[nfb-talk] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #131- White Cane and American Idol

[T. Joseph Carter]

I don't know, Ray...

On one hand I totally agree with you that it's his choice to use a cane
and that it does draw attention to him.  What Simon is complaining about
is that it draws attention to his blindness.  As far as that goes, if
Simon has a problem with it, he can get stuffed.

Twirling a cane like a baton though..  What kind of message does that
send?  A cane is not a prop.  It is not a toy.  It is a tool, and it is an
important tool at that.  Does having a performer twirling it like a baton
on stage detract from its appearance as a tool to the audience?  I think
it might.  If it does, as I suspect, then using it in that manner is
rather irresponsible.

I can't seem to come to a conclusion on this one, aside from the notion
that Simon is earning his paycheck (which I am sure is sizable) by being
such an uncompromisingly arrogant butthead.

Joseph

On Mon, Mar 10, 2008 at 07:22:30AM -0500, Ray Foret jr wrote:
> Well, to me, this is a no brainer.  We all know, of course, that it's 
> respectable to be blind.  We all know that the white cane draws attention to 
> us, in one way or another; usually, we hope, a good way.  We know this, but, 
> many sighted still do not know it.  The white cane would, as a matter of 
> fact, draw attention directly to the performer rather than away from him. 
> Besides which, the white cane could be used as part of the appearance aspect 
> of his performance.  IF some female American Idol contestants perform 
> BAREFOOTED as part of their appearance or preference, (Kelly Clarkson comes 
> to mind) Why not the white cane for the hypothetical blind performer?  As 
> for Simon, well, that stuffed shirt doesn't seem to like anything or any 
> one; so, what can I say?
> 
> Just my $0.02 (Zero Dollars two cents) worth.
> 
> Sincerely yours,
> The Constantly Barefooted,
> Ray