[nabs-l] Blindness and other minorities

Sat Nov 12 20:41:36 UTC 2011

Hi Ashley and Bridgit,

Let me point out that although there is still discrimination and 
inequality in America, it's not, in my opinion, because our 
"democracy" is flawed; we don't have a democracy! We have a 
Republic for a system of government, which is different from a 
Democratic form of government.  The difference is that in a true 
democracy, the country is ruled by the people as a collective, 
all-powerful group.  In other words, it is what some would call 
"mob rule." This historically has caused riots and chaos, which 
usually leads to the end of whatever country tried it.  As a 
republic, we have representatives who are sent to represent the 
people in our government.  We then vote for who we think would be 
best to represent us.  So, the discrimination and inequality 
isn't because of our system of government, in my opinion.

Chris
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ashley Bramlett" <bookwormahb at earthlink.net
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:54:56 -0400
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Blindness and other minorities

Bridget,
Well said.  I agree there is discrimination and not enough 
equality.  And
other minorities are fighting for  the same thing.

However, I will do my part to participate in the democracy we 
have, even
though itâ€™s a flawed one.  I'm voting next tuesday!
Ashley

-----Original Message-----
From: Bridgit Pollpeter
Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 1:20 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nabs-l] Blindness and other minorities

Jedi,

I also identify with feminism, but I consider myself a part of a 
new
wave of feminist, as it were; my term, no official definition! 
Smile.  I
just try to consider all people equals.  It's not about asserting
dominance over any particular group, or being just like a man; 
it's
about being me, the best me, and not buying into preconceived 
ideas.

I don't back down from my positions and arguments unless I find 
sense or
logic in another's view point.  Feminism, true feminism, which is 
about
equality, is often misconstrued and viewed in a negative light.  
I tried
to tailor my argument so as to not focus on feminism in and of 
itself,
but to display how far from true equality this world really is.

We've lulled ourselves into a false sense of equality in today's 
world.
Yet everywhere we look, discrimination and prejudice remain 
staunch
parts of life.  I totter on the edge of controversy  here, but we 
send
military presences into other countries demanding, forcing them 
to
accept a democratic way of life, but in our own country many of 
us are
still struggling to be considered a part of the so-called 
democratic
society here.  Yes, I'm not so stupid to not realize in many 
instances
people in other countries experience medieval-like ways of life 
and
horrid governments that will kill to get what they want, but in 
terms of
a democratic, equal life, no one has achieved this.  How can 
Americans
take on the role of big brother when we won't give certain rights 
and
respect to groups living in America? Our perspective is skewed.  
I'm not
necessarily claiming we intentionally dish out inproportionate 
amounts
of equality, but because many don't have to deal with certain
experiences or have much exposure to them, they fail to realize 
the
truth.  Unfortunately this ignorance has led too many to think we 
live as
equals, and that opportunity is simply something you reach out 
for and
grab it, as though opportunity is attainable equally.  Ten 
percent of
students learning Braille is certainly not a statistic allowing a
minority to simply reach out and achieve anything.

Anyway, I didn't mean to come across with a wishy-washy message; 
it's
just that my focus was on showing that people with disabilities 
are not
the only group still fighting to be viewed as capable equals.  
And I
personally don't look at certain women differently just because 
they
choose to take a path less traveled these days.  Whether working 
or not,
I don't think we should judge anyone who is pursuing something 
they love
or being productive even if not in a conventional or traditional 
way.  I
believe in equality among genders, and I think women should be 
able to
choose whatever path that makes them happy; meanwhile, my 
ultimate dream
is to be a soccer mom! Smile.

It's going to take time to convince people that disability isn't 
the end
of the road.  It helps when people with disabilities actually 
live up to
the standards and ideas espoused by groups like the Federation, 
but the
same comment can be said about any minority or under-served 
group.  I
think the best way to truly affect society is to live our lives 
and meet
the same expectations placed on the rest of the world- to achieve
averageness should be the goal all people with disabilities works
towards.  Smirky grin.

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: 8
Date: Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:53:20 -0400
From: Jedi <loneblindjedi at samobile.net
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Blindness vs.  other minority groups
Message-ID: ef9b1671-465f-4c4b-8cd7-511b7cd8d5c3 at samobile.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format="flowed"

Bridgit,

Never apologize for what you say here if it comes from your 
deepest
experience.  This is exactly the discussion we should be having.  
And
really, there is nothing dirty about feminism.  In fact, 
feminists have
been saying the same thing for decades that you've just said here 
on
list.  So while you personally may not identify as feminist, you 
do
share feminist beliefs.  I identify as a feminist, and we're not 
all
bra-burning crazies out to get men, we're just men and women who 
are as
sick of sex oppression as you are.

Respectfully,
Jedi

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