Moving Beyond Ignorance: Recognizing the Negative Effects of Willful Blindness
Understanding Willful Ignorance
Before we can explore the negative effects of this phenomenon, we must first understand what it is. So, in essence, what is willful ignorance? Willful ignorance, also named "willful blindness," refers to the act of intentionally avoiding or disregarding information, facts, or truths that may challenge one's existing beliefs or perspectives. It is a legal concept that means that there is information out there that you can know and do not know, and you have chosen to ignore it. This state of mind can manifest in various aspects of life, including spirituality, health, and personal beliefs. The consequences of willful ignorance can be far-reaching, affecting not only individual growth but also society at large.
Margaret Heffernan, a speaker at a TEDxDanubia conference in March of 2013, shared a story of willful blindness experienced and witnessed by a woman named Gayla Benefield. In 2002, Gayla was living as a resident of Libby, Montana, and had been a resident there for much of her life. During her school years, she explains that she was the only girl who decided to take an interest in mechanical drawing. In her adult life, as she worked with reading utility meters, she noticed that many of the homes she visited during the middle of the day had middle-aged male occupants on oxygen tanks. This, coupled with her parents' sudden deaths at young ages, caused her to wonder if there was anything unusual and unnatural cause, as her parents were moderately healthy, particularly her mother. When she recognized that the town was home to a vermiculite mine and that vermiculite had been used in much of the housing infrastructure, the local playground, and more, she discovered that vermiculite is a very toxic form of asbestos. Initially ignored by many of her neighbors, friends, and community members, she was able to get a federal agency's support in 2002. This agency conducted a screening of the town's 15,000 inhabitants and found that the mortality rate of Libby, Montana was 80 times higher than other areas of the country.
This story is just one of many instances of willful ignorance at play and the negative side effects that can come from it.
Willful Ignorance, or Denial?
Denial, by definition, means "the action of pronouncing something to be untrue or false." To deny something is to simply make it untrue in your immediate perception. Often, we invalidate things that make us feel uncomfortable or are difficult to accept or admit, thus we deny these realities. While denial may provide temporary comfort, it also leads to greater overall unrest, especially over a prolonged period of time.
Willful ignorance, then, is the unwillingness to accept and be a proponent of inevitable change. To be willfully ignorant or blind is to know full well that a truth has been presented and must be acted upon, but to consciously and subconsciously negate all responsibility from yourself for facilitating that change. For example, if you were to continue to consume products that you know are harmful to you––from household cleaning chemicals, to cigarettes and alcohol, to foods that contain allergens––but wonder why you were constantly sick, that is willful ignorance. You have been told that these things are causing you unrest, and you are aware of the health repercussions and side effects, yet you continue to choose to consume these products without ever stopping to adopt healthier habits and behaviors that will benefit your well-being.
The Negative Effects of Willful Ignorance
There are many more negative side effects to willful ignorance and blindness. Some may seem like common sense obvious effects. Others may require further exploration and an open mind. Let's discuss some of these effects.
1. Stagnation of Growth: Willful ignorance impedes personal development by preventing individuals from exploring new ideas and expanding their horizons. By refusing to acknowledge different perspectives, individuals remain stagnant in their beliefs and knowledge.
2. Missed Opportunities: Ignoring valuable information can lead to missed opportunities for personal and professional growth. Being open to new knowledge and ideas can open doors to new experiences and insights.
3. Damaging Relationships: Willful ignorance can strain relationships as individuals refuse to empathize with others' viewpoints. Healthy relationships often require understanding and compromise.
4. Limiting Empathy: Ignoring the experiences and perspectives of others can hinder the development of empathy and compassion, which are essential for a harmonious society.
5. Fostering Division: On a larger scale, willful ignorance contributes to societal divisions and conflict. When people are unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue and seek common ground, polarization and misunderstanding prevail.
Moving Away from Willful Ignorance
Recognizing the negative consequences of willful ignorance is the first step towards change. Here are some strategies to help you move away from this mindset:
1. Open-Mindedness: Cultivate an open-minded approach to information and ideas. Be willing to consider viewpoints that challenge your existing beliefs.
2. Education: Actively seek out information and engage in continuous learning. Read books, listen to podcasts, and engage in discussions to broaden your knowledge.
3. Critical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate information objectively. Question the sources and motives behind the information you encounter.
4. Empathy: Practice empathy by trying to understand the experiences and viewpoints of others, even if you disagree. This can foster better relationships and promote understanding.
5. Dialogue: Engage in meaningful dialogues with people who hold different views. Respectful conversations can bridge gaps and promote understanding.
By moving away from willful ignorance and embracing knowledge and understanding, we can work toward a more enlightened and harmonious society. In the words of Margaret Heffernan, "Willful blindness is not a quirk of the brain, but a result of a willful decision not to know." Let us choose to know, learn, and grow.
**References:**
- Heffernan, M. (n.d.). The dangers of willful blindness. TED Talks. [Link]
- Mind Tools. (n.d.). MT Talk Review: The Dangers of Willful Blindness. [Link]
- Schubart, S. (n.d.). The Plague of Willful Ignorance. [Link]
- Exploring Your Mind. (n.d.). Denial or Willful Ignorance. [Link]
- The Practical Psych. (n.d.). Ignorance is Bliss - Meaning. [Link]
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