Our social culture today is quick to point someone out as being ignorant. Often it is accompanied by words like “racist,” or “close-minded.” When someone tells you or anyone else that they are ignorant, it is usually said with venom. I think ignorance needs a bit of grace today. Because in reality, ignorance means having a lack of knowledge or being unaware. It is the space between one thing and another.
Now I’m not saying ignorance is not a contributing factor to racism or other social ills, but it may not be the unforgivable offense that people impose it to be. Most likely, it just needs to be made known, particularly by someone familiar. Otherwise, calling someone ignorant might be ignorant itself. Familiarity and relationship pack more punch when it comes to ignorance.
When the ignorant are made self-aware, that’s when things should get interesting. When someone we trust (particularly with a different life experience than us) opens up the conversation, that is when action needs to be taken, by “the ignorant one.” If we are made aware (graciously or not) we need to try to understand why. Ignorance is not a chair to sit in. It is a chair to stand up from and take steps towards a communal table. It is time to act. It is time to listen and learn.
So, don’t merely tell me that I am ignorant because if I am, I don’t know it. I am better off having someone help me, not tell me. I need some navigational assistance. I need someone to show me a different destination and to help me map my way.
If we see ignorance, bring it to light. But do it with grace. Ignorance needs a doorway, not a wall. A bridge, not a brick.