[nabs-l] Blindness and other minorities

[Jedi]

Perhaps, but there are "cross-platform" techniques that other 
minorities are using that might help us out just as well.

Respectfully Submitted

Original message:
> Julie,

> No, the discrimination faced by people of different races and
> ethnicities, or gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc., is a
> different type of discrimination that what people with disabilities
> face. It also stems from different sources- usually this type of
> discrimination grows out of hate as well as ignorance and fear of
> differences. Disability is feared too, but the general idea, as you
> state, is that many believe disabled people require constant assistance,
> and disabled people are owed a debt by society because we lack equality.
> It's not processed this way, but it stems from the perception that
> disability equates to not being capable, less fortunate, inferior.

> We can't place discriminatory behavior side by side when it comes to
> disability and other issues like race or sexual orientation, but we do
> share the fact that ignorance and antiquated perceptions perpetuate
> ideas about people who are different. We can't try to make the issues
> exactly the same and hold the same measurements, but we can understand
> how ignorance cultivates an environment lacking education and
> infromation providing people with the concept of true equality.

> Sincerely,
> Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
> Read my blog at:
> http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/

> "History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
> The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan

> Message: 4
> Date: Sun, 6 Nov 2011 23:40:03 -0600
> From: Julie McGinnity <kaybaycar at gmail.com>
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>         <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Blindness vs. Other Minority Groups
> Message-ID:

> <CAHox4D+p6XefJkLCiWDb+f0VnjH5W2ZQeVu+NXaku=HYJmY7Jg at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

> Hi all.

> I know this was mentioned a bit in previous messages, but I think the
> big difference is the fact that sighted people believe that we are
> always in need of help.  They take it as a matter of course that we are
> helpless and can't do whatever it is by ourselves.  Now I am speaking
> generally; I do not mean all sighted people.

> I don't believe that other minority groups deal with this problem. White
> people don't try to help African Americans with simple tasks without
> asking them if they need it as sighted people often do to the blind.
> When blind people refuse help or get annoyed when they are treated
> differently, then the sighted people are offended when the blind speak
> and advocate for themselves.

> I actually think that educating complete strangers is easier than
> educating people I know.  I have been called angry and prideful because
> I refuse to allow people to grab my arm and propell me along, and I get
> very frustrated with people who will not talk to me in favor of speaking
> to my sighted friends.  It was said to me by a friend that I should just
> deal with it and accept the help because it is easier that way.  I don't
> even know if this person even understood how offensive that comment was
> to me.

> When I am in the middle of a situation where in I have to educate
> someone, I try to handle it with firm politeness.  It helps to keep a
> smile in place and explain it as though these things happen all the
> time, which they do.  You can complain and rant to your friends later.
>  :)

> The other problem is that there really is a time and a place for
> advocacy and education.  I am a performer, so I must walk on stage.  I
> prefer to do this independently.  I am a singer, and I work with an
> accompanist.  We have been working together for about five years.  She
> knows that I will walk on stage on my own.  This weekend at a singing
> competition I had to work with another accompanist.  This one thought it
> necessary to grab my arm and stop me at my place in front of the piano
> and try to turn me around to face the audience.  I was stuck.  I could
> not give her a speach then and there of course, but I was afraid that it
> would look bad that she was litterally trying to turn me around like I
> didn't know which way to face on my own.

> Unfortunately, even when I tried to explain it to her later, she did not
> understand.  I have also taught my guide dog to stop when people grab my
> arm.  This is actually quite fun.  The person trying to pull me along
> will get annoyed and inquire as to why I am not moving.  When I explain
> calmly that my dog stops when people try to guide me because it is her
> job to guide me, and she does not need to compete with others, they
> understand and don't get too offended.

> This is a very interesting thread, and I've been enjoying reading about
> all your thoughts and experiences.


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