I have a confession to make. I know this isn't politically correct and I hope you won't think less of me for admitting it, but blind people make me a little uncomfortable. I think I'm worried that I'm going to be inadvertently touched. I don't want to be inadvertently touched, by a blind person or anyone else for that matter. It just seems more likely to happen with a blind person.
I was out walking last week and I noticed a blind woman coming towards me. She was moving very quickly, obviously in a hurry. She was flailing her white cane somewhat wildly in front of her as she made her way. As she approached, I did what I always do in that situation - I gave her as wide a berth as physically possible and I cleared my throat.
I always clear my throat or cough around blind people. I'm naturally a very quiet person and I'm usually alone. I know that with their other heightened senses, blind people can probably detect my presence. Still, just to be safe, I like to make a little casual noise. Sometimes, I just scuff my feet a bit on the sidewalk. I want to be certain that they are aware that I am there. I try to be subtle, so as not to startle. There was one time when I don't think the guy knew I was there until I coughed. He tapped the side of my leg with his cane as soon as he heard me, as if he couldn't believe there was really someone there.
Anyway, I hope this doesn't make me a bad person.
2 comments:
We don't encounter many blind people out here in the sticks, but I think the casual noise strategy is a good one!
We know a blind man who wants to learn how to install his own light fixtures. He has some type of gizmo that will read the wires to tell him what color they are. I think this sounds dangerous.I often catch myself saying "nice to see you"to him. I hope he doesn't think I'm bragging about my ability to see.
Melody
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