[Hallicrafters] Re On Being Blind

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

I was surprised at how many wrote to me because they were truly concerned about
what was, or was not, acceptable conduct when it came to a handicapped person.
Because of this, I am posting this response publically. I know it is off topic,
but maybe it will help some of you with concerns in your own lives now, or in
the future. Remember, one day it may be you who is blind, deaf, paralyzed or
whatever.  	
	
My philosophy is this: This is a sighted world. Blind people must live in it
just the same as everyone else must. Sometimes special assistance is required,
othertimes it is not. You have no reliable way of knowing if they do, or do not,
need some assistance. (Generally speaking, that is. Some situations are
obvious.) Never be afraid to offer someone who is handicapped a hand. They have
the right to decline. But they can not accept if you do not offer. Do not be
offended if you are turned down. Some handicapped people have a bad attitude and
are victims of pride. Do not let their harsh words or rebuffs discourage you
from offering assistance to someone else in the future. That person may be in
dire need and tremendously grateful.  	
	
What follows was published some years ago by the Flint Journal and was released
to various newspapers across the country. I hope it gives you a little insight
and understanding of what being on the other side of the fence is like.	
	
I appreciate all of you who wrote to ask how to handle certain situations. Your
concern for your fellowman will make this planet a better place.	
	
      Don't Stare So Hard, You're Steaming Up My Shades!

                                        By, Duane B. Fischer


     Blindness is a condition that sighted people find
incomprehensible, and understandably so.  I never thought
about the sense of isolation and feeling of utter loneliness
that it could create either.  Then it happened to me.  One
day I was accepted as one of the guys and the next I was
regarded as different and undesirable.  My friends vanished
faster than cold beer at a biker's picnic.  People became
afraid to touch me for fear of contracting some exotic
disease that might make them have to wear shades and learn
braille.  Dentists, store clerks and bank tellers shouted at
me as if I had the intelligence quotient of a hair from a
donkey's tail.  People were totally amazed that I comb my own
hair, walked on two feet and was house broken.
     I once was asked if I slept with my eye lids open.  I
told the curious person that I really didn't know, but that
they were welcome to spend the night and take notes while I
slept.  I don't mind silly questions from the unenlightened,
but I do object to being treated as if I were a mutant from a
toxic dump site.  If I wanted to get rich by being strange, I
would lease myself to a circus and become a freak show super
star.  Just think, for a dollar you could see how far the
blind man wearing designer shades could toss the dwarf.  My
loss of sight did not deprive me of my feelings, hopes and
dreams.  However, the way society perceives me does.
     Existing is one thing, living is quite another.  It is
not fun to be at a party listening to nameless passing foot
steps.  People don't have to be afraid of talking to a blind
person, as we all speak the same language.  When in doubt,
punt!  It isn't a sin to be unaware, but it ought to be to
willingly remain that way.  We need human companionship and
interaction just as sighted folk do.  It doesn't do me a hole
lot of good when an attractive female smiles at me and gives
me one of those flirtatious looks.  It wouldn't do much good
either if she wandered over to my table and said "Hi blind
man.  Want to feel my face?" Let me tell you, that eye shadow
really clogs up the nerve endings in my finger tips.  If you
see a handsome blind man, just cruise over and introduce
yourself normally.  something like "Hi.  I'm Kelli.  Care if
I join you?"
     There are a few advantages to hanging out with blind
people.  For instance, I become real popular when consumers
Power has an electrical outage at midnight.  I'm the only one
who can tell the Bud Light from the diet Coke without opening
every can.  I am also great for livening up otherwise dull
neighborhoods.  The other day a neighbor asked me why I owned
a 1968 Pontiac Lemans custom street machine when I lived
alone and couldn't drive.  I told him that I liked to sit in
it during thunderstorms, rev the motor and pretend that I was
driving in the Detroit Grand Prix.  It really saves on gas
and insurance premiums.
     Some blind people are overly sensitive about their
condition and get rowdy when someone dares to offer them
assistance.  Don't let a sarcastic remark or chilly reception
turn your off switch on.  They might have a stone lodged in
their sneaker, an ingrown nose hair or just an attitude.
Hey, I'm not perfect either.  Quiet mother!  Although I do
have only one flaw.  Everything!  I want the same thing out
of life that you do; to be accepted for what I am, as well as
what I am not.  However, this isn't going to happen unless
you start talking to me, instead of at me or about me.  Go
right ahead and say words like see, look and watch.  I mean
really.  Who listens to bright sunny skies, feels
electrically charged television screens or smells their junk
mail?  Someone said that loneliness is the sound of one hand
clapping.  As an actor on the stage of life, that is one
audience that I don't want to play to.


Original: printed by the Flint Journal September 1991