Noelie+L’s+OpEd+Article

by Noelie L.
 * "Acquired Ignorane" **

Well… here I am, once again attempting to think of something that I wish to write about. Let’s see, in considering my choice of topic, I understand that it has to be a subject matter that is worth my time, and yours as well (whoever the listener is). Something I am passionate about, and that is pertinent to the lives of whatever audience I have. Unfortunately, due to the fact that I have been sucked into the deep, darkened world of academia, along with which comes ignorance, I feel as though I have nothing worth saying, let alone, writing.

Ironic, I know, that in a world supposedly filled with learning and understanding such as the one I am immersed in at Foothill, that I could possibly feel ignorant. Yes I do, indeed, know what the fourth derivative of sin theta is, and I could name ten musicians who were discovered during the Harlem Renaissance. But ask me about what it is that is currently effecting the U.S. government, or how our country is really being affected by the seven-year long war in Iraq, any current event for that matter, and I would stand in front of you with a blank face and searching eyes. My answer: I don’t have a clue! Not a damn clue… and, quite frankly, I am ashamed.

The other day in class, a friend of my mine approached me, and assuming I had a bit of substantial knowledge concerning the health care reform recently passed, she asked me to give her some sort of explanation on the subject matter. A feeling of embarrassment rushed over me as my cheeks blushed. You ask why was it that I felt so embarrassed? I felt ashamed of the fact that I had no knowledge of the plan that was worth mentioning. Sitting with a blank stare on my face, I told her that I really didn’t know too much, and that any information I could give her was most likely dated, and worth very little. Another incident took place just yesterday when my family friend asked me what I thought about the reform, again my cheeks turned red, and my stare blank.

But hey, don’t stop there, why don’t we move onto my all time favorite book or a preferred composer…? Again, no real answer. It’s sad, a disgrace really. It is has reached the point where I feel as though I have nothing of importance to contribute or say. As displayed here, this so-called sensation of ignorance is not limited to current events, its existence is also evident in the subjects I feel passionate about, topics that I want to be educated in. Academia has monopolized so much of my time that I don’t even have the opportunity to study what I would like to as an individual. In a sense, I feel as though my education is limited. It’s unfortunate that I know very little about the things I am most interested in, subjects with which I long to hold knowledge, but simply do not have the time to put into studying such matters.

Now whose fault this? Mine, or the academic world? I know that the blame cannot be completely placed on one or the other, but in all honesty, I feel that the weight of my ignorance is bared on the shoulders of academia, and my nonstop classes seemingly jammed packed everyday. Now, this may be an unfair accusation, however, you must take into consideration that a large portion of my time is monopolized by my schoolwork, studying, sleeping, all of the above. Some may argue that I should //make// time to educate myself especially where my interests lie, but in response to that I pose this very simple question, when?! I can attempt to //make// time until my little heart stops; unfortunately, I do not have time bending abilities, therefore lacking the capability to slip in a few hours of “free learning” every other day. Now, let me explain myself. When I say “free learning” (a term I coined) I am referring to the opportunity to learn about what it is you’re interested in, exploring your own mind, and, in turn, exploring the minds of others.

I simply want to have something interesting to say, and I would prefer for that something to be somewhat sophisticated, and educated. I believe that this is one of the utmost important factors in living as a human being that is, having something of importance to say. As soon as we, as young people, run out of important things to say, the people around us will simply stop listening, and quite honestly, I couldn’t blame them. I believe, very strongly, in the power of our words, as well as opinions, and believe that it is nothing less than imperative to have knowledge about things such as current event, and an understanding of the subject matters where an individual’s interest lies.

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