[Perform-Talk] The Diversity Controversy

Mon Feb 29 20:34:09 UTC 2016

I think it is a great idea. It needs to start somewhere. 

Rob Kaiser
Email;
rcubfank at sbcglobal.net

-----Original Message-----
From: Perform-talk [mailto:perform-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Darian Smith via Perform-talk
Sent: Monday, February 29, 2016 11:32 AM
To: Performing Arts Division list <perform-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Perform-Talk] The Diversity Controversy

I agree with most of this, but just for the sake  of discussion, I would like to challenge what is being said.
 What does it mean that when it comes to Blind people who have been successful entertainers that the first thing and probably only real thing we can come up with  are the two artists that Bridget mentioned earlier? ?
 I do agree that change must be made on mass, and movements take on a different   complexion and a level of effectiveness when we organize in solidarity.
 If this is true, then can we  equally contend that PAD is poised to begin a movement? Especially if that  change can’t be made just within the blindness community?        

> On Feb 29, 2016, at 11:00 AM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Perform-talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I don't think disabled people in general are represented in the arts. Diversity began with color and then moved to sexual orientation and is now including gender identity. At some point, yes, perhaps the disabled community will be included as well. But not if we don't speak up and demand a presence, a part of the limelight.
> 
> I have maintained for years now that true change throughout history happened when artist made statements. Historically, especially in the last two centuries, it's when artist got involved and used their craft to express the issue that true change happened and grew and evolved.
> 
> Laws are great and necessary. Political involvement is an integral element in change. But to impact society, have change happen on a cellular level, it has happened by artist. Writers, actors, musicians, artist, etc. They make the most difference.
> 
> When we grow vocal and take our talent to the public, that's when they pay attention. That's when we gain a place at the table. No one will invite us. We have to invite ourselves.
> 
> I had the same thoughts last night as diversity was discussed, dissected and digested last night during the Oscars. What about disabled people? I thought. Where are the films about that? The documentaries? The advocates? And demonstrating the truth about disability. Not what non-disabled people think it is. We need to bring it to them. We need to make our presence known.
> 
> And BTW, I don't think blind people alone can make the most effective change. As a disabled community, we need to work in tandem. I'm not suggesting we merge with groups not espousing and upholding similar views on disability as the Federation. I know water-downing the message is always a concern, but organizations do exist with similar views. And what about individuals? Can you imagine the noise we would make if our ranks were plumped up with others in the disabled community? We could not be ignored then. We could not be relegated to the corner because we were just some fanatical minority. The Civil Right's movement gained steam when more people joined forces. This needs to be bigger than blindness if we want true, effective, wide-spread change.
> 
> I think PAD is poised to begin a movement. Bring our voice to the world in a much louder way.
> 
> Just my thoughts!
> 
> Bridgit
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Perform-talk [mailto:perform-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf 
> Of Darian Smith via Perform-talk
> Sent: Monday, February 29, 2016 12:20 PM
> To: Performing Arts Division list <perform-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com>
> Subject: [Perform-Talk] The Diversity Controversy
> 
> Hi all,
>  I’m sure some of us on this list watched the   Oscars last night and if not probably have heard much around the topic of diversity  in  Hollywood (or lack there of).
> One can easily say that there  is no shortage of truly talented actors, directors, producers, etc in the entertainment business and that their talents are not confined to the packaging it may be presented in.
> In other words, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and much of anything else doesn’t make the performer.
> Do you think that Blindness is represented at all? fairly? If you don’t think it is, do you believe there will be a time that Blindness is represented fairly? What do you think will need to be done to see that a blind person wins an academy award or a grammy or whatever award recognizes them at the pinnacle of their craft? ?  Do you think there will be a time that a blind person will be recognized for their ability and considered amazing because of their  natural talent?
> 
> 
> 
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Darian Smith
 President, National Federation of the Blind of California, Community Service Division. 
dsmithnfb at gmail.com
(415)215-9809
Personal Twitter: @goldengateace
NFBC: @nfbca and NFB: @nfb_Voice 
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the 
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the 
> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create 
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> you want; blindness is not what holds you back
> 
> 
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 - Nelson Mandela.  

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