Ignorance is a lack of knowledge or information.
There has been a lot of coverage of protests in the media lately, specifically protests for stricter gun laws. I am not going to express my stance on gun laws because that is not relevant. What I am going to express is my stance on ignorance.
You cannot protest for or against something you know very little about.
If you want to support or contest an object idea, it is a good idea to know as much about that object or idea as possible. Otherwise, you are marching simply because others are. The goal of a march or protest is to spread awareness and hopefully make people side with your opinion; if you have no knowledge to base an opinion on, what are you marching for? It is not a good idea to follow someone blindly; don't jump on a bandwagon just because you can.
Do not believe everything you hear or see.
Rumors spread like wildfires in dry brush; just because John Smith from science said Jane Doe has seventeen toes does not mean it is true. Because the media can only cover so many minutes of a situation, there is a lot you won't see. Take the time to do your own investigating before you accept something as the truth. It is better to know something is correct than to assume it is. Ignorance will only further the spread of the rumor.
Group mentality can be difficult to oppose.
Imagine being in a crowded hallway where everyone is moving one direction; going the opposite direction would be difficult. Do not be ashamed to express your opinion, even if it is different. Ignorance may lead you down a path you did not intend to support.
We have all heard our parents say "if your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?" Do not follow your friends if you don't know where they are going. Do your own research. Do not assume everything you hear to be true. Do formulate your own opinion based on your own knowledge. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to protests and marches.