Ignorance is a Privilege

I’ve lived in Singapore my entire life, and for most of my childhood, I knew little about what lay beyond this little red dot in Southeast Asia — aside from Nickelodeon sitcoms and the occasional vacations to nearby countries. Like any nation, Singapore is not perfect. It is riddled with its own inequalities and discomforts, yet it is largely known for its progress and modernity. It’s a famed tourist destination with an iconic skyline, a melting pot of cultures, delectable food — an unending list of things Singapore prides itself on.

It was easy for me to be blinded by the dazzling skyscrapers that line the sidewalks of my country and to forget that the world does not end at the edges of this relatively safe and stable island. Growing up in the city, I had the privilege of having my biggest worries revolve around a bad score on a test or a fallout with friends. I had little interest in reading about foreign affairs and was at an age where I would groan whenever my dad switched to the news channel when we watched television in the evenings. I found myself lost in my own problems, wrapped up in my other interests. Up until I was around 12 years old, staying informed about events that had no impact on me was the least of my priorities.

I do not claim that my attitude towards current affairs reflects those of all youths in Singapore, but I believe I fell victim to a cycle of gullibility and cluelessness — largely due to the privilege I grew up with. But over the past few years of my teenagehood, I’ve learned that it is naive to drown myself in ignorance while, in other regions in the world, entire communities — including young people like me — are living through atrocities that leave lifelong scars, which I had the liberty to ignore.

I’m thankful that as I matured, I began surrounding myself with new social circles where my friends were passionate about foreign developments and pertinent issues, which subconsciously encouraged me to stop scrolling past articles and updates. Beyond simply educating myself about these issues, my interest in current events has also sparked a passion for politics and sociology, fields that I believe have shaped me to become more perceptive, empathetic, and sensitive in the way I approach discussions and conversations.

It is easy to feel attacked and overwhelmed by current affairs, which often appear to be an unending bombardment of war, suffering, and injustice. However, staying informed has been an empowering journey that goes far beyond incessantly reading the news. I’ve discovered that true awareness cannot arise from the guilt of being sheltered, but rather an openness to voices that challenge my beliefs and the humility to ask question after question. As someone who comes from a background of comfort and safety, I believe I have a responsibility to stay informed and to work towards change with the little power I have. Change always starts with awareness, though this does not mean that every single person should be striving to save the world. It is the desire to listen that is paramount, and it begins with the willingness to recognise that ignorance is not bliss when it is someone else’s life crumbling to the ground.

Author: Aschea Ng

Editor(s): Charlotte Y., Leandra S.

Image source: SALEM, Unsplash