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From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: ATTITUDES ON PLATITUDES
Message-ID: <15180@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 26 Oct 90 03:26:47 GMT
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Index Number: 11302

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Hi Henry,

I sometimes think that many of us who are disABLED sometimes get so
carried away with the notion that we are entitled to have the same
reactions and feelings as all people, that it becomes very easy for
some of us to really chops someones head off should they dare to
offer us some type of help we may not really need or ask a question
that we self rightiously determine is stupid and respond with
verbal insult. The sad note here is, that I have seen this attitude
displayed more than I have a more tolerant one.

Whatever happened to plain old courtesy. Even abled bodied people
offer un-needed assistance to each other now and then and they
don't usually chop each other off for it. Even abled bodied people
ask all kinds of questions without fear that they have to be
insulted because an answer or explantion isn't clear to them.

I agree that people should expect disABLED individuals to be
superhuman in their efforts to maintain a good humour and positive
outlooks, but neither do disABLED persons have the right to expect
that all people should have a Herculean ability to know how and
when to help disABLED persons or know all the answers and ways we
are able to perform certain tasks. Do we, as blind people, know all
the proper times to offer help to all other types of disabilities,
do we know the ways they all deal with certain life problems and
perform certian little personal tasks. I very much doubt it.

I agree with those who say we are only human and have a right to
the same feelings as all people, but it is pukey little excuse for
jumping down someones throat who's only crime is to ask if they can
help or who took a minute to ask a question, even if it does seem a
silly one.

I think the matter is, there is a world of difference between just
being disABLED and in a bad mood and just being plain rude.

I think you raised a very good point.

Keepin' the faith!

.                     Vixen

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