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I assume having knowledge is the opposite of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed but I seem to meet plenty of people who have the tools or opportunities of education and information but choose to be unaware or ignore the signs that there is a system of oppression all around them, that there are victims and victors, and there is a vicious cycle of domination that keeps things the way they are.
"A willful neglect or refusal to acquire knowledge which one may acquire and it is his duty to have. --Book of Common Prayer.
Invincible ignorance (Theol.), ignorance beyond the individual's control and for which, therefore, he is not responsible before God." - from www.dictionary.com
How can ignorance be beyond an individual's control, especially people who have tools and opportunities for education and information available to them?
I spent three years trying to educate my co-workers and colleagues about digital convergence and the need to change their services and training in the community to help close the digital divide and make ensure sustainability and growth of their programs. More often I was met with doubt and resistance. Now, forces beyond their control, on the federal level, e.g. the FCC, Department of Commerce, etc. and the private sector (Comcast) are threatening to take away what these people have been able to do for their local communities for 20 years. Why must people be forced to change rather than think ahead and strategize BEFORE their interests are threatened?
This is just one example and there are others, as it relates to society, economics, etc. Personally, in my journey, I've picked up cues from both white and Black people that I can't accomplish a thing because I am female or I am of color but I keep proving them wrong. These so called liberals and progressives refuse to let go of outmoded, racist or sexist ideas that will help people empower themselves, e.g. school or business.
Any ideas about how to help people let go of fear and become more open to change?
<--- Blame this lady for Nutty.
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