[nabs-l] Blindness and other minorities

[Jedi]

Actually Chris, what we have is a representative democracy. You're 
right. We do elect representatives to speak on our behalf and make some 
decisions on our behalf. But in a representative democracy, the bottom 
line still rests with the people. At least, in theory. What's happened 
is that politicians have, to a great extent, stopped listening to their 
constituents and have started to pay more attention to their own 
interests and the interests of those who have the greatest influence in 
their ability to stay in office. So far is inequality is concerned, we 
still have it because we still support it regardless of what our moral 
compases say we should support or what we think we support. In other 
words, we're not always congruent with our values. Either that, or 
we're not terribly truthful with ourselves about what our values really 
are. My guess is that it's some measure of both.

Respectfully,
Jedi

Original message:
> 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 it’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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