[Blindtlk] Eye Polking.

Thu Apr 28 23:51:44 UTC 2011

I definitely agree that the best part of having sight is to be able to
drive. You don't have near as many issues with reliability (i.e. is
your Paratransit system going to get you there on time? How about a
cab driver, and what if you can't afford that?) And if you live in a
rural area, forget all that entirely. It really is an inconvenience,
the only real disadvantage we face as blind people. Sighted people say
"yeah, but at least you don't have to deal with traffic, the
possibility of getting in an accident, or gas prices skyrocketing" to
which I say, "try being unable to get to an important job interview,
and not just one, because that could happen if your car breaks down,
but watch many opurtunities pass you by." The car is a powerful thing,
and unless you live within walking distance of stores, your job and
your house or apartment, it does present a huge challenge.

On 4/28/11, Sherri <flmom2006 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Basically, I agree with Mary. The most difficult part of being blind is
> transportation and getting from point A to B in an efficient and
> cost-effective manner. If I could see, I would want it just for the reason
> to drive. We need to hurry up with the car that blind people can drive. Then
> we need to get the legislation through so we can drive it. Not in my
> lifetime, I'm afraid!
>
> Sherri
>
> Please check out the link below and help blind people in your local area
> achieve their dreams by visiting
> http://www.raceforindependence.org/goto/Sherri.Brun
> Thank you.
>
> Character is the side of yourself you choose to show the world. Integrity is
> what you do, what you say and how you act when you think no one is paying
> attention.
> Sherri Brun
> flmom2006 at gmail.com
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mary Mc Gee" <mmcatitude at gmail.com>
> To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2011 3:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Eye Polking.
>
>
>> 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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>>
>>
>>
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