[Blindtlk] Eye Polking.

[Mary Mc Gee]

Hi, All;

            I've read with interest all the posts about blindisms.  I'll
hold to my opinion that they're behaviors that should be kept to the privacy
of our own homes.  I perhaps should explain why.  And, by the way, there are
behaviors that are acceptable among close friends that are OK and blindisms
may be in that category.  

            From my experiences, we're already considered objects of fear,
strange, weird, incompetent, etc. by the sighted world, or at least by a
good deal of it.  Therefore, we must do whatever it takes to dispel those
misconceptions.  It may not be just or right, but the world is sighted and
the behaviors that constitute fidgeting in sighted people are accepted
whereas blindisms are not acceptable.  The very fact they're called
"blindisms" is a stereotype and it may be somewhat of an accurate one
because I've never seen a sighted person poke their eye or spin around.
Sighted people click pens, tap feet, twirl bits of hair, pace back and
forth, pick fingers, cross and uncross their legs, and any number of other
things.  The fidgets are unlimited and, believe me, I've seen a lot of them!


            Sighted people closely scrutinize us because they expect less
from us than they do from other sighted people.  Since we expect equality,
we must accept equal responsibility and part of that responsibility is
behaving is a socially acceptable manner when in public.  

            I've actually had people tell me they've forgotten I can't see
much because I "don't act like a blind person".  When I've asked what's a
blind person supposed to act like, they say things like, oh, you know, you
can't find your way around, you have those weird habits like poling your
eyes.  I've also had people say I'm not really blind because I "act too
cool" to be blind.  The misconceptions are still out there, like it or not.
And, we want to emphasize our similarities to the rest of the world rather
than our differences.  Therefore, we must promote a positive image.  

            I may as well through this into the mix:  If I had a sure-fire
chance to have normal vision, I'd take it in a New York minute because I'd
like the freedom of driving!  Yes, I can function, work, and pay taxes, but
I know I'd have a higher quality of life if I could drive.  So, I'd have the
procedure, then head straight to IDOT and take drivers' ed!  But I repeat:
It would have to be sure-fire cure or I'd opt to stay the way I am.  

Sincerely,

Mary L. McGee

 

 

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