Cluelessness Is a Privilege - And Not Everyone Gets to Have It
Cluelessness Is a Privilege - And Not Everyone Gets to Have It
Kaitlyn Fuller
Being clueless can be seen as being willfully ignorant, but sometimes it’s the preservation of innocence against a callous world. Imagine scrolling through social media and laughing at videos, reading pointless arguments, and watching thousand-dollar clothing hauls; however, you reach a video that impacts you emotionally. Ignorance quickly takes over and comments start to influence you to think a certain way, rather than a credible source. The ability to not know, not to worry, to not constantly stay alert to the world’s harsher realities, is not common. It’s a privilege.
People are born with layers of protection that lets them remain oblivious and without consequences, while others are forced to understand the world far too early because the world refuses to acknowledge the result of their impact on minority groups. They don’t get to choose whether they understand politics, laws, or social systems; they are forced to live with the effects of it every day. When lives are impacted by this, ignorance is not bliss but rather a risk. Living a life in constant uncertainty makes awareness become a defense mechanism. It allows you to know which spaces feel safe, which words to avoid, and which routes are the safest. Most of these are learned because the unsuspecting consequences of not knowing are too high,
Meanwhile, some people remain untouched by this sense of fear and uncertainty, but then they opt out and call it neutrality, but neutrality only applies when you aren’t the one being made a victim. This term gives the ability to leave and say, “I didn’t know” or “I don’t follow that stuff.” These excuses don't erase the harm, but only shifts it towards the people who have to carry it.
Acknowledging and having the opportunity to leave the situation is envious of some who wish they had the choice. It isn't about negative self-criticism or performative guilt but about taking responsibility for your role as a person who has access to more opportunities. Knowing that if you are protected enough to stay un-informed, you are protected enough to learn about situations not involving you. Choosing to be aware is the bare minimum when it comes to costing the safety and future of others. Since being clueless is a privilege, remaining in that mindset creates consequences for those who want to live without the pestering, puppeteering opinions of others.