[Iabs-talk] If this isn't the most ignorant thing I have everheard...

[Christella Garcia]

Hey Tiff, As you know I moved here from California.  When I was there I 
worked every summer for a youth camp for blind kids.  This past summer Ben 
was supposed to come to our camp but he backed out at the last minute.  I 
think it is unfortunate that his negative attitude about blindness is making 
him so famous.  I hope one day he will wake up.  It makes me want to visit 
Oprah so she can be educated.
Chris
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tiffany Jolliff" <cellar_door_42 at hotmail.com>
To: "IL-Talk" <il-talk at nfbnet.org>; "NABS" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Illinois 
Association of Blind Students List" <iabs-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2006 8:43 PM
Subject: [Iabs-talk] If this isn't the most ignorant thing I have 
everheard...


As quoted by Ben Underwood while appearing on the Oprah show this week:
Ben says his blindness won't ever hold him back. "I will never use a cane. A 
cane is for other people who cannot walk," Ben says. "I'm not falling over."

Now, I'm not all about telling people what kind of cane they should use or 
how they should use it.  However, to intensify the stereotype that society 
has about blindness and canes with those downright ignorant words, in my 
opinion alienates cane users even more.  Especially saying it on such an 
influential show like Oprah.
I was very put off by this kid.  His mom's attitude is great, but he needs 
to get that arrogance knocked out of him pretty quick before he endangers 
himself or others.
Just my take.  What do you all think?
Sign my petition at:
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/accessibleyahoo


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