A man is walking down the road, long beard and raggedy clothes.  He’s immersed in a deep conversation… it seems like with himself, but who knows, God works in mysterious ways.  He’s dirty, at least on the outside because his heart and soul are very well hidden.

People do their best to avoid him, of this I am guilty too.  It’s because so many questions arise.  There are so many unknowns.  Is he dangerous?  What is he carrying under that coat?  How could he possibly choose to live that way?

It’s so easy to judge and criticize what we don’t understand.  “He’s just a drug addict who prefers getting high than being with his family… He’s so irresponsible and lazy… He’s experiencing the consequences of his bad decisions…”.   I guess it’s easier to throw stones than to ask questions.  After throwing a stone, I can just walk away.  Asking questions, however, requires me to stay.  It takes time and effort.  I can’t understand if I walk away.

And some claim that ignorance is bliss.  And they’re right!  I can’t be responsible for what I don’t know.  I can’t be expected to act on that which I ignore.  Yes, ignorance is bliss; it’s the perfect hideout.

Pontius Pilate washed his hands, and we just look the other way.  I wonder if Pontius thought that washing his hands would clear his fault. I guess he had to… why else would he do it?  I’m sure that in some superficial way, it did help him feel at least a little better.

If I continue avoiding what I don’t understand, If I continue looking away, am I free of fault?  Will I feel better if I wash my hands as people with serious mental illness and other conditions continue being stigmatized, marginalized, and alienated?

No, ignorance is not bliss! On the contrary, ignorance is at the root of prejudice and discrimination.  Ignorance feeds social stigma. Ignorance results in suffering.

We need to understand.  Only by understanding can we make a difference.

Carlos Gerardo Quijada, PhD, LPC.

© 2018 Carlos Gerardo Quijada.  All Rights Reserved.