In our present day of globalization in which cross-cultural understanding is crucial in establishing a worldwide community of diversity within unity, striving to be mirrors for others as well as seeking mirrors in others for self-reflection is necessary for genuine understanding. Both components are essential in our work toward cross-cultural understanding, toward a “fusion of horizons,” to use Hans-Georg Gadamer’s words, in which what emerges is neither oneself or another, but a transformed commonality. This commonality is a space in which ideas from dissimilar traditions are played out in interactions that involve transformations while remaining distinct. The fusion of horizons entails a dynamic interplay of diverse traditions in which similarities, differences, and changes are recognized. The metaphor evokes an image of intersecting light beams, with each junction a site of dialogue, shared similarities, and transformations. Like light beams that refract and diffuse when they cross paths, dialogues between traditions expand their horizons. The trajectories continue on new paths. As important is the contiguous space where the trajectories do not intersect, a space where we can agree to disagree. This mutual recognition of our differences is a kind of bridge-building, an essential step toward what Ien Ang describes as a global community of “togetherness-in-difference.” This ideal of diversity within unity is possible when we strive to be mirrors for others as well as seek mirrors in others for self-understanding.
Mirrors
