[Blindtlk] Who Bathes You?

[Ray Foret Jr]

Somehow, I see a monitor article coming out of this.  Thoughts Gary?  Or, am I being presumptuous?


Sincerely,
The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!

Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!
Skype name:
barefootedray

Facebook:
facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1

On Mar 4, 2011, at 11:48 AM, Bernadetta Pracon wrote:

> 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
> 
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