An Analysis of Conflict

There has never been a time when there was no conflict. From when the Earth was born, to the dinosaurs fighting for survival, to the wars and problems of today, there always has been, and always will be some type of conflict between two opposing entities. The word “conflict” represents what the human race has always experienced and thrived on since the beginning of time. Nothing has ever been accomplished without conflict, because without conflict there would be no problem to be solved and make progress. A conflict can be anything from how to treat a stubbed toe to a war, from a math problem to an argument between two people, or anything that has an impact in the world can be considered a conflict. Conflict can be defined in my different ways. Webster’s Dictionary defines conflict as “a clash, competition, or mutual interference of opposing or incompatible forces or qualities”, also as “an emotional state characterized by indecision, restlessness, uncertainty, and tension resulting from incompatible needs” (476-477). The New Standard Dictionary of the English Language defines conflict as “a contest of two opposing forces”, and “a striking or clashing together of material bodies or substances” (555). This shows how diverse of a word conflict is, and it shows how many things can be considered to be a conflict. There are four different categories that a conflict can fit into according to experiencefestival.com. They are person vs. self, person vs. person, person vs. environment, and person vs. society.

The person vs. self conflict is an internal struggle of a person. It may be a tough decision to be made, or someone pushing him or herself during a workout, either way the person is competing with himself or herself for a desired outcome. A person vs. himself conflict can fit into two of the four definitions: an emotional state characterized by indecision, restlessness, uncertainty, and tension resulting from incompatible needs, and also a contest of two opposing forces. It is an emotional conflict because the person can be fighting themselves with emotions and thoughts during their inner conflict, trying to come to the correct conclusion that they are searching for. This could be anything ranging from if they should follow their diet, to weather or not they should intervene with a friend’s bad habit. It is a contest of two opposing forces because within the person are two opposing thoughts, actions, or “forces”.