In case you’re new to my errant ramblings, I left a job in May, moved to a different state and embarked on a journey toward healing my bruised psyche.
It has been the most rewarding experience I have ever given myself. Today I feel stronger, healthier and happier than I believe I have at any other time in my life.
So, the big question is, what next?
What I know about me is I feel compelled to champion the vulnerable, and to fight willful blindness whenever it rears its’ ugly head.
Willful blindness is when we know something is wrong, but we choose to ignore it. Because we’re afraid of what will happen if we speak up. Because we think somebody smarter or more powerful than us should speak up. Because it’s easier to be quiet.
Margaret Heffernan gave an amazing TED talk about willful blindness. She mentions research that has shown when asked, 85% of persons within a corporation or institution will say they know something is wrong but for whatever reason have not spoken up.
Willful blindness frustrates me more than anything else. Take these examples:
Studies have shown that 23% of children who disclose sexual abuse will later recant, and the number one reason they recant is that the non-offending parent does not believe them.
How many of you who would spend thousands of dollars to save the life of a dog or cat often eat meat on a regular basis? If farmers were legally required to treat animals raised to feed us the same as we are our pets, their practices would be illegal in every state in the US.
Many of you who complain about people living on the government dole shop at Walmart. The Walton family, owners of Walmart, are one of the richest families in America, while over half of their employees make less than $25K per year and are eligible for government assistance.
And let’s not forget despite all the yelling about mandatory term limits, we re-elected almost every incumbent running during the last election. There is a loud roar from Trump’s supporters to ignore the danger in Russia’s meddling in our election (and the fact we let that happen), along with every other ethical issue related to the PEOTUS.
I love this country far too much to allow willful blindness tear us apart. And that is why I hereby resolve to NEVER be quiet about abuse, neglect, or downright corruption.
I know that will never make me popular in the blogosphere. I won’t make money hawking dog chow the way some other bloggers do. And I doubt there will ever be a book deal come my way. But this is my passion. This is my calling.
I must tell you the truth. It’s up to you whether or not to read it.
So come back at your own risk. But if you do, be prepared to stretch your comfort zone.
Dogpaddling Through Life 
You have to say it as you see it.
I do. Not everyone does.
I’m also glad that the move turned out to be good. I remember how hopeful you were when you moved to FL. Some things don’t work out and change is the best thing.
Ain’t that the truth.
Oh, Jen, PEOTUS! Thank you for pointing that out. In Spanish, “peo” means “fart” Couldn’t be more appropriate! hahahahahahaha 🙂 xoM
ROFL!!!! I think so too!!!!
You should always follow your passion if you want to be happy.
First one must know where one’s passion lies. This is not always easy to discover, for it requires shutting out the world’s crap and listening to the heart.
I know how hard it is.
I come back… it’s better to see, even when we don’t like the things we see…
It’s never easy to face the truth. I have a hard time with that one myself. And yet we must.
Thank you for the comment about ‘mandatory term limits.’ Like you, I note we already have those. Its called VOTING. If you don’t like a particular candidate you are free to vote for someone else, notwithstanding gerrymandering, which is a different issue. If people informed themselves about the issues AND candidates more, perhaps this country might not have Kardashianized the most recent election. *sigh*
Sending warm wishes for a kindler, gentler 2017 to you and all your critters.
I would say I hope so, but, honestly, I have no hope for the upcoming year.
There is nothing you say that I can remotely disagree with. I fear that horrible PEOTUS and will reject all his crap. I fly my flag upside down now as a symbol of civic disagreement. I haven’t eaten meat in 30 years. I detest Wal-mart but mostly because their stuff is crap. I love animals and help as many as I can. I fear 2017. And I make zilch off my blog…sadly. And I think Rumpy should get more cookies in 2017.
Thanks. And Rumpy is in total agreement with you.
Good blog post and so true about the willful blindness.
Thank you. Here’s to strength and diligence to survive the next four years… or at least until he is impeached.
It is going to be a rough road ahead for us. We will do the best we can. I hope it is enough.
Either we will prevail and an era of reason will overcome this religiosity that has a fierce grip on our country, or we will slide into fascism.
Fab post Jen!!! I am glad you are passionate & engaged in Life! This is your blog & I say GO FOR IT!!!
I enjoy your posts. You really help me to see what the USA is going thru.
And I admit I DO love see photos of Rumpy & June Buggie!!
And June Buggie I wish I knew the answer to your question….I think people become APATHETIC….they just feel numb & too tired to stand up for the truth….
That does not excuse the behavior; it explains it tho’.
(((hugs))) to all of you, Sherri-Ellen
We gotta hang in there, Sherri-Ellen. I know things may get a lot worse here in the states, but they already ARE a lot worse there. I feel for ya.