In relation to conflict, objectivity is an idealistic perspective. The word is defined as: “Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.” In my theatrical experience, we refer to audience inherent biases as “impression structure.” This idea encompasses the spectators’ history with the show itself and the show’s themes, feelings toward any aspect of the production, what happened earlier that day, and so on. Impression structure is what engages the audience in the material or thwarts the experience. In relation to conflict, everyone enters the debate with preconceived notions and previous knowledge which influence present involvement.  Although objectivity is impossible, the opportunity to confront conflict with empathy exists. Empathy works to dismiss assumptions, understand both sides, and progresses toward a solution. 

When writing, who’s to say what’s “ok?” This is a gray area; so many factors impact the idea. Journalistic objectivity is the nature of “good journalism,” while memoirs are a platform for personal insight. The range of objective “ok-ness” varies.

Connected to what Katie blogged, objectivity is the #unicornofeverything.