Is Ignorance Bliss?
My husband and I rarely watch the news. We both find the information depressing, since most of it is bad, and it often evokes anger and disbelief, even as we watch a video clip, assuring us the information is indeed accurate. Now that said, my husband is diligent about checking out the news clips he sees online. In his disgust or disbelief, he will sometimes read the article that has piqued his interest. It makes me wonder if by choosing to not know the news, we find it less stressful than “being in the know” and in a sense have the attitude of “ignorance is bliss.”
We are not alone in our desire to “not know the news!” Recent research submits complex issues like the world, or US financial status, environment, government matters and even energy usage are being blocked by consumers who choose to avoid being informed beyond the barest minimum. It seems many people would rather leave the important matters, they feel they have no control over anyway, best left to the “powers that be.”
Is this behavior any different than the person who chooses to not watch the news, which could make him aware of danger in his community or neighborhood like a robbery or even a murder? He feels ignorance is bliss, because if he knows about “said danger” he would just be worried about his family and unable to sleep. In this case, is ignorance bliss?
What about the little person who believes in Santa, the Easter Bunny or even the Tooth Fairy? Is ignorance bliss? I remember when my oldest made the discovery that we, her parents, supported the idea of Santa. Once she no longer believed, she was both devastated and angry! In her mind we had lied to her. Add to this, as she thought it through and continued to question, added the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy to the equation. I felt so sorry for her on one hand, and guilty on the other for having fostered her imagination all those years. Would it have been better for all of us if we’d just been completely honest with our children about the traditions?
Our grown children have split decisions about this tradition. One, in fact, (the one who was angry with us when she learned the truth), chose to foster the tradition, while three of our children did not, and we still have one son not yet married! As grandparents we need to be aware of each of our grown children’s feelings and decisions on the matter. It again raises the question: Is ignorance bliss?
What about the person who has no knowledge or understanding of a person with a disability? I remember when my children were growing up and specifically in school saying (more than once) “It takes a special person to be a special education teacher….and it’s NOT me!” I had NO interest in that which was different, not because I looked down on them, but because it didn’t seem to relate to me. I’ve learned I was wrong.
I’m not alone in being non-educated in disabilities and having no interest. I’ve discovered it’s actually the ‘norm.’ When I do a ‘live event’ I’m amazed at the people who will pick up one of my books, read the blurb on the back and then walk away. They are not interested. It doesn’t apply to them! —-But it could. In less than a heartbeat any of us could fall into the category of the disabled. An accident or an illness can catapult us or any of our loved ones there!
It is said “knowledge is power.” Does the child feel power by no longer believing in the fantasy of Santa, the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy, or does he feel cheated? Would the knowledge of a prowler in a neighborhood provide power or ignite irrational fear? Is allowing the “powers that be” to make life changing decisions for consumers at large, so we don’t have to consider the consequences make us unaccountable for our personal behavior regarding important issues; yet give us the “power” to blame someone else when things are going badly? Does not educating ourselves about special needs alter our understanding and further, reduce compassion about/for this ‘people group’?
I’m not certain there are any concrete right or wrong answers to some of these questions. But they certainly deserve conversation. Others like those relating to disabilities perhaps do. Consider your own thoughts on “ignorance is bliss” and when or where it applies. Share you thoughts with others!
Photo Credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/blissful.html
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