Several of the news stories over the last several weeks have been very disconcerting. In particular the news stories surrounding NFL players and domestic abuse and child abuse. The fact that there are men who have yet to evolve from believing beating and hitting children is justifiable is one huge issue. An even greater issue is the number of people who consistently defend the Stone Age behavior.

Even A Caveman Can Do It

After Ray Rice was suspended by the NFL, Paul George of the Indiana Pacers tweeted “I don’t condone hittin women or think it’s coo BUT if SHE ain’t trippin then I ain’t trippin. Lets keep it movin lol let that man play!” Mr. George has since apologized for his misogynistic tweets.

Never one to be outdone, Floyd Mayweather joined the fray by adding “Like I’ve said in the past, no bumps, no bruises, no nothing.” Mr. Mayweather’s comments were in relation to his own legal issues with domestic violence. Mr. Mayweather like Mr. George has since apologized and backpedaled from his witless comments.

Apparently A Cavewoman Can Do It Too

Even after watching the video of Ray Rice punching and knocking out his wife, numerous women found justification for wearing his jersey. Like Floyd Mayweather not willing to be outdone by Paul George, fans in Minnesota found reason to support Adrian Peterson despite Mr. Peterson being charged with child abuse. In fact, one particularly uncouth Viking’s fan arrived at the game wearing Peterson’s jersey and carrying a switch.

The oblivious support of today’s athletic ruffians does not end with the backing from other athletes and fans. Bonita Jackson, Adrian Peterson’s mother when asked about the child abuse charges her son is facing responded by saying “When you whip those you love, it’s not about abuse, but love.”

Ignorance, Plain and Simple

If you’re anything like me, you cringe when you hear statements supporting barbaric behavior. You probably wonder how it is that there are still those among us who believe beating women and children is justifiable. You might also wonder why are there still those who find the actions of the men in question to be defensible. The answer is simple – Ignorance.

Now when I say ignorance I’m not using the word in the insensitive, haughty or politically incorrect fashion – although there may be a case or two where this definition of ignorance is accurate. Instead, when I use the word ignorance, I mean unaware, uneducated and uniformed.

Given all the advancements in society, I realize that it is hard to believe that anyone could be ignorant about subjects that are so clearly egregious and unlawful as domestic violence and child abuse. Yet, there are many of us who are unconsciously or worse consciously ignorant.

Ways Ignorance Can Hinder Child Behavior

The pervasive sneaky form of ignorance continues to exist because ignorant adults either pass it on to our children or we fail to immunize them adequately. In other words, we ourselves are ignorant and expose them to a 24/7 – 18 year barrage of our ignorance and/or we don’t protect them from the dangers of being exposed to other ignorant people.

As is the case with any highly communicable disease if not treated immediately it spreads rapidly. Ignorance is no different than Ebola. Fortunately, ignorance can be treated much easier than one of the world’s most insidious diseases. There are no pills or inoculations necessary. Best of all, there are no side effects or adverse warnings. To insure ignorance does not hinder your child’s behavior all you need to do is guard against these four simple triggers:

1. Individual Prejudices – The continual existence of domestic violence and child abuse not to mention racism, sexism, classism, etc. stem from personal unsubstantiated biases. Just because we want to wish something to be true, it’s the way it has always been done or it’s something that was done to us doesn’t make it true or correct. Saying “My parents whooped me and I turned out okay” or “My dad beat my mom and they are still together” are unsubstantiated biases. Unsubstantiated biases make our children not only susceptible to ignorance, unsubstantiated biases make our children abusers and criminals.
2. Flawed Instruction –Too often those assigned with the express responsibility of training our children are themselves prejudiced. We allow males who are misogynists to teach courses on discrimination. We employ women who are elitist to teach children about equality. Limited perspectives of those teaching our children increase the likelihood that our children are receiving outdated information. Obsolete information increases the likelihood our children will not only become ignorant but will become racists and bigots.
3. The So-Called News – Whether you are a follower of “The Most Trusted Name in News” or a disciple of “Fair & Balanced” the truth is that you are only hearing and watching those things that support your biases. News while having the intention of informing has grown more sensational. Being dramatic now supersedes being factual. Receiving fewer facts and being subjected to more drama intensifies the probability of a child’s ignorance.
4. Arrogance – Americans are known for being overconfident. In fact, recent educational surveys detail the unrealistic perspective American college freshman have of themselves. Studies show that year after year parents are ushering millions of average children out of our homes off to colleges and universities – children who unfortunately and incorrectly believe themselves to be academically superior when in truth they are lucky to be of average intelligence. This lack of self-awareness not only leads to ignorance but it leaves a void for employers four years later when there is a need to hire capable and competent employees.

Epidemic Levels

Although, ignorance in our country is reaching epidemic levels you and I have the vaccination. We have the power to eradicate all the “isms” that hinder our society and banish words like domestic violence and child abuse from our vernacular forever. We simply have to raise children who are balanced and enlightened.

We must expose our children to people from all walks of life. We must give our children the opportunity to share real life experiences with people from different racial groups, socioeconomic standings and diverse global perspectives. We must make sure that our children don’t do what has always been done unless what has always been done can be supported by truth and facts.

Unfortunately, ignorance isn’t bliss. If we are serious about stopping domestic violence, child abuse and all the “isms”, we have to be committed to no longer being ignorant.

What personal biases have you passed on to your children? Does your child have a neighborhood or global perspective?