[blindkid] The Power of words--is this the image we want for our children with visual impairment?

[Bo Page]

I thought it was beautiful.  Just because the beggar happens to be blind doesn't 
mean anything derogatory against the blind.  It was a wonderful depiction of the 
power of words.  Good literary lesson.
 
mom of an 18 year old blind from birth.



________________________________
From: Anne Ward <inland2wards at att.net>
To: Undisclosed-Recipient at yahoo.com
Sent: Wed, April 6, 2011 7:44:09 PM
Subject: [blindkid] The Power of words--is this the image we want for our 
children with visual impairment?

This disgusting video is actually an ad for a public relations firm, but it is a 
terrible portrayal of a blind person.  Possibly we can all protest to this firm, 
at the very least.
----- 

I have to say YUK and Double YUK to this video.  The pity button is not a 
desirable thing.  Blind folks have been fighting for years to overcome the 
stereotype of "blind beggars" and pity for them not being able to see.  The only 
thing missing in the video is that the guy was not selling pencils, lightbulbs 
or brooms door to door.

The image of the blind as pathetic beggars keeps public perception of the blind 
right back in the 19th century and the unemployment rate of capable blind people 
sky high.

I understand the point of the message but for those of us involved in the 
struggles for equal civil rights and opportunities for people with disabilities 
things like this video disgust and sadden us.  It undoes so much of the work 
that we are doing.

This video really illustrates how well-meaning people can do great harm while 
trying to do good.












http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzgzim5m7oU

Anne Ward
CAPVI
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