When Stuck on Stupid Becomes a Choice
Times When Willful Ignorance Deserves Discomfort
Many of us place emphasis on not shaming or unnecessarily hurting other people's feelings. While this is a generally good approach for everyday life situations, there are some instances where ignorance is not always innocent. When it manifests as willful ignorance, it should be considered a form of aggression, including passive aggressiveness.
This is particularly relevant when discussing systemic racism since people who refuse to consider objective facts, often vehemently deny the harsh realities and ongoing abuse inflicted on other people. As if those who suffer should shut up and continue to tolerate extreme mistreatment. As if they do not deserve timely intervention and relief to stop the problem/s causing them to suffer. Being faced with hostility because others want to deny basic truths, can re-traumatize people who are already hurting.
There is no reason for anyone today to be completely unaware of America's racial history—unless they choose to be. I understand how some people can begin to lack patience with those intent to stay stuck on stupid. Willful ignorance often serves to enforce the status quo. Being polite is one thing, but aiding and abetting those whose willful ignorance inflicts more harm, is unacceptable and deserves a response.
So, if someone makes them feel ashamed for lacking historical perspective about how the past affects the present, that may be the price some people need to pay. Discomfort can be instructive and may be the only thing to help push us out of our comfort zones, when so much is at stake.
Webinars on Racial Healing for Diverse Populations
A series of combined Webinar/Discussion Groups offered by Healing From Racism Programs (coordinated by LeFlore Communications), explore various dynamics of systemic racism. The purpose is to educate and promote healing processes by making that which is unconscious, become conscious, so people are equipped to make a positive difference.
Aspects of history, culture, and ideological influences that shape modern racial issues are taking a toll on diverse populations, causing chaos and disorder. Since racism influences how people view reality, an examination of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors is necessary to undo damage caused to identity and interactions across diverse populations.
Healing requires facing difficult truths related to human psychology and the resulting power struggles, conflicting agendas, and miscommunication that prevent people from experiencing positive relationships. Healing connections can be developed through consciousness-raising and compassionate approaches as people are supported in achieving personal growth and empowerment, with life-affirming strategies and tools to help promote progress individually and collectively.
Sessions scheduled for August, September, and October 2017 include:
- Healing from Racism Training of Trainers Program (2 Saturdays)
- Racism and Mental Health — A 3-Hour Webinar/Discussion Group
- Racism and Religion — A 3-Hour Webinar/Discussion Group
Please see the attached document for detailed schedule information, the backgrounds of presenters and guidelines for registration.
About the Creator
Fannie LeFlore
Fannie LeFlore, MS, LPC, SAC, EAP -- Developer and Lead Facilitator of Healing From Racism Programs, is a Writer/Editor, Psychotherapist and Social Entrepreneur. Email: [email protected].
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