by Bindiya Bedi Charan Noronha
Reality often hurts. It is true. And naked and raw, it hurts even more when no one has gilded it or painted it pink. That is why so many times, so many people, prefer not to know. I prefer not to know that my husband/wife has someone else. As long as the family remains, just as I imagine it and society dictates it. Let’s pretend we’re happy.
I prefer not to know that the animals suffer horrors before they are slaughtered and reach my plate as long as I can continue to eat what I want and it gives me pleasure. I prefer not to know that global warming exists and can dictate the end of our planet as long as I can continue to live my day-to-day life in the most convenient way for me.
I prefer being ignorant of corruption as long as I continue to manage my life. I prefer being an ostrich to the violence in my house. And next door. Prevalent in so many homes as long as the appearance of normality and happiness is maintained.
I prefer not to know that there is slavery, poverty, human trafficking, organ trafficking, arms trafficking, fake medicines and vaccines, people who sleep on the street, etc. I prefer not to know.
We prefer not to know many things because, by not knowing, it is as if they did not exist. It is a straightforward process of avoidance and denial, a defensive method in which we prefer to pretend that the problems do not exist. The reality is different. Nothing will change if we ignore adversity.
We think that what we don’t know cannot affect us. But the truth is that these adversities do not disappear as if by magic, just because we ignore them. In one way or another, they are still there and influence our lives and the lives of others.
To learn, change and grow, it is necessary to get out of the comfort bubble surrounding us and face difficulties. We must stop being centred only in our “I” and recognize the existence of problems, looking for appropriate solutions, from a perspective of facing and handling them, rather than escaping by denial.
I prefer to know, and I like to act.
About the Author:
Bindiya Bedi Charan Noronha is the author of the book “Dream Keeper A Poetography Ensemble” (www.binko.in). Her poetry, short stories, articles have been published in various anthologies and magazines. She is a linguist, works at a diplomatic mission in New Delhi, is involved in social initiatives and her passion is weekend storytelling sessions for her community library.
Very well said!
For most ignorance is not only bliss but very convenient. You belong to the rare minority. So proud to know you!
So well written and so true… We all like to live in a world of our own. Super ?
Yes, I want to know and I like to act. Thank you Bindiya.
Very true, very jolting words – however bitter and hard the truth might be. We – me included – like to think everything is fine and hunky-dory around us and outside the bubble we live in.
Ignoring everything means we have no empathy
Be human Be conscious and contribute ?
Ignoring everything means we have no empathy
Be human be conscious and contribute to humanity in anyway you can?