[blindkid] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #152- The Cursed

Robert Jaquiss rjaquiss at earthlink.net
Mon Dec 21 03:14:24 UTC 2009


Hello:

     I think Robert should have done some research and planning before going 
to visit Dara's family. Dara's Father may have only seen blind beggars and 
quite naturally wouldn't want his daughter to marry someone who couldn't 
support her. Islam has had a number of blind clerics throughout its history. 
See the article http://www.slate.com/id/2134506/ The view that blind people 
are cursed seems at odds with the fact that there are and have been blind 
clerics. Perhaps Robert should have been prepared to show that he could 
support a wife. This might seem an odd idea in our time, but a few 
generations ago, a proper gentleman asked permission of a girl's parents to 
date and especially engage in courtship. We have here a clash of cultural 
practices. Robert might be able to redeem the situation, but it will be 
difficult.

Regards,

Robert Jaquiss, President
Greater Ouachita Chapter
National Federation of the Blind
Email: rjaquiss at earthlink.net
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
To: "BlindKid nfb" <BlindKid at NFBnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 9:33 AM
Subject: [blindkid] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #152- The Cursed


> Blindkid
> 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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