[nfb-talk] Fw: Implanted chip 'allows blind people to detect objects'

[David Andrews]

Ray:

I think I understand what you are saying, and in some instances you 
might be right, but I disagree with you.  I think I am as well 
adjusted as anyone -- I have a good job, two great kids, contribute 
to the NFB and my community in meaningful ways etc.  Would I see if I 
could -- absolutely!  And I don't think that means I am not well 
adjusted, haven't accepted my blindness etc.

In fact, since you are so "honest" I will tell you that I think your 
attitude is your way of propping up yourself and hiding feelings of 
insecurity or inferiority over your blindness.

It isn't necessary to repudiate vision to bolster yourself as a blind person.

For what it's worth, in a conversation with Dr. Jernigan I once had, 
as I recall he said he felt that any blind person who says he/she 
wouldn't want to see again wasn't being honest with herself.  That 
doesn't mean we aren't well adjusted, but seeing is the norm, the 
world is set up for them, why wouldn't we want the convenience of 
partaking.  That doesn't mean we aren't well-adjusted in what we have 
now necessarily.

Dave

At 02:09 PM 11/4/2010, you wrote:
>Well, John, obviously, you want it; and therefore, I conclude that 
>you are not as well adjusted to your blindness as you really ought 
>to be.  Since you wanted a frank answer, there you go.  Perhaps, 
>however, you didn't expect it to be so direct.  Any person who has 
>not, for what ever reason, well adjusted to their blindness will or 
>might feel that something is lacking; and, therefore, will welcome 
>the chip to cause them to see.  In my situation, however, sight 
>would really not fix anything.  We tend to see ourselves as others 
>see us; and, this means, whether we like it or not, that if people 
>generally think a blind person can't do anything, (and if that blind 
>person not well adjusted to blindness only sarounds himself with 
>people who think as he does), then, of course, he's going to believe 
>the same about himself.  the very fact that anyone whom so ever 
>could want such a chip is a reflection of a lack of proper knowledge 
>about blindness; and, to be frank, an acceptance of the eronious 
>belief that we blind are inferior.
>Sincerely,
>The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!

                         David Andrews:  dandrews at visi.com
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