As of late, I’ve heard the word “ignorant” tossed around a lot, especially when people say things that may be misguided or are just incorrect.
Sure, the definition of ignorance is “a lack of knowledge” (thanks, Dictionary.com). When someone says something they don’t know much about, technically that is ignorance. The word is used for its denoted, or given, meaning. That’s fine, that’s cool, I’m all about properly using words and their intended meanings.
Yet, the connotation, or intention, of “ignorance” is what I’ve found myself having a serious issue with. Rather than correct the people that have made mistakes, the offended choose to attack and humiliate those who say something offensive. By using the word “ignorant,” they are implying that whoever made such a mistake is a stupid or awful person.
Personally, I don’t believe that’s true.
From the point of view of somebody who’s trying to learn more about the world and trying to be more accepting, I know that I’m bound to make some mistakes when it comes to certain terminology. Not only am I human, I also just don’t know everything. Nobody does, let’s be real. However, in such a hostile environment, I’m terrified of being wrong. I’m scared that somebody’s going to attack me or make me feel like an awful person because I simply didn’t know that something I said was offensive or hurtful. I am trying my best to be inclusive, but please, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong about something. Part of the reason why I go out into the world and talk to all different kinds of people is to learn. Cultures, traditions, foods, everyday life...I want to know it all, and that includes shattering what I thought to be true. Blow my mind, go ahead. Just make me feel like a person when you’re doing it. Tell me; take me there with your words. Don’t lecture me.
I know how frustrating it can be to be asked the same question a million times by a million different people, especially if it seems like the answer is right there in front of them. However, it’s much more important to foster an environment of open conversation and guilt-free education than it is to roll your eyes or sigh every time someone asks you that question another time. In the business of teaching, you have to get used to it.
On the other hand, if you encounter someone that says or does something wrong and makes no effort to correct themselves or change it—that, friends, is what I believe to be the true connotation of ignorance. In my eyes, denying yourself knowledge is the worst thing an ignorant person can do. Choosing not to learn how to be more kind or accepting is what breaks my heart, not when someone just doesn’t know something. Who knows? Maybe they just never needed to know. Maybe there was no one to teach them. Those people need someone who will guide them on the path to being a more understanding and inclusive person, but I can guarantee that they need a shepherd and not a dictator. Be a shepherd, friends. Be a shepherd.
There are some people that will never change, and that has to be okay. We can’t change everybody’s minds about everything. However, the people we should focus on are those that are trying. Trying to be more understanding, trying to be more inclusive, trying to promote positivity and acceptance, whatever it may be. Changing the world starts with education, so let’s get going before it’s too late.
