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From: Henry.Kasten@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Henry Kasten)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: stupidity
Message-ID: <18993@bunker.isc-br.com>
Date: 24 Apr 91 22:07:17 GMT
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[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

     A little  about me, I am a Biochemist and Structural Engineer.
Six years ago, I had 20/20 vision, within 3 months I lost total use
of my retinas, totally blind.  I now work as a Project Manager in
Engineering Design for construction.
     Through the years, I have had people ask me question that I
thought simple.  But, they were only ignorant, they had not the
experience to know the answer, so they asked me.  I would try to
answer their questions as pleasantly as possible and hoped I taught
them something.
     Why should it be any different when someone asks me a simple
question about my disability?  They are only uneducated, curious,
not mean or ugly.  They honestly can't imagine how I can do the
things I do.  I don't have any problem enlightening them in a
pleasant and cordial way.
     I find it hard to believe that most who responded to Vixen's
message about "stupidity" knew  everything there was to know about
all different types of disabilities.  I am sure they had   to ask
some questions.  Some of those questions may even appear to be
stupid.  They were not, you just did not know!
     When reading through this conference and Blinktalk, I am
amazed at the hard hearted and rude responses some people give to
those who ask ignorant questions or make statements purely out of
unfamiliarity.  A smile and a thoughtful answer would do a heck of
a lot for your cause as opposed to thinking up snide and rude
remarks to set those "stupid" people straight.  Try it for awhile,
it might help your blood pressure.

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