[nabs-l] The diversity in a movement.

[Kaiti Shelton]

I think that if there were only one type of federationist there would
be new problems that would arise.  Even if this one type would be a
perfectly self-sufficient person, braille-literate, a good traveler,
employed, etc, there would be other problems created.  We're about
building an entire population of people up, not just one subset.  That
is why people have some difficulty understanding that blind people are
diverse in their own right, but if we were more homogenius there would
be even more problems with this, I think.

Think of it this way; is it more damaging to have a situation where
everyone is more or less the same, or different.  I know others as
well as myself have been in situations where we were annoyed that a
blind person who seemed less capable than we were was compared to us,
or received unnecessary handouts.  On the other hand, we need to think
of the people who are struggling to learn some skills and view the
high expectations we have for blind people as something to work up to.
It goes both ways.

On 1/29/15, Julie McGinnity via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi Darian and all,
>
> I think our members are definitely diverse.  And I agree that there is
> no one way to be a federationist.  I think our common goals bind us
> together.  We all feel that we as blind people must seek equality for
> all of uus so that we can pursue all the opportunities we wish.  As
> federationists, we have a common agenda.  It's about more than being
> blind, our preferences as blind people, or even our personal
> philosophies.  It's about moving beyond those things to connect with
> others as we work to reshape preconceived ideas of the blind and
> change laws that affect us.
>
> So, I don't think there is an image of the example federationist...
> Mostly I don't think this because our movement is about more than just
> one example blind person.  It's about all of us working together.  As
> I understand, that's kind of what our new logo represents.
>
> On 1/29/15, jonathan franks via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hello Darian and all,
>> I completely agree. The members of the National Federation of the
>> Blind and the blind population are full of numerous dynamics of
>> personalities and characteristics. No organization can be perfect, but
>> the reason I chose the NFB was the overall mission and philosophy this
>> organization believes in. Washington Seminar is a perfect example of
>> how I feel about what the NFB does best, we all are different people
>> with different personalities, but the grander mission of equality for
>> blind individuals holds true as to why I joined this organization.
>> Also the dynamic types of projects this organization takes on does
>> such a wonderful job in forming our future leaders and instilling
>> confidence and the realization of knowing that we can live the life we
>> want as blind people.
>>
>> Best
>>
>> Jonathan Franks
>> Board Member
>> National Federation of the Blind of Texas
>> 1st Vice President
>> National Federation of the Blind of Texas- Austin Chapter
>>  Treasurer
>> Texas Association of Blind Students
>> Board Member
>> National Division of the NFB Diabetes Action Network
>>
>> On 1/29/15, Darian Smith via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>>   Recent  conversation on the list has started me thinking about whether
>>> or
>>> not there is a particular type of person who fits the ideal of what a
>>> federationist  is or is not?
>>>  I have personally come to believe that there isn't such a thing as an
>>> ideal
>>> Federationist.   I think there are most certainly things that the
>>> Federation
>>>  believes in,  and  practices/models such as the proficient use of
>>> alternative techniques (Braille, cane travel, daily living skills,
>>> technology), the expectation of    equal treatment in society  and equal
>>> responsibility   on the part of the blind person to  achieve that
>>> equality,
>>> but I don't think only certain people can achieve those things.
>>>  I tend to believe that while the Federation has it's flaws (as does any
>>> organization/group of people) it/we are an  organization full of people
>>> who
>>> come from different backgrounds with a diverse set  of skills,
>>> interests,
>>> beliefs, etc.  I think  many of the members of this  movement/our
>>> movement
>>> are vital because of the types of leaders they are, the types of
>>> supporters
>>> they are and the types of believers (in the type of future  the blind
>>> can
>>> have and abilities the blind possess).
>>>   I think we are truly equal parts geniuses and Jerks, we can be as
>>> sweet
>>> or
>>> cynical as anyone and as humble or arrogant  as any other human being.
>>>   Basically,  I believe we come in different shapes and sizes, with
>>> varying
>>> skills and styles.
>>>   What do others think?
>>>   Darian
>>>
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>>
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>
>
> --
> Julie McGinnity
> National Federation of the Blind performing arts division secretary,
> Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President, National Federation
> of the Blind of Missouri recording secretary,
> graduate Guiding Eyes for the Blind 2008, 2014
> "For we walk by faith, not by sight"
> 2 Cor. 7
>
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-- 
Kaiti