Dear World,
I know what I am about to say is going to make you think, feel, and possibly hurt. The truth is- we all need this reminder. For quite some time I have come to the conclusion to say we are willfully ignorant. Now more than ever, this is a time when we have chosen to learn from one another, laugh with one another, grow with one another, love one another. Why aren't we doing that? You guessed it- willful ignorance.
Immediately, you ask: "Well, why do you say such a thing? We have problems we need to address! We know we need to love each other. We do good things (as if it was enough). How is that ignorance?"
People, it's much deeper than that. Notice: I didn't just say ignorance, I said willful ignorance.
Willful ignorance is a choice to refuse to learn what we would rather not like to learn. I wholeheartedly believe it is not the fault of our education system, it is our own selves.
Sure there are problems. Everyone who is informed knows of the crises we're facing as a people of this world. Many would opine that the number one thing, according to them, facing the world as it stands could be one of a few options: terrorism, moral decline, politics (especially this year's U.S. presidential election), mental health (which I personally take seriously), among other things.
Personally, above all of these things, the number one issue we face is our own willful ignorance- our own choice to be ignorant.
As long as we choose to be in this state of mind, we cannot be effective solving the most crucial problems.
Growing up as a teacher's kid, I had the opportunity to hear from my dad about this same issue. The one thing my dad strived for was to make sure his students walked out with knowledge of the world and its history. He has always told them, "History is not pretty." How true that statement is, as 2016 has been, if we are all honest, not a pretty year.
People, if you learned one thing from this today, it's that I urge you to please step out of your comfort zone. Get to know the people who have different beliefs than you do. Ask them how they see the world as it is for them. Honestly, it's okay to believe the way you perceive the world as long as you question others. Don't try to believe the media as the Gospel. Make it a habit to learn when you are within arm's reach of someone. Yes, we have busy schedules and deadlines. However, that should not stop you from reaching out and possibly making more friends! Remember when I brought up whenever we acknowledge we need to love one another? Reaching out and learning from each other is indeed a stepping stone for more love!
I know times are hard now. We know we cannot fix the world all at once. What we can do to start loving is learning. Make a move to do what matters and stop willful ignorance.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Individual
