[NAGDU] Gala with one course under blindfold

NAGDU President blind411 at verizon.net
Fri Sep 28 16:58:46 UTC 2018


Dear All,

	Pasted below and attached is a resolution passed by the National Federation of the Blind convention in 2012 concerning Dining in the dark.

Resolution 2012-04
Regarding Dining in the Dark

WHEREAS, the real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight but the widespread public misconception that the blind are not equal to the sighted
in society; and 

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind categorically rejects the myth that the blind are not equal to the sighted; and 

WHEREAS, programs of the National Federation of the Blind teach and promote a positive understanding of blindness, that the blind are normal and equal
members of society, and that blindness does not mean inferiority; and 

WHEREAS, an activity known as "Dining in the Dark" is being promoted and used to raise funds by having sighted people experience blindness by eating in
the dark; and 

WHEREAS, an article published in Time magazine entitled “Dining in the Dark” assures would-be diners that the cook “works in a well-lit kitchen”; and 

WHEREAS, the Dining in the Dark website--www.dininginthedark.org--states: “you will pick from a specially prepared menu (designed by a sighted local ‘star’
chef)” and "In darkness everyone becomes equal. Our opinions can't be molded by dress, mannerisms, or makeup as none of it can be seen. You learn that
without sight your other senses become more acute”; and 

WHEREAS, these statements lay bare the underlying philosophy of Dining in the Dark, that sight means superior ability, and that, when sight is removed
in the dark, the blind and the sighted are equal: Now, therefore, 

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this fourth day of July, 2012, in the city of Dallas, Texas, that this organization
condemn and deplore the use of Dining in the Dark in a manner that diminishes the innate normality and equal status of the blind in society; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization pursue an active policy of opposition to Dining in the Dark activities and events, including use of media
and public protests, whenever and wherever such activities and events exploit blindness and blind people based on a demeaning philosophy.

Fraternally yours
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
Visit our website
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The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind  people and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds you back.


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2018 11:06 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Cindy Ray
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Gala with one course under blindfold

I hae always found the Dining in the Dark activities to be most distasteful. I have trouble believing a guide dog school would employ it.
Cindy Lou Ray
cindyray at gmail.com


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Michael Hingson via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2018 11:10 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Michael Hingson <mike at michaelhingson.com>; 'Tracy Carcione' <carcione at access.net>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Gala with one course under blindfold

All,

Think about the event. This is a major GDB fundraiser. Who is going to have time to provide any instruction? Also, remember that it is not just about technique, but it also is about philosophy.

This is a horrible idea under any circumstances. Blindfolding someone and then encouraging them to try to "eat like a blind person" is only going to reinforce the already negative stereotypes people have about us. There is, I believe, no circumstance where this idea of "dining in the dark" never works and shouldn't be employed. It certainly should not be used by a major supposedly respected guide dog school in a fundraising event. 


Best Regards,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2018 8:34 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Gala with one course under blindfold

Nancy, I agree.  If they provided some instruction, and said something about how this is how it might be for a newly blind person who hasn't yet learned the skills blind people need, that would be OK.  But I doubt that's what will happen. But I will say that when I write.
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Nancy VanderBrink via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2018 6:55 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Nancy VanderBrink
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Gala with one course under blindfold

So, I kind of feel like if they provided some instruction by means of things like how to locate your glass without knocking it over or how to cut up your food without using your vision, I don’t think it would be so bad. That being said, I am afraid that it is going to turn into a messy affair that people are going to laugh about later. So I hope that it is not just a way of saying oh those poor blind people this is why they need our money kind of things.

Please forgive the typos as this message was most likely generated using voice dictation Nancy Irwin Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 20, 2018, at 6:50 PM, Michael Hingson via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:

Tracy,

You are not being overly sensitive. I just saw the same thing this morning.
I think it is time for all GDB grads to voice our concern about this.
So-called "dining in the dark" is paternalistic at best and such a move is grossly insensitive. 


Best Regards,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2018 11:19 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
Subject: [NAGDU] Gala with one course under blindfold

As an occasional donor to GDB, I just received an invitation to their annual auction/gala.  Auctions, puppies, fine wine, and fine food, with "one course under blindfold".  I was fine with the whole thing, until I got to the blindfold bit.  What can it possibly teach patrons?  That, for blind people, eating is a clumsy, messy business?  Oh, those poor blind people.

I'm of a mind to write to the fundraising department and make my feelings known on the subject.

Or am I just being over-sensitive?  I rather think not, but would be interested in other opinions.

Tracy



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