In a field with an incredible wealth of information, there are still some gapping holes. At the moment, we are seeing a significant lack of clarity about a whole host of unknown unknowns. We’re left wondering what this means, if anything, and why they are being so quiet about it.
Though almost any topic can command the public’s attention, it is the lack of naming peoples’ concerns that shows a telling trend. This lack of detail and data continues to underscore an in-depth conversation that is running on vapors. It’s alarming that these issues are not more widely covered or debated. This silence creates a learning opportunity knowledge gap for anyone searching for insight.
Without the hard data, without the layers of context that we’re all working with here, the discussion about these things goes nowhere. It can be very frustrating for individuals and organizations to work on issues that aren’t well scoped out or understood. This chasm remains a barrier to both historical and present fields of study. When people aren’t provided with accurate information, confusion and speculation can quickly become the norm.
The Impact of Information Gaps
The lack of information about unknown topics can be especially impactful. Moving forward stakeholders will have a hard time making informed decisions without specific data to point them in the right direction. Lack of specificity leads to misinterpretations and correspondingly lower expectations in a host of fields. This spans across policy, business strategy and public awareness.
Additionally, the refusal to talk about these issues only perpetuates the space in which misinformation can flourish. This leads to the creation of a “vacuum” of information, which individuals unfortunately substitute with worst-case scenarios or hearsay. This inclination makes the conversation on these topics even more difficult. This legislative wrangling makes clear just how important transparency will be. Good communication means the public has access to all the relevant information.
The Need for Clarity
In order to create a more informing public, it is necessary to make the focus on these non-identified issues a thing of the past. Making space for critical dialogue and inquiry can shed light on spaces, practices, or pedagogy that need more attention. Thought leaders, journalists and researchers have been integral in pushing these conversations into the national dialogue.
Collecting comments and viewpoints on these topics would help paint a fuller picture about their importance. Consulting with these experts and stakeholders can help provide important insights and raise awareness. Ultimately, breaking the silence around these issues is crucial to catalyzing change and fostering greater inclusion and cross-pollination in any discipline.