[Stylist] Blindness matters

[Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter]

Chris,

I don't disagree with you, but there are also examples of literature showing
more positive examples. I'm not saying it's still not the exception, but for
example, YA books like Girl Stolen by April Henry and Not if I see you First
show capable, independent blind characters. Is everything right in these
books? No, of course not, but they do show a very different version of
blindness than some literature. So, there are publisher's willing to accept
these stories. But yes, in general, there's still a long way to go.

And with nonfiction, in my experience, it really depends on the
editor/publisher. With my work, people seem to want to hear a story about a
capable blind person, and I've read some memoirs by disabled people
demonstrating the same mindset, like Nancy Mairs, who is probably the
example for all nonfiction writers wanting to write about disability.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Stylist <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Chris Kuell via
Stylist
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2018 1:57 PM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List' <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Chris Kuell <ckuell at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [Stylist] Blindness matters

Bridgit,

You bring up some very interesting points. Although the two examples you
point out could be viewed as positive, I doubt the reality of the examples
the author wrote about. I'm sure the grandma on the bus still worried about
her grand daughter getting around--she just wanted to boast that she didn't
need a guide dog.
As for positive portrayals of blind people in the media--unless the
publisher/editor was referring to NFB literature, I'm not sure what media
was being considered. There was a TV show a couple of years ago, with JK
Simmons as a blind dad. The show had many faults, including that the Dad
faked he could see, but generally he was capable--and I think the network
pulled the show after 5 or 6 episodes.
Although you are absolutely correct that better than good writing is
imperative to finding an agent/publisher, I believe agents, publishers, and
the consumers of media are still mostly interested in heartwarming,
overcoming the tragedy of blindness type stories/essays/books. If a
character in either fiction or non-fiction is simply blind, and not
pathetic, traumatic, prophetic, or pulling at the audiences heartstrings,
there is little interest.

Chris
  


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