[Nfbf-l] 2012-04 Dining in the Dark Resolution Info

[Lenora J. Marten]

Hey everyone,
 
For those who are not aware, NFB passed a resolution at National Convention in Dallas that condemns the
practice of Dining in the Dark.
You will find a copy/paste of the resolution below.
 

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.  



Lenora J. Marten
NFB-Florida Secretary 
FOPBC President
NFB-Jax Chapter Secretary 
bluegolfshoes at aol.com 
904-777-5976 / 904-229-9554