I am JUST me!
By hookfan
@hookfan (447)
May 1, 2007 11:34am CST
I went to town today. On my own. Not a huge deal, I do the trip often. Today was the fresh fruit and veg market which I really enjoy and it's just that time of year. I use my white cane so I don't fall on my face, I know where I'm going and how to get there. Yet people insist on telling me how 'courageous and brave I am'! For what? Going out on my own? Do people say sighted people are brave and courageous for going out on their own? Nope. So why say it about someone with a disability? We're just people going out the same as them. Why make a big deal of it? It's really rather patronising. At least that's the way I feel.
6 people like this
6 responses
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
1 May 07
Good of you to enjoy the experience. To breathe in air fresh of the smell of fresh fruits and vegetables and soak in the intensity of crowds. As long as you enjoy yourself, why bother about what the rest of the world thinks? ^^
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
5 May 07
I hope you can find it in your heart to have more compassion for those who have no disability. They don't know what it is like for us and believe that it must be terrible and awful and they fear it could happen to them.
And let's face it, it does take more courage to confront our challenges than to have no challenges to confront.
When we know that we are simply "differently abled" and not "less than" others, then patronizing by others is easier to tolerate. I find it especially easier when I imagine that their behavior could be motivated by their own fear that they couldn't handle it if it happened to them.
2 people like this
@hookfan (447)
•
5 May 07
Excuse me???? My post was about the patronising I receive not the other way around! I have an abudance of tolerance for those that run into me, trip over my white cane and then tell me to watch where I'm going! I have an abudance of tolerance for those that push ahead of me to get onto the bus or train and then glibly say 'oh I didn't see you'. I already know I'm 'not less' than and am 'differently abled' and I also know that I have just as much skill and talent as anyone who has no disability.
3 people like this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
6 May 07
First, I certainly did not mean to criticise YOU. I guess I had too much tongue in cheek.
Secondly, I don't think we need to tolerate those who are rude to us by pushing us aside. I was thinking of those who make patronizing comments. They aren't necessarily the same people.
I've been stepped on, shoved, stepped in front of, once even climbed over in my wheelchair. That's not patronizing, that is plain insensitive rudeness.
But when someone states that I must be courageous or strong to do the samethings that other people do, I don't think they have any idea what they are talking about. So I can easily tolerate their ignorance.
2 people like this
@killahclaire (3665)
•
23 May 07
Well I am going to be the one that says it.
Are you really blind and if so how do you use acomputer.
I think going out in the world for nayone is a pretty scary thing. I don't often want to do it and would rather stay here with my safe myLot. I love myLot laods and hate leaving it even for a moment. I am addcited lol.
1 person likes this
@killahclaire (3665)
•
23 May 07
Hey,
WOuld you really rather that I sat here and said nothing. You must hate it when people go all awkward about you and don't have the guts to ask what they are going to ask.
I thought that blind went total lack of sigh and partially sighted was the term used ALL the time for em...partially sighted. But obviously I am wrong. I must admit that I don't really know too many people that have serious eyesight problems.
I really don't go out much. I am addicted to this. I can see how you find it so patronising but some people wont really know what you are capable of but it is a bit daft them thinking that you won't take yourself out to where you have to go. As if you are really going to relyu on someone when you don't need to.
And about the computers that read out words. That is so so cool. I wonder if they use them on people too that can't read. I ain't ever seen the software to do that. How effective is it cos obviously it doesn't know local dialect words but can it know how to say them. And can I ask a question? Do you think you myLot faster or slower with that software.
1 person likes this
@hookfan (447)
•
23 May 07
Yes I am and I have software that reads out the words to me. I also have a program that magnifies the whole screen for me. Obviously your one of those people that believes blind means totally blind and not the varying degrees in between. So shall I ask...do you really stay inside? It's the same sort of thing, asking judgemental questions.
2 people like this
@mummymo (23706)
•
7 May 07
I am sorry sweets - you would probably consider me to be patronising - but I would never do this intentionally! I think it is because I know how hard everyday chores and outings can be for those who have no disabilities that makrs me admire and respect those amongst us who carry on independantly and undertake the everyday trips and outings that can cause problems for the so called able bodied, sighted and hearing people amongst us!
1 person likes this
@mammamuh (582)
• Sweden
2 Feb 09
I think it's brave to face difficulties / fears. It can be as simple as going to the market alone when your blind (at least the first time you do it).
I wouldn't say that you are brave for going out on your own - I meen it's something you do often and is used to.
I'm one of those not helping people if they don't ask for help, some think it's very rude not to ask, but I think its way more rude to help people if they manage on their own.
You also have to remember that many people are not used to see people with a disability manage on their own. Sadly, but true.
I hope you'll be abeled to understand my writing! Take care
