Ignoring isn't the same as ignorance, you have to work at it

Ignoring isn't the same as ignorance, you have to work at it

Margaret Atwood, the renowned Canadian author, is known for her thought-provoking and often dystopian works that explore themes of power, gender, and society. In her novels, Atwood often delves into the complexities of human nature and the ways in which individuals navigate the world around them. One of the recurring themes in Atwood's work is the idea that ignoring something does not equate to ignorance; rather, it requires active effort to remain unaware or indifferent to certain truths.

In Atwood's novel "The Handmaid's Tale," for example, the protagonist Offred is forced to navigate a society that systematically oppresses women and strips them of their rights. Despite the oppressive regime she lives under, Offred finds ways to resist and assert her agency, even in the face of extreme adversity. Throughout the novel, Atwood explores the ways in which individuals can choose to ignore or confront uncomfortable truths, and the consequences of either choice.

Atwood's exploration of the concept that ignoring is not the same as ignorance is particularly relevant in today's society, where information is constantly bombarding us from all sides. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and choose to ignore certain issues or truths that make us uncomfortable. However, as Atwood suggests, this act of ignoring requires active effort and can have far-reaching consequences.