[stylist] Inquiry about not being sure?

Wed Apr 1 15:02:20 UTC 2015

Michael,

First, what does near blind mean? In my opinion, blind is blind, regardless
of level of vision, if any. Lots of labels exist for people with visual
impairments, but I believe, as does the Federation, that these labels often
create a hierarchy of blindness, typically inferring those with some vision
are better off than those with no vision. I'm not offended or feel you mean
anything by this, but I just think the labels do more harm than good and
rarely accurately describe blindness.

Second, we all have different experiences with disability. How we view it
and the world around us can vary greatly. There are a lot of variables that
go into this, and at the end of the day, it's about reaching acceptance and
a positive attitude about our disability, or at least to be on that journey.
Personally, I do not like or use the term handicap. I feel it's outdated,
has negative conotations and the originally reason as to why that term
developed harkens to a time when disabled people were considered incapable
and not able to do much more than sit on corners asking for hand-outs.
Having said that, lots of people still use the term, and for me, it depends
on how it is used, but personally, I think we need to update this term.
Simply disabled works, or I like to use the term, differently able, as a
blind person with training in alternative skills, there is little I can not
do, I just might do it in a slightly different way at times, smile.

Third, on Stylist, we are all able to post what we write and ask for
feedback. Twenty pages is long, but some of us would take the time to read
and provide constructive criticism. So feel free to share anything you
write.

I will always provide honest feedback when asked. Usually, in creative
writing, you leave content alone unless plot or structure does not make
sense just because we are not suppose to judge subject matter but what works
or does not work, but if you specifically want subject matter analyzed, some
of us will give you honest feedback.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael via
stylist
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2015 10:13 PM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: [stylist] Inquiry about not being sure?

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Hello All Fellow Authors and Readers;

I have a question here? I have many stories that I am yet to publish along
with several novels that are now being edited. One of my long in progress
projects is called The Blind Mans bluff! It is a collection of stories from
my youth until my present day old timer status. These are stories about
growing up with the handicap and hardships of being near blind and how I had
to deal with challenges. I have had many challenges as we all have but
somehow I have kept them in a journal with a humorous twist to most of them.
These humorous takes, have allowed me to pass through many difficult
situations and in many of my personal stories I poke fun at myself. My wife
says that my stories about being blind and my use of self incrimination
might offend others who are blind and might not have my sense of humor.

My inquiry with this group is that if I post this story, Old Blind Mike's
Famous Canoe Journey, or a title close to that, would the readers inform me
or critique the story for its insight of being blind with a humorous twist?

The story runs about 20 pages. I wrote it trying to capture this experience
or self inflicted challenge but instead of remembering it in the negative, I
try and capture it in humor. I also attempt  to give a sighted reader an
insight to what a blind person might be experiencing or going through or how
he or she might be seeing things. Somehow I hope to get this story
published.but?

Sometimes my imagination takes me to places that I am not sure of! I guess I
am looking for a balance to my attitude in writing. Being near blind has
certainly created within me a very different perspective on life and how I
see it.

Thank you
Michael

TickPub Thanks You,
All The Best And More,
Regards And Respect From Michael!
Visit www.storynetadventures.com Get Your Free Travel Humor Book!
Just Click On The Blue Linked Book On The Shelf!
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