[humanser] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #152- The Cursed

[Cari Kness]

WOW! The cursed blind statement bothers me. It is clear the father 
did not know any blind people or any that worked outside a sheltere 
shop. As frustrated and angry I'd be in that sceene, there is an 
opportunity for education to happen.
Peace,
Cari
11:11 AM 12/20/2009, you wrote:
>Robert,
>I was initially struck by the protagonists name--Robert. Might this be a
>reflection on a past personal experience? Whether it be or not, that
>sometimes issues of the heart can be determined by factors of the mind can
>be disheartening. That the two individuals in the provoker found such
>pleasure and connection with one another is beautiful. That culture and
>tradition can so blatantly disregard the same is equally as ugly. It is
>important to remember such road blocks are not only formed against those who
>are blind but against any and everyone with a difference that is
>misunderstood and further misperceived.
>I think of the countless times, in general public, I have been confronted
>with "God bless you..." Sometimes because my blindness is somehow perceived
>as a blessing and, far more often when it is perceived as a curse.
>Robert, if this was a personal account I pray that you found the pleasures
>and happiness with Dara that the two of you sought. If no, I hope you are
>planning to build on the beginnings of this work and create something that
>has a realistic and beautiful ending. All the best.
>Mary Tatum Chappell, Alexandria, Virginia.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>Behalf Of Robert Leslie Newman
>Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 10:38 AM
>To: human services list
>Subject: [humanser] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #152- The Cursed
>
>Human Services
>RE:  The Cursed
>
>Here is my #152nd THOUGHT PROVOKER. It is a study in how various religious
>factions will view the blind; from near sainthood to being cursed. If you
>have not read the PROVOKER, it follows.  Recall that I collect responses and
>post them upon my web site for all the WWW to read and learn from and that
>URL is- Http://thoughtprovoker.info <http://thoughtprovoker.info/>   If you
>wish to receive THOUGHT PROVOKERS sent directly to you, just write me and
>ask, at-  newmanrl at cox.net
>
>
>
>THOUGHT PROVOKER 152
>The Cursed
>
>"Hi, I'm Robert. Your accent, if I am reading it correctly, places you from
>somewhere in the Middle East?"
>
>The attractive dusky-skinned, dark-haired woman looked quizzically at the
>guy approaching. He was about her age, nice looking, using a long white
>cane. She had first noticed him upon her arrival in the hotel lobby, and
>later in the registration line and reception area for those attending the
>two-day conference. He had impressed her with his poise as he maneuvered
>about independently, responding charmingly as he dealt with the awkward
>reception his presence sometimes elicited. Without hesitation, she spoke up,
>"Hello, and, yes. To put a finger or two on the map, Cairo originally, but
>most recently, right here in Philly. My name is Dara --- I'm the only one
>sitting in this row." A realization was blossoming within her; this guy's
>disability didn't make her feel uncomfortable.
>
>Anticipation fueling his every stride, Robert moved into the row. He hadn't
>expected such a provocative seatmate at a conference where he knew there
>wouldn't be anyone he'd know. Her voice is so beautiful, he thought.
>Feeling at ease and maybe too much so, he couldn't believe his next words,
>"Well, guess I'll sit by you and fill up the row so it's just ours."
>
>They didn't have the entire row to themselves. Yet throughout the morning's
>presentations, they indulged in periodic soft-spoken exchanges.  Some
>concerning the information being presented, some purely personal, and
>sometimes, sharing some stifled laughter.
>
>At the end of the morning session, they decided to have lunch together.
>Later, they had dinner, then the next morning, breakfast, and then lunch
>again. The conference was over at 4:00 PM.
>
>"I've got to see you again. How about tomorrow lunch or dinner somewhere?"
>Robert asked.
>
>"Yes, me too. Ah --- how about you come over to my apartment and I make
>dinner --- you bring a refreshment."
>
>"Yes!"
>
>The night of their date, dinner finished, with more wine, soft music, and a
>deep lingering kiss, Dara said, "I once heard that it was very disconcerting
>to look into a blind person's eyes. But ah --- being this close and looking
>--- I'm not sure I know what they are referring to."
>
>"Well I'm told --- good art work on non-scratch plastic like I have, can
>work miracles."
>
>"Ha! Oh Robert my dear man," Dara snuggled closer, "you are so full of
>surprises and delights. I must tell you that I feel that I am falling in
>love with you. "Fingertips caressing his cheek,  "Before we get more
>serious, we must go to my father. He must meet and pass his judgment on my
>choice."
>
>"Woo, You mean we have to get your father's permission to fall in love?"
>
>"No, it's not that way. I have my own heart and feelings. I respect you for
>who you are, my dear. Just that, my father is the --- head of the family. It
>is the way within my culture. The man oversees the affairs of the family.
>You will like him. He is a generous, loving, and God fearing man. And his
>being judgmental; well --- it goes along with the position "
>
>The day came for their trip to Dara's family home and her introduction of
>Robert to her father came. Her mother served them tea and sweets. They
>talked, drank tea, talked some more, and though her family were very polite,
>they were nevertheless very curious about how this blind man lived.
>
>After dinner, in her father's study, Dara and Robert spoke of their feelings
>for one another. And her father answered. "My dear daughter, I do not give
>my permission. Let me make this very clear, Robert, though you are a fine
>fellow, I must oppose this marriage. I do not want my daughter to be fated
>to the life she would have to live if she is betrothed to you. You are
>blind, a condition which greatly, how should I say it --- blindness severely
>impacts your life--you are stigmatized; you have reduced independence and,
>therefore, your prospects to financially care for my daughter are
>handicapped. No. I forbid this union. You are one of God's cursed."
>
>
>Robert Leslie Newman
>Email- newmanrl at cox.net
>THOUGHT PROVOKER Website-
>Http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
>
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