[nabs-l] Blindness and Identity

[Elizabeth]

Wow, it appears as though the discussion on identity has grown a bit since I last checked the list the other day. As a sociology major, I would have to say that one’s identity is made up not only how someone sees themselves, but also how others see them as well. How others see us is generally reflected in how we see ourselves as well as the world around us. 
 
In terms of the blind community having its own culture, I would agree with this statement since the norms of the blind community are not always reflected in the dominate culture. My American Cultures professor defines culture as language and language as culture. Since the blind community appears to have its own language, in that I mean our own unique way of expressing ideas that are generally not expressed in the same way in mainstream society, then I would say that the blind community does in fact have its own culture. Since this culture appears to be in conflict with the dominate culture found in our society, one could also argue that the culture of the blind community could be considered as a counterculture as well.
 
As far as the discussion on being female and the ability to give birth, as a woman, I believe that the ability to give birth does play a role in how women shape their identity. While sex is defined as the characteristics of being male or female that are given to us at birth, gender is defined as the social definitions and expectations that are associated with being male or female. One of the social expectations of being female is the ability to give birth. While women have been given more choices in regards to the ability to make their own decisions about this matter, I believe that it still plays a role in how women see themselves in society as well as how the general population sees the role of women in society.
 
Respectfully,
Elizabeth 		 	   		  
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