Ignorance Is A Choice
Start writing a post
Student Life

Ignorance Is A Choice

Education goes far beyond the classroom.

360
Ignorance Is A Choice
slate

You know what’s super embarrassing? Sharing a seemingly innocuous news article or a facebook post about something only to have someone else, five minutes later, provide me with evidence that proves what I shared is inaccurate. It totally sucks to fall prey to click-bait BS.

But you know what’s worse? Not being able to accept the “whoops” aspect of it. Full-fledged throwing yourself into denial just because it sucks to be proven wrong helps literally no one.

I hate being wrong. Do you know what I do to remedy that? I keep myself informed.

At any given time, I have twelve tabs open on my computer for sites that can give a full-scope picture of a news story. I don’t even believe anything I read on the internet anymore without checking it against at least five disparate but credible sources. And I have several fact-checking sites bookmarked and ready to go at the drop of a hat because I hate being wrong. I hate making an idiot of myself.

It’d be really swell if more people had that kind of self-respect. It’d be really cool if people weren’t in denial about even fact-checking sites, or claim all those sites are owned by the Clintons, or fall victim to even more conspiracy theories that make them look god damned insane before they would ever admit to being wrong about something. Just once.

It’s okay, everyone. No one can be right all the time. And it's okay to admit you were mistaken--or, at the very least, quietly delete a comment or post and pretend you never said anything. Either option is viable.

Do you all realize how privileged we are? We are SO lucky to live in a time where all the knowledge we could possibly wish to obtain is literally at our fingertips. If something looks fishy, we can swipe around and find the answers we seek. If we're unsure what we think is correct, we can click a few buttons--or hell, even talk at our computers--and find the truth.

When people make the choice to remain ignorant, I'm going to make the choice to lose patience.

Taking the opportunity to educate yourself (FOR FREE with very minimal effort) and spitting in the face of that privilege is inexcusable.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

90551
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62419
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments