[nabs-l] When a loved one goes sighted

[Kirt Manwaring]

Jamie,
  I've wondered a lot about this.  And, honestly, because the blind
community has such a diversity of philosophy, I think the reaction
would be mixed.  Some people would be secretly envious while acting
smug and saying their friend did it because they were uncomfortable
being blind and didn't have the right skills or attitude.  Others
would probably go to the other extreme and be so happy their friend
now could enjoy a full, complete, fulfilling normal life which, of
course, isn't possible for a blind person.  (heavy sarcasm)  But I do
think most people would go somewhere right near the halfway point
between these two extremes, and still accept their friend, even be
curious about it and happy for their friend, without changing much
about their lives as blind people.
  Just my thoughts,
Kirt

On 4/20/11, Jamie Principato <blackbyrdfly at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi, all.
>
> I was thinking recently about all of those "what to do what a loved one goes
> blind" articles and pamphlets I've seen, and how often I hear people talk
> about the reactions of friends and family and their community when they lost
> their vision. I think there have even been comments on this list about
> sighted friends for some reason thinking they have to treat us differently,
> or can't relate to us as well because we're blind.
>
> My question is this. How do you think the blind would respond in similar
> situations, say, if a friend among a netork of fellow blind students
> suddenly went sighted? As medical technology advances rapidly, it is
> becoming more and more possible to correct a number of causes of both
> congenital and later onset blindness. I know there are different opinions on
> matters like this in other disability groups, and the question really got me
> thinking.
>
> I'd love to hear peoples' thoughts!
>
> -Jamie
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