The word ignorant has both positive and negative attachments. The famous adage, “Ignorance is bliss.” imparts how ignorance is seen in a positive light. It implies that sometimes, it is better when people are unaware of specific facts about a situation. It suggests ignorance could save people from unlikely situations. But that’s just sometimes.
Behind the light of ignorance lies its shadows.
Ignorance is detrimental to society in the darkness of those shadows when people are unaware of important issues. It is how ignorance empowers the corrupt.
Corruption seems to be a perpetual issue, like a loop—endless and infinite. As it continues, It persists in eradicating the lives of many, greatly contributing to poverty and deteriorating the quality of life. But it’s more than what meets the eye. Corruption has an unseen hand that grows longer and more dominant as time passes. The thing is, ignorance is an accomplice in achieving its formidable state.
Lack of Awareness as the Main Cause of Ignorance
Ignorance empowers the corrupt primarily through a lack of awareness. While ignorance could save us sometimes, in the field of politics, it is seen as a risk in building a nation. This is called political ignorance, a problem in modern democracy, and having little to no understanding of the background and platforms of the leaders running for a position contributes to this.
It's not just about making a decision; it's about making the right decision. An informed vote is not just a choice; it's a responsibility. Your vote matters, and it can make a real difference.
When people vote, they must make sure to weigh every option.
They can even join political discussions to expand their understanding of the stance these leaders claim to have. Otherwise, they will become vulnerable to manipulation as the so-called politicians exploit their ignorance. Exercising their right to suffrage is more than just a right; it is a strength. It will be a force for good when they choose the right leader.
This is where knowledge proves the power it holds.
Only A Facade: Social Media’s Role How Ignorance Empowers The Corrupt
Many years ago, people would have found politicians and aspiring leaders in newspapers and on television as they campaigned. The traditional campaign disappeared, and these politicians rode the trends of the contemporary world.
Now, with the advent of technology and the internet, social media changed the game. It became a platform to speak and communicate with a broader population.
However, as a double-edged sword, social media can be used to spread misinformation and disinformation. In other words, black propaganda is more than feasible on this platform. Various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X are now news outlets used to spread fake news. Because of their extensive reach, these are used by politicians to display their deceitful platforms through misinformation and disinformation.
Ignorance about the nature of social media also empowers the corrupt. As they went above and beyond just to win, social media is now a façade of their true intentions.
Moreover, they’re using it to tear each other’s reputations. This could blind voters to the rightful candidate they deserve. Due to this, being aware and having the knowledge is not enough. Voters should also possess critical-thinking skills and analyze what’s true or not.
The Existing Political Apathy
Political apathy is the detachment and indifference to politics and political institutions. Apathetic people neglect their civic duties, such as voting and the ability to speak up for social issues. These duties are not just responsibilities but also rights that people must exercise to ensure the health and prosperity of our democratic society.
Not participating means you are not concerned about others. However, the lack of concern for society also means a missed opportunity for positive change. By not seeking change, we allow the status quo to persist when we can actively shape a better future for ourselves and our communities.
When people are involved, engaged, and exposed to society's activities, they are not blinded by reality. They can see that there's more to improve and to do better.
Voting is the most important civic obligation, and citizens shouldn't be neglected. Doing so means challenging the status quo when irregularities and inequalities happen. Failing to do so allows greedy leaders to sit on their highly coveted throne easily—the seat in power. These incompetent and greedy leaders can build a hierarchy of people of their likes across the branches of the government.
Consequently, government agencies may fail to adhere to the checks and balances. This is how federal bureaucracy incompetence leads to government waste.
The Grasp of the Unseen Hand
The issues mentioned earlier of ignorance are the unseen hands of corruption. That selfish hand will hold the people until they can't move. When not prevented, this could make them prisoners of their nation. Their liberty, dreams, hopes, and aspirations in life are imprisoned, too. Of course, nobody wants that to happen. When people don't realize their collective power, it generates a negative chain of reaction that leads to an inevitable darkness.
LeRoy Cossette's American Insanity offers a compelling perspective on understanding politics and its dynamics. As he calls America in an insane state, the book provides broad insights into staying sane and in touch in the controversial realms of politics.
Get a copy now and get a glimpse of how America can be great again!
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