David.Andrews@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (David Andrews) (07/27/90)
Index Number: 9546 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] WS> first, when I went to the school for the blind, I did WS> not find they taught against guidedogs, but they seem to make a WS> cane shameful, and consequently, I went through college without WS> a cane. I did have object perception at that time. I had to WS> be convinced to use a cane after I finished college. WS> As far as the discrimination against guidedog users, I WS> find that is more discrimination between partials, and totals. WS> The partials at times seem to be ashamed of the totals. Now, WS> before you partials send me mail on this, this is not true of WS> all of you. I don't like putting people in a class. Walter, I have to agree with you on the partial total thing. I feel qualitied to speak on this one because I have been both. I had some vision until about a year and a half ago, now I have none. Many, but not all partials lord their sight over totally blind people. This is in part because the system has taught them that some sight is better then none. Secondly, it is based on a negative fact of human nature. Everyone likes to feel superior to someone else. So, with society telling you that it is better to have some vision, and you do, it is tough for a partial to resist those feelings of luck and superiority over blind people. They try to help with insturctions etc., but can be very patronizing and insensative. I know that some people will jump all over me for this, but I have been there and have examined my motives then and now, and have seen both sides. David Andrews ... Your Sound Alternative -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!David.Andrews Internet: David.Andrews@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Scott.Marshall@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Scott Marshall) (07/28/90)
Index Number: 9583 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Hi David: Good points on this subject. I think the discrimination and immature attitudes can go both ways: totals and partials. As far as the self-image question is concerned, I think that the people who have some sight can be very insecure about it, (and so too with some totals) and that's there problem. True, the "system" can play a big role in the self-image question depending upon what messages we are sent, but this is only one factor of many in a very complex human issue. People with poor self-image or bad attitudes about blindness don't have to affect the way I feel about myself unless I choose to allow it to happen. Admittedly, though, that can be tough sometimes. That's what we pay the Debbie Hazeltons of the world to be able to talk through these issues. <grin> (hi, Deb, if you're reading this, the cheks in the mail!) Blindness or visual loss in whatever degree can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. Even though I say that, I am not suggesting that I'm ashamed of being blind. To the contrary. We all have various talents and faculties which we can use to our advantage. I'm a lot smarter than a lot of sighted folks who I am sure couldn't make it in the world if they were blind. For that matter, many of them aren't making it as sighted people, either. <grin>If anything, I feel sorry for them. Keep the faith in yourself. Cheers: Scott ... From Washington, DC Where Every Day is Christmas -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!Scott.Marshall Internet: Scott.Marshall@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org