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I agree that dichotomies can be useful in defining surface principles of our existence, especially thoughout childhood. I find that it helps me understand an unfamiliar concept if someone provides me with a familiar "opposite" to base my knowledge upon.
People often define themselves by what they are not, and to do this most clearly they must define their opposites. On the surface this appears beneficial, but when looked at closer it is not so. For instance:
I am a female. Female is opposite of male. What is a male? A male is strong, intelligent and brave. If female is opposite of male, then female cannot be strong intelligent and brave.
I know that this is facetious, but it's hard to look at history and try to defend this not happening. It is easier to say "they are unlike me" than to consider that you are the same. It seems that the more similar people are, the more likely they are to call eachother opposites. (take a look at Ireland!)
I'm not even sure if I believe in opposites outside of just a method of human classification. There is no universal black and white.
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