[nobe-l] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #152- The Cursed

[Marianne]

This is great.  Thank you.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
To: "'National Organization of Blind Educators Mailing List'" 
<nobe-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: <info at myblindspot.org>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 8:30 AM
Subject: Re: [nobe-l] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #152- The Cursed


> Hmmm.... what to do with this one.  Well for starters, there is a cultural
> issue in addition to generationally imposed  misperceptions. First, Robert
> would have to determine, as would his lady friend, how much control the
> patriarch of this family    does or does not have on these two individuals
> happiness. It is unfortunate that biblical references do nothing to help
> combat this universally  held position.  I would however, draw to the
> attention of the father and others, that all to often blindness is given a
> bum rap.  First justice in all her glory is said to be blind. in fact she
> wears a blind fold in order to reaffirm that only in blindness, without
> traditional and typical sight can justice be doled out without distraction
> or distortion to truth.  Then too, we all of us look to the mysteries of
> faith. No matter the spiritual focus of any of us, we are asked to have
> blind faith. Seeing is not always believing. So there you have it. Two 
> very
> profound  and culturally relevant arguments to make to this man who sees
> blindness as a weakness rather then a strength  which not to many people
> would handle willingly or well. But as with anything practice makes 
> perfect.
> Blindness is, for me, just another language or dance step I need to learn 
> in
> order to move freely through this life of mine. Peace.
>
> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
> CEO/Founder
> My Blind Spot, Inc.
> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
> New York, New York  10004
> www.myblindspot.org
> PH: 917-553-0347
> Fax: 212-858-5759
> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
> doing it."
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nobe-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nobe-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On 
> Behalf
> Of Robert Leslie Newman
> Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 10:37 AM
> To: educator list nfb
> Subject: [nobe-l] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #152- The Cursed
>
> Educators
> RE:  The Cursed
>
> Here is my #152nd THOUGHT PROVOKER. It is a study in how various religious
> factions will view the blind; from near sainthood to being cursed. If you
> have not read the PROVOKER, it follows.  Recall that I collect responses 
> and
> post them upon my web site for all the WWW to read and learn from and that
> URL is- Http://thoughtprovoker.info <http://thoughtprovoker.info/>   If 
> you
> wish to receive THOUGHT PROVOKERS sent directly to you, just write me and
> ask, at-  newmanrl at cox.net
>
>
>
> THOUGHT PROVOKER 152
> The Cursed
>
> "Hi, I'm Robert. Your accent, if I am reading it correctly, places you 
> from
> somewhere in the Middle East?"
>
> The attractive dusky-skinned, dark-haired woman looked quizzically at the
> guy approaching. He was about her age, nice looking, using a long white
> cane. She had first noticed him upon her arrival in the hotel lobby, and
> later in the registration line and reception area for those attending the
> two-day conference. He had impressed her with his poise as he maneuvered
> about independently, responding charmingly as he dealt with the awkward
> reception his presence sometimes elicited. Without hesitation, she spoke 
> up,
> "Hello, and, yes. To put a finger or two on the map, Cairo originally, but
> most recently, right here in Philly. My name is Dara --- I'm the only one
> sitting in this row." A realization was blossoming within her; this guy's
> disability didn't make her feel uncomfortable.
>
> Anticipation fueling his every stride, Robert moved into the row. He 
> hadn't
> expected such a provocative seatmate at a conference where he knew there
> wouldn't be anyone he'd know. Her voice is so beautiful, he thought.
> Feeling at ease and maybe too much so, he couldn't believe his next words,
> "Well, guess I'll sit by you and fill up the row so it's just ours."
>
> They didn't have the entire row to themselves. Yet throughout the 
> morning's
> presentations, they indulged in periodic soft-spoken exchanges.  Some
> concerning the information being presented, some purely personal, and
> sometimes, sharing some stifled laughter.
>
> At the end of the morning session, they decided to have lunch together.
> Later, they had dinner, then the next morning, breakfast, and then lunch
> again. The conference was over at 4:00 PM.
>
> "I've got to see you again. How about tomorrow lunch or dinner somewhere?"
> Robert asked.
>
> "Yes, me too. Ah --- how about you come over to my apartment and I make
> dinner --- you bring a refreshment."
>
> "Yes!"
>
> The night of their date, dinner finished, with more wine, soft music, and 
> a
> deep lingering kiss, Dara said, "I once heard that it was very 
> disconcerting
> to look into a blind person's eyes. But ah --- being this close and 
> looking
> --- I'm not sure I know what they are referring to."
>
> "Well I'm told --- good art work on non-scratch plastic like I have, can
> work miracles."
>
> "Ha! Oh Robert my dear man," Dara snuggled closer, "you are so full of
> surprises and delights. I must tell you that I feel that I am falling in
> love with you. "Fingertips caressing his cheek,  "Before we get more
> serious, we must go to my father. He must meet and pass his judgment on my
> choice."
>
> "Woo, You mean we have to get your father's permission to fall in love?"
>
> "No, it's not that way. I have my own heart and feelings. I respect you 
> for
> who you are, my dear. Just that, my father is the --- head of the family. 
> It
> is the way within my culture. The man oversees the affairs of the family.
> You will like him. He is a generous, loving, and God fearing man. And his
> being judgmental; well --- it goes along with the position "
>
> The day came for their trip to Dara's family home and her introduction of
> Robert to her father came. Her mother served them tea and sweets. They
> talked, drank tea, talked some more, and though her family were very 
> polite,
> they were nevertheless very curious about how this blind man lived.
>
> After dinner, in her father's study, Dara and Robert spoke of their 
> feelings
> for one another. And her father answered. "My dear daughter, I do not give
> my permission. Let me make this very clear, Robert, though you are a fine
> fellow, I must oppose this marriage. I do not want my daughter to be fated
> to the life she would have to live if she is betrothed to you. You are
> blind, a condition which greatly, how should I say it --- blindness 
> severely
> impacts your life--you are stigmatized; you have reduced independence and,
> therefore, your prospects to financially care for my daughter are
> handicapped. No. I forbid this union. You are one of God's cursed."
>
>
> Robert Leslie Newman
> Email- newmanrl at cox.net
> THOUGHT PROVOKER Website-
> Http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
>
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