Everyone has heard the saying, "Ignorance is bliss." This is one of those quotes that can be really questionable. Is there really any point of living a life stuck in a bubble of comfort? So many people make the choice to stay in the same town for the rest of their lives, ignore the news, and attempt to convince themselves that their worlds are perfect. What they may not realize is that there is so much more outside of their comfort zones. The world is full of different sights to see, foods to try, and memories to make.
Throughout my 21 years on Earth, I have lived in three different states, been to five different countries, and visited a number of different places throughout the United States. Before I started really traveling, I only knew the area that I lived in and didn't think about what else was out there. I was growing up in a small town and had established a life there. Living in California was all that I really knew.
When I got the chance to travel to another country, I took it. Spending a week in a foreign country where I didn't speak the language, know my way around, or know anyone but the group with me was different. I was shocked at how different the culture was and how the lifestyle differed from the one that I was used to. The whole experience really opened my eyes. I saw how people interacted with one another while learning about their politics and cultures. Traveling sparked my interest of staying updated on what is happening around the world— not just what was taking place where I resided. Thankfully, this habit has stuck with me and has been beneficial so far in my life.
Now that I am in college, I have started to realize how many people are stuck in their comfort zones (whether they admit it or not). A good amount of us have escaped our bubbles, ventured out to explore new surroundings, and opened our minds to the opinions of others. However, there are some individuals who sit in their dorm rooms and don't open their minds to new ideas.
In today's society, we need to open our eyes, pay attention to our surroundings, and try to be open to new ideas. We are living in a time when we should all be paying attention to politics, because, let's face it, what happens will affect our futures. We should realize that serious social issues are on the rise and need to be combated. It's time to take off the rose-colored glasses and look at the world around us. Nothing will ever be perfect and that is something we need to accept. We can't live cloaked in a fantasy forever. It's unrealistic. Part of living in this world is dealing with the issues that take place. Whether people want to believe it, our voices do matter. However, the only way that we can help is if the ignorance is tossed aside.
