The Binary Mindset: How We Have Bound Ourselves Without Realizing It

Mamoun Hamza Hamed

“Are you a Merrikh fan or a Hilal fan? Are you Umma Party or Unionist? Are you with the army or with the Rapid Support Forces?”

Questions like these painfully sum up the mindset that has taken root in Sudanese society for decades - a mindset that does not believe in diversity or allow room for free thought. It sees the world only in black and white, leaving no space for shades of gray, for independent thinking, neutrality, or the search for a third option.

Since childhood, we’ve been taught to memorize, not to understand; to repeat, not to reflect; to accept ready-made answers instead of asking thoughtful questions. We constantly find ourselves facing pre-set choices imposed on us - choices that deny us true freedom. And when we dare to think outside them, we’re labeled stubborn, traitorous, or simply “pretentious.”

For example, I don’t support either Hilal or Merrikh. I support Al-Mourada because I’m from Omdurman and live near its stadium. My friend from Gedaref supports Al-Sahm, and another from Shendi supports Ahli Shendi - but we all cheer for Sudan’s national team. So why must I be confined to just two options, as if nothing else exists?

This binary thinking extends far beyond football — into politics, national positions, and even social relationships. Why must I be either with the army or with the RSF? Who decided those are the only two ends of the spectrum? Why this constant shrinking of our minds and imagination, as if we are incapable of thinking beyond what’s presented to us?

This way of thinking is one of the main reasons behind Sudan’s stagnation. Despite being rich in resources and potential, the minds of its people and leaders remain shackled by rigid loyalties, prepackaged ideas, and narrow affiliations. The real problem isn’t material - it’s human. It’s in how we think, how we choose, and how limited our ability is to go beyond what’s common toward what’s right. Our leaders, one after another, have remained prisoners of this deadly dualism - so how can we expect change from minds that do not know renewal?

Anyone seeking to take a stand or make a decision must think deeply, not emotionally or blindly. They must weigh the pros and cons, consider short- and long-term consequences. Refusing to support Merrikh doesn’t mean supporting Hilal. Not siding with the RSF doesn’t mean backing the army. There are other spaces - other visions - more balanced and truthful positions. And even if one chooses to support a side, that support should come only after thoughtful study: of its history, actions, policies, achievements, failures, and its vision for the future, if any. Without that, we are no better than creatures living in the moment, unaware of the past and blind to the future.

So, let me ask a simple question: Are the army and the RSF really the only ones capable of running Sudan? Are our minds so limited? Sudan has produced scientists, thinkers, and honorable people - where are they in today’s scene? Why not give them a chance instead of endlessly repeating failure in new forms?

Let’s break free from blind loyalty and rote thinking. Let’s liberate ourselves from these destructive binaries that have chained our minds and blocked our progress. We have fallen behind as a nation because we replaced thinking with following, criticism with cheerleading, and reason with flattery.

As the Holy Qur’an says:
“The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah but did not uphold it is like that of a donkey carrying books.”

This verse applies not only to those who abandoned knowledge but also to anyone who refuses to use their mind - who carries ideas they don’t understand, repeats slogans they don’t believe in, and defends positions they don’t comprehend.

True liberation begins in the mind. If we want a different future, we must start here - with thinking.