cultural voice to have its own authentic expression, it often ends up in risk management mode and seeking to avoid potential hotspots of cultural contrast.

The whole topic of contrast may seem like a mindless digression, but one of the purposes of this blog is to highlight topics given scant attention. Its worthwhile at times to stop the racehorse of modern life and think about the big things that stare us in the face while we close out eyes. Our existence is one defined largely by contrast, none moreso than that between Creator and creation. My advice for those readers who have an inkling of what I'm trying to say is to go outside and take the time to marvel at the gifts offered to us everyday by our sense of contrast.