[Blindtlk] Who Bathes You?

[Bernadetta Pracon]

Hi Everyone:
While I agree with the opinion that we  should probably refrain from 
using inflammatory phrases or words based on the fact that this list is 
publicly archived, I see another side to this argument. Sure, most 
people who don't normally encounter those of us who are   blind or 
visually impaired are not going to know very much about how we live day 
to day. They  will most likely have some   preconceived assumptions 
about us. But just because they do not know much about blindness does 
not mean we have to acquiesse to their ignorance. Of course, we can't 
verbally beat them up for assuming things about us, and we should 
educate where necessary, but we are allowed to have our rants now and 
then. Especially when the comments and assumptions made about us are 
overly ignorant and in a way, almost insulting. In many cases, these 
people are well meaning, and they are not conscious that their 
assumptions are rediculous to us, and with a little bit of education 
they get on the right track.
However, a comment such as "who bathes you", said from one grown man to 
another, not to mention a doctor, is sort of inexcusable. It's the kind 
of question a child would ask, because they really didn't know any 
better. Someone educated to be a doctor should most certainly know 
better. Therefore, I think we can allow ourselves a little leeway 
regarding etiquette under the circumstance.
And look at it this way: If a sighted person does see a message on this 
topic with the word "idiot" in it, they might just wake up to the fact 
that blind people aren't angels who won't flinch under the weight of 
insult and ignorance. I say this not to be a radical snob, but because 
I realize that sometimes, sighted people expect us to be docile, 
well-behaved people due to our disibility, and it's not welcome or 
expected of us to express  our feelings of shock and  ridicule. If they 
see a little rant now and then as a response to something ignorant that 
was said, it might just make us appear a little more human. Of course, 
it's a given to us that we are every bit as human as our sighted 
counterparts, but our response to this sort of thing might just make 
that point come across a little more clearly.
Now, I am not at all suggesting we throw away all inhibitions and start 
writing posts that are dirogatory. We shouldn't go around calling 
people names such as idiot and the like. That's not right, and it 
doesn't accomplish anything. That being said, I have to admit against 
my better judgement, that sometimes, they just plain ask for it.

On a lighter note:
I think that Marion's response to the doctor was witty and clever. 
Definitely better than if he had called him an idiot. lol

Just my two cents guys. Sorry for the somewhat lengthy post.

All Best,
Bernadetta

-- 
Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network.  Visit 
www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.