[Perform-talk] Purpose

[Kaiti Shelton]

The performing arts is one of the many other pursuits we know of where
blind people have to gain recognition as "Normal people."  The
expectation that a blind person can be a successful singer, actress,
or performer in another capacity is hampered by the societal
perceptions of blindness itself.  We don't want to be stuck only being
expected to play blind character roles, or always being touted as
wonderful whenever we sing.  If a performance is good we want to be
recognized for the practice or musicianship that went into it rather
than the fact that we pulled it off without sight.  A lot of this
bleeds over to the media of course, because the vast majority of
articles I've seen about blind performers pull at inspirational
heartstrings of readers rather than educate them about blindness and
how performers are like anyone else on the stage.  Of course I'm using
terms like stage and such because my personal experiences lie there,
but this is true for artists who showcase their talents in other
arenas as well.

I remember a few years ago Julie put it really nicely in her board
speech.  Blind performers are so under and misrepresented in this
industry and this needs to change.  Jordy might have the official
purpose on hand, but that is the interpretation I have of it.

On 6/9/15, Dennis via Perform-talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Being a DJ falls under the deffanition of a performing art.  Blind DJs are
> not that common, so it is always good for blind DJs to join.
>
> ****
> Dennis R. Sumlin, Personal Development Coach, Motivational Speaker.
> Communication for the self
> WWW.LifeThroughStrenth.com
>
> Sargent at Arms.
> Harlem Toastmasters Club
>
> Board member
> Human Services Division of the National Federation of the Blind
>
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: Darian Smith via Perform-talk
> Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2015 1:20 PM
> To: Performing Arts Division list
> Cc: Darian Smith
> Subject: [Perform-talk] Purpose
>
> Hi all,
>   I’ve always been a casual observer of the  performing Arts Division,
> having had friends and acquaintances  who have been members of the division.
> for a while I was unsure of     whether or not the division was a division
> that I could become involved with as the only sort of musical talent I
> believe I have is my DJ skills.
> Granted my mixing is a  hobby   and is a talent  I am proud of, but I am not
> quite so sure  amongst the actors, and singers and  instrument players
> that I fit here.
> Also, Every division has a purpose within the organized blindness movement
> of the NFB, so I  wonder how  you all might articulate the purpose of the
> division in the NFB? how this division raises expectations of blind people?
> of society?
>   Thanks so much!
>    Darian
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-- 
Kaiti