Introduction – There are many
behaviors that are commonly perceived as negative or undesirable by others that
humans do more often than they should. These negative behaviors may be
considered to be annoying, inconsiderate or downright rude or at times even
worse. Two of the most common reasons people may act in this manner may be ignorance
or indifference
Ignorance - lacking knowledge or awareness in general; (Person
doesn’t know better)
Indifference - without concern; not caring; apathetic (Person knows
but doesn’t care)
Both ignorance and indifference can be
unhealthy and harmful* and these qualities can hold someone back from making
positive change and progress. In a lot of cases ignorance is bad but
indifference can be even worse. This exercise is focused on preventing and
overcoming ignorance and indifference for personal growth
*It must be noted that there are times
when it is a positive thing to be ignorant or indifferent. To ignore some
things or to not care can be beneficial. (A good example would be to ignore or
not care about gossip. Another example of ignorance and indifference being
positive would be when someone is focused on a positive goal and they are
ignoring distractions and “haters”) – Still for the purpose of this exercise,
the focus is on when ignorance and indifference are negative, which can be
quite common and quite destructive
Group Discussion:
Review and
discuss the following as a group:
What are some of the potential consequences of
ignorance and indifference? To get the conversation started, consider how
ignorance and indifference can fuel the things on the following list below, and
if possible, come up with some of your own examples for each category on this
list:
Ignorance and Indifference can cause…
(Discuss examples for each below)
§ Interpersonal Conflict
§ Poor Decisions
§ Resentment/Hate
§ Injustice and Inequity
(Lack of fairness)
§ Lost opportunities
§ Waste of time and
resources
§ Lack of progress:
1.
Individually (Personally)
2.
As a group or as a society
Are there any other consequences of ignorance
and indifference not already discussed?
Why can indifference be even worse than
ignorance? (Hint – What is worse, to not
know or to know and then still not care?) Discuss some examples if possible
Can ignorance and indifference lead to even
more ignorance and indifference? How so?
The Antidotes to Ignorance and
Indifference
Directions: As a group review the
following qualities that can prevent ignorance and indifference and then
discuss and share personal thoughts on each positive quality
Open Minded – Able consider new
ideas. Unprejudiced. Able to have your own ideas challenged
Nonjudgmental – Able to put aside
one’s own biases and opinions before jumping to conclusions
Empathic – Understanding others
even when we do not agree. Able to “put self in other’s shoes”
Humility – The state of being
humble. Freedom from arrogance. Teachable
Modest – Not feeling the need to brag or try
to make oneself seem overly important. Unpretentious
Willingness:
· Willing to listen (not just hear but to listen and apply)
· Willing to look outside of your own world to see new perspectives
· Willing to learn
· Willing to accept, adjust and adapt as needed
Self-Aware- Able to look at
oneself honestly. Able to be introspective and reflect on self honestly.
Insightful
Forgiving – Able to overlook
mistakes and let go of anger and resentment for past wrongs
Compassionate – Caring about others
pain with a desire to help alleviate it
Noncritical – Not prone to being
critical. Able to refrain from negative opinions or fault finding
Supportive – Providing
encouragement or emotional help
Are there any other qualities not listed here, that you can think of that will help prevent ignorance and indifference
What do you think are your areas of strength from this list?
Being honest, what might you need to work on?
What is at least one thing that you can start doing today to improve?
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