[blindlaw] Pimp My Cane

[David Andrews]

Mark:

Two things:  first, discussion of NFB philosophy is not really on 
topic for this list, nonetheless I will try and briefly answer your 
question.  I think the problem comes in that you misunderstand why we 
aren't in favor of some audio pedestrian signals, some forms of 
currency identification etc.  First, some of your language, that we 
"rail against" does not lend itself to reasoned discussion.  Your 
examples to me imply that you think we are against any recognizable 
identification of blindness.  This isn't the reason.  I think as a 
group we are proud of ourselves as blind persons and what we have accomplished.

On the other hand we feel that you should only ask for and use those 
accommodations that are necessary, and when there are other ways of 
accomplishing something, you should use those ways.

You are drawing a black and white picture of the world, and NFB's 
reaction to it, and the true picture is much more nuanced.

Dave

At 04:51 PM 3/28/2010, you wrote:
>I'm following this thread, and I know a large percentage of the folks
>here are NFB members; I personally a not, nor any organization, for
>that matter.  I find a bit of hypocrisy in this discussion:  First the
>NFB rails against things like audible cross walk signals and so on,
>claiming that the blind don't need them, that it's not what the blind
>"want," whatever.  Same with identifiable currency.  Now, however, I
>hear a bunch of the same people saying, in effect, "I want to carry a
>symbol of blindness! I want to proclaim my blindness to everyone so
>that they can alter their behaviors appropriately in recognition of
>the fact that I'm blind!"  I should think the true spirit of the NFB
>might be to use a black cane and give no indication whatsoever of
>blindness, except on a purely voluntary basis.  I just don't
>understand this.