[nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting Blindness
John Heim
john at johnheim.net
Sat Apr 23 22:32:31 UTC 2011
Well, you're just repeating your preconceptions as if that proves them.
Yes, I get that you think Dining in the Dark reinforces stereotypes. But
that doesn't prove it to be true. Merely repeating your prejudices doesn't
make them facts.
I take it you have no first hand experience with Dining in the Dark, right?
From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
To: "'NFB Talk Mailing List'" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2011 4:44 PM
Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting Blindness
> He's basing it on our common experiences that most such events do more to
> reinforce erroneous stereotypes that we, the blind, are either miraculous
> freaks or pitiable idiots and do very little to impart what it's really
> like
> to be blind, especially after having been blind for a while and/or
> receiving
> training in blindness skills.
>
> Haven't you read some of the journalistic magna opi about trying to
> experience what it's supposedly like to be blind? Damn near all are laced
> with references to how hard being blind is and how miraculous and heroic
> we
> are for merely existing, let alone thriving. I should think these would
> be
> enough to make the flaws in the "dining in the dark" experience clear.
>
> Mike
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of John Heim
> Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2011 2:17 PM
> To: info at michaelhingson.com; NFB Talk Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting Blindness
>
> That is just so unfair. What are you basing that on?
>
> I will probably be a waiter at a Dining in the Dark event this summer.
> I'll record it if I can. Lets see what this is all abut. In the mean time,
> lets keep an open minde.
>
>
> On Apr 22, 2011, at 9:05 PM, Michael Hingson wrote:
>
>> However, I bet the presentation is SIGNIFICANTLY different.
>>
>> The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
>> "Speaking with Vision"
>> Michael Hingson, President
>> (415) 827-4084
>> info at michaelhingson.com
>> To learn more about my upcoming book, speaking topics and speaking
>> availability please visit www.michaelhingson.com Thunder Dog is now
>> available for early ordering on Amazon!!!
>> http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Dog-Blind-Triumph-Ground/dp/140020304X/r
>> ef=sr_
>> 1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289090352&sr=1-3
>>
>>
>> for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit:
>> http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-
>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jeanette Fortin
>> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 6:57 PM
>> To: NFB Talk Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting
>> Blindness
>>
>> there are a few nfb chapters doing the dining in the dark thing as
>> well you know?
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
>> To: <info at michaelhingson.com>; "'NFB Talk Mailing List'"
>> <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 7:45 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting
>> Blindness
>>
>>
>> Oh my Lord! Is the RP Foundation fighting Blindness involved in that
>> Dining in the Dark nonsense? I fear me greatly there's no hope for
>> them then.
>>
>> Mike Freeman
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-
>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael Hingson
>> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 6:23 PM
>> To: 'NFB Talk Mailing List'
>> Subject: [nfb-talk] observations about Foundation Fighting Blindness
>>
>> All,
>>
>> First, note the subject line change. I think the issue here is what
>> is "fulfilling"? From the literature I have read from this
>> organization as well as from discussions I have had with staff their
>> idea of a "fulfilling
>> life" does not contain the high expectations I or many of us have.
>> It all
>> goes back to the philosophy of blindness one chooses to have.
>>
>> If, for example, you think that it is amazing that a blind person can
>> cut their food and even find it, but think that because a blind person
>> does eat independently their life is in part fulfilling then your view
>> of the true nature of blindness differs from mine. "Dining In The
>> Dark" is a fundraising event the Foundation has sponsored in various
>> parts of the country. Putting a group of sighted people under
>> blindfold, then serving them food while making statements like "this
>> is what blind people face every day" cannot help improve the public's
>> view of the abilities of blind people.
>> Nevertheless this is the kind of thing the Foundation Fighting
>> Blindness does constantly.
>>
>> As, I think, Mike Freeman said, it is all in what you mean by
>> "fighting".
>> We in the NFB fight blindness every day. The blindness we fight is
>> that of people who let their eye sight get in the way of their vision
>> which has become blinded by prejudice and misinformation. (See
>> Thunder Dog when it is released).
>>
>> The tragedy of blindness is not the loss of eye sight unless we make
>> it so.
>> Any "tragedy" is only as serious as we allow it to be. Those who lose
>> their sight can move forward and have as full and productive a life as
>> before if they are willing to get the proper training. There is
>> nothing new here but, we need to keep saying it if we expect the world
>> to come around and believe that truth. It's marketing pure and
>> simple.
>>
>> Happy Easter.
>>
>>
>> Best,
>>
>>
>> Mike Hingson
>>
>> The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
>> "Speaking with Vision"
>> Michael Hingson, President
>> (415) 827-4084
>> info at michaelhingson.com
>> To learn more about my upcoming book, speaking topics and speaking
>> availability please visit www.michaelhingson.com Thunder Dog is now
>> available for early ordering on Amazon!!!
>> http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Dog-Blind-Triumph-Ground/dp/140020304X/r
>> ef=sr_
>> 1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289090352&sr=1-3
>>
>>
>> for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit:
>> http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-
>> bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
>> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 2:01 PM
>> To: NFB Talk Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] FW: {Disarmed} FW: A personal report
>> fromChairmanGordon Gund
>>
>> The choice of the word "fighting". It's not the they're against the
>> blind leading fulfilled lives; they can't conceive of it.
>>
>> Mike Freeman
>> sent from my iPhone
>>
>>
>> On Apr 22, 2011, at 13:10, "John Heim" <john at johnheim.net> wrote:
>>
>>> I'm sure the Foundation Fighting Blindness is very much in favor of
>>> blind
>> people living rich and fullfilling lives. What makes you think they're
>> not?
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Aldrich"
>>> <jajkaldrich at gmail.com>
>>> To: "Jeanette Fortin" <jeanette at fortin-home.com>; "NFB Talk Mailing
>>> List"
>> <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Friday, April 22, 2011 11:20 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] FW: {Disarmed} FW: A personal report
>> fromChairmanGordon Gund
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hello all!
>>>>
>>>> I greatly dislike how this organization the foundation fighting
>>>> blindness
>> reinforces how terrible it is to be blind! Yes! It is no picnic at
>> first when one loses vision I'm certain but we in the NFB are here to
>> show there is life after vision loss or there is life when one is
>> blind! We have a more positive message! Yes! I'm all for preserving
>> one's vision but if this isn't possible, I for one wish to see someone
>> continue to live a full and enriching life as much as possible! There
>> are many who can't cope but there are more who do and they live quite
>> well! At least, they have a life!
>> It is far better to be blind today than it was a hundred years ago but
>> even at that time, I'm certain some lived meaningful lives even then!
>>>>
>>>> Jim
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeanette Fortin"
>> <jeanette at fortin-home.com>
>>>> To: "NFB Talk Mailing List" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 4:03 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] FW: {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
>> ChairmanGordon Gund
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> well let me say this, why not fight blindness? if there is a way
>>>>> some
>> people can regain their vision or if doctors can help folks to save
>> the vision they have, go for it.
>>>>> i got a call today from my cousin who works with hazzardess
>>>>> materials in
>> his job. he was hit in the face with some costic liquid last week and
>> lost his vision for a couple of days. Because he was rushed to a
>> special hospital and given specific treatment for his eyes which were
>> damaged by the costic liquid, the doctors are hopeful he will regain
>> all or most of his vision.
>>>>> from some folks way of thinking it appears they think it would be
>>>>> just
>> fine for him to have lost his vision and subsequently his job. it
>> gave him a true appreciation of those of us who have dealt with vision
>> loss for years and has made him grateful for whatever vision he has.
>>>>> i think maybe the name of the organization, fighting blindness may
>> offend some folks, but if you understand how someone who had vision
>> and loses it feels maybe you would understand why the foundation is
>> trying to find ways to help folks either regain or not lose their
>> vision, jeanette
>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "S Baker"
>>>>> <srbaker12 at hotmail.com>
>>>>> To: "ANFBchat" <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 3:31 PM
>>>>> Subject: [nfb-talk] FW: {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
>>>>> Chairman
>> Gordon Gund
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> SRBaker
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> From: srbaker12 at hotmail.com
>>>>>> To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> Subject: RE: [nfb-talk] {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
>>>>>> Chairman
>> Gordon Gund
>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:29:26 +0000
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This email solicits donations. It also has links to current
>>>>>> research to
>> correct blindness.There is nothing wrong with being blind, if that is
>> what you want. If there is technology that can reverse,cure me, I am
>> all for it.
>> There is an old saying "There are none so blind as those who will not
>> see".
>> Our eyes may not work but our brains do.
>>>>>> Steve
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> SRBaker
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> From: ladygloria at webband.com
>>>>>>> To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:19:37 -0700
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
>>>>>>> Chairman
>> Gordon Gund
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> What in the heck is wrong with being blind!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Gloria Whipple
>>>>>>> Corresponding Secretary
>>>>>>> Inland Empire chapter
>>>>>>> nfb of WA
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>> From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>> On
>>>>>>> Behalf Of S Baker
>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 14:14
>>>>>>> To: AMoLList
>>>>>>> Subject: [nfb-talk] {Disarmed} FW: A personal report from
>>>>>>> Chairman
>> Gordon
>>>>>>> Gund
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> SRBaker
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:00:24 -0500
>>>>>>> From: GGund at FightBlindness.org
>>>>>>> To: srbaker at charter.net
>>>>>>> Subject: A personal report from Chairman Gordon Gund
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Like you, Steven, I follow the work of the Foundation Fighting
>> Blindness
>>>>>>> closely. As a donor, I want to know that my donations make a
>> difference.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> And believe me, they do. When I reflect on the last year and
>>>>>>> listen to
>> this
>>>>>>> video, I am reminded that we have more clinical trials for
>> sight-saving
>>>>>>> treatments underway than ever before. Clearly, hope and optimism
>>>>>>> are running high. Incredible strides have been made in the last
>>>>>>> few years,
>> and
>>>>>>> these remarkable advances would not have been made without your
>> support of
>>>>>>> the Foundation. They include:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Vision Restored. We are continuing to build on remarkable gains
>>>>>>> in
>> gene
>>>>>>> therapy. As you may recall, in a Foundation-funded trial,
>>>>>>> 9-year-old
>> Corey
>>>>>>> Haas and 19 others received a gene therapy treatment and can now
>>>>>>> see.
>> And
>>>>>>> as the trial has expanded, participants have shown sustained
>> improvement in
>>>>>>> vision. Building on this success, similar gene therapy treatments
>>>>>>> are moving into clinical trials for choroideremia, Stargardt
>>>>>>> disease and
>> Usher
>>>>>>> syndrome.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Innovative Technology. The high-tech industry has a treatment I'm
>>>>>>> incredibly excited about-- the world's first commercially
>>>>>>> available artificial or "bionic" eye. Early funding from the
>>>>>>> Foundation was key
>> to
>>>>>>> getting this engineered retina off the ground. Building on the
>>>>>>> studies
>> we
>>>>>>> funded, the light-sensing, implantable "chip" has been tested in
>>>>>>> a
>> clinical
>>>>>>> trial in Europe with great results. In the study, people who were
>> profoundly
>>>>>>> blind experienced improved vision that could help them to be more
>>>>>>> independent. In fact, many can now see shapes and recognize large
>> letters.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Groundbreaking Therapies. A research team funded by the
>>>>>>> Foundation
>> Fighting
>>>>>>> Blindness developed an innovative technique for correcting the
>>>>>>> disease-causing gene by using stem cells derived from a person's
>>>>>>> skin.
>> While
>>>>>>> more work is needed to ensure safety, this advancement suggests
>>>>>>> that
>> doctors
>>>>>>> may someday be able to treat a patient's retinal disease using
>>>>>>> their
>> own
>>>>>>> skin cells.
>>>>>>> These few accomplishments barely begin to tell the story of all
>>>>>>> the
>> progress
>>>>>>> that's being made. And this is why words can never express my
>>>>>>> personal gratitude for your passionate and committed support.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I hope you will take a few minutes to watch the video and see the
>> results of
>>>>>>> your support and the hope it has generated. But most importantly,
>>>>>>> I
>> hope you
>>>>>>> will see that research is progressing at a terrific rate. It's
>>>>>>> been a
>> long
>>>>>>> time coming, but we crossed a critical threshold when our
>>>>>>> researchers actually restored sight. It launched us into a new
>>>>>>> era when more and
>> more
>>>>>>> people will have their sight saved or restored every year. A lot
>>>>>>> of
>> work
>>>>>>> remains. But we'll get there by continuing to work together.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The Foundation Fighting Blindness values the support you give us
>>>>>>> by donating, talking to your friends, and advocating for
>>>>>>> increased
>> research
>>>>>>> funding. As we continue our relentless pursuit to eradicate
>>>>>>> blindness,
>> we
>>>>>>> hope you will continue your steadfast support of our mission.
>>>>>>> Thanks
>> for
>>>>>>> envisioning a bright future for the millions affected by retinal
>>>>>>> degenerative diseases.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Gordon Gund
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Check us out on:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Tell a Friend | Subscribe | Change email address | Unsubscribe
>>>>>>> Foundation Fighting Blindness www.FightBlindness.org
>>>>>>> 7168 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 100 Columbia, MD 21046
>>>>>>> 1-800-683-5555
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> nonprofit software
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> nfb-talk mailing list
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>>>>>>> nfb-talk:
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>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-talk_nfbnet.org/ladygloria%4
>> 0webba
>>>>>>> nd.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>>
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>>>>>
>>>>>
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>>>>>
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>>>>
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