Be Selectively Ignorant · The Bipolar Bear

Be Selectively Ignorant

The world is full of ignorance — not just the accidental kind, but the kind people cling to, loudly and proudly. In an age of information, it’s strange how confident some are in misinformation, bigotry, and conspiracy theories. There’s a safety in tribalism, in belonging to a “gang,” and if you’re not in theirs — whether it’s built on racism, misogyny, or any other hate-fuelled ideology — you’re immediately cast as the enemy.

James O’Brien has described this mindset as footballification. It’s the idea that political or moral allegiance is treated like football fandom — unthinking, absolute, and adversarial. If you’re not wearing the same colours, you’re the opposition. Facts no longer matter. Nuance is dead. Loyalty to the team becomes more important than whether the team is right.

Trying to debate someone in that headspace is a waste of your energy. It’s like the old saying:

“Debating with an idiot is like playing chess with a pigeon.

No matter how good you are, the pigeon will knock over the pieces,

crap on the board, and strut around like it won.”

There’s nothing to be gained from that exchange — only frustration.

This is something I struggle with deeply. As a neurodivergent person, I have an exaggerated sense of justice. When I see someone being bullied, dismissed, or ignored, it feels compulsory to speak up. I must say something. But over time, I’ve learned that not every battle is worth fighting. Not every person wants to be helped. And trying to change every mind is a fast track to emotional burnout.

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield imagines himself as the “catcher” — standing in a field of rye by a cliff’s edge, saving children before they fall. It’s a tragic and beautiful metaphor. He wants to protect innocence, stop the damage before it happens.

But here’s the hard truth:

You can’t be the catcher.

You can’t save everyone. Even Superman couldn’t. Even Batman had to choose.

You must decide where your emotional energy goes. You must protect your peace — not just for yourself, but for the people who genuinely rely on you. Being selectively ignorant doesn’t mean becoming blind to injustice. It means learning when to walk away. It means recognising that some arguments are traps, and some people don’t want to understand — they just want to win.

There’s a psychological term for this: cognitive miserliness — the tendency to avoid complex thinking and default to emotional or tribal reactions. It’s easier. It’s faster. And it’s increasingly common, especially online, where outrage is rewarded and reflection is rare.

So notice it.

And walk away when you need to.

That isn’t cowardice.

It’s strategy.

It’s self-preservation.

Be the catcher in your own life.

Save yourself from falling off the edge.

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