The Perils of Willful Ignorance in Politics

Is it acceptable to be ignorant about politics? This question has sparked much debate, especially when one's ignorance leads to harm rather than mere apathy. Ignorance, in itself, can be harmless, but when it manifests as a form of willful ignorance, things take a dark turn. This piece will explore the reasons why being willfully ignorant about politics can be detrimental, discussing scenarios where ignorance extends to active malice.

The Case Against Willful Ignorance

It is indeed okay to be uninformed about certain subjects. However, when it comes to politics, blind ignorance can have serious consequences. For instance, supporting policies or actions premised on ignorance can lead to harm, both for oneself and the community at large. Willful ignorance in political contexts is not just passive but active and malicious, intentionally doing wrong to assert superiority over those presumed to be ignorant. Efforts aimed at opposing social justice issues through ignorance are morally reprehensible. However, it is crucial to distinguish between willful ignorance and simple lack of knowledge. Moreover, it is better to engage in learning and understanding to make positive changes where appropriate.

Personal Reflections on Political Ignorance

At the age of 17, I, Jared, can't even vote in the United States. Despite this, I feel curious about others' perspectives and how they view my own thoughts on this topic. My belief is that one should be at least decently well-versed in politics, especially given the often biased nature of the media. Media outlets are known to present information through certain lenses or agendas, leading to a disparity between what people believe to be the law and what it actually is. This disparity causes numerous problems, particularly among high school and college students who are just starting to voice their opinions.

One should engage in political debates or discussions with care. If these discussions arise, it's better to move past them or clarify one's lack of in-depth knowledge. It's important to learn from such conversations and note that accepting one's ignorance is not the same as pretending to understand. Remember, what a person believes to be the law can differ significantly from what is actually the law, leading to embarrassment or complications. However, avoiding involvement in politics entirely due to insufficient knowledge is not a practical solution.

Striking a Balance: A Practical Approach

The key to navigating politics with integrity is to hold firm to one's beliefs, but always question their legal validity. Just because one doesn't know as much as their conversational counterpart doesn't mean their arguments are invalid and vice versa. Keep an open mind, be willing to learn from others, and combat poor speech with better speech, showing not that the other party was incorrect, but that a more compelling argument can be made with informed insights.

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, the world of politics is indeed brutal, even for those like me who can't vote yet and are fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior in politics. While it is acceptable to be ignorant, it is not acceptable to support ignorance that is willful and malicious. Learning and understanding are essential not just for informed opinions but for promoting change and progress in society. May the words shared here guide us toward a better understanding of our political world and how to engage with it responsibly and effectively.