Two weeks ago I started a class to get my PHR Certification; a class that is totally kicking my butt, by the way. Last week the instructor was sharing a story to illustrate something of relevance to the topic at hand. And while I can vividly remember the illustration, I can't remember what I was actually supposed to learn from it. This should clue you in to how well I'm doing.
Her illustration began with the question, "Have you ever seen a blind person bowl?" Being the sensitive, open-minded individual I am I laughed outloud because, seriously, who would take blind people bowling? This must be a completely hypothetical question and fictional illustration. All I could picture in my head was 8lb bowling balls flying through the air and, in the best case scenario, landing 4 lanes down. That was until she said she actually took some students from the Texas School for the Blind bowling one day and explained the process of helping a blind person bowl. It was about this point in the class that I wanted to crawl into a hole in the ground and disappear for all eternity, because nobody else, I mean NOBODY, made a sound. I don't think anyone else even cracked a smile. This completely astounds me. I know my reaction was a little insensitive and immature, and I'm willing to own that. But I also wonder if being an adult, being professional, means you can't laugh at something that strikes you as funny anymore. Doesn't the idea of letting people who can't see throw 8-10lb objects around a room sound just a little absurd?
I'd really like to know if you agree or disagree with me. Maybe you think I'm completely insensitive, and you probably wouldn't be alone. I'm sure there are 49 other people in my class who would agree with you. I've never had to deal with any disability on any personal level at all, and I would safely say this fact would tend to make me less sensitive than someone who's dealt with it on a regular basis. So, if you feel like giving your feedback and can refrain from personally attacking me, feel free to post your comments.
Comments (2)
I don't know if I'd laugh or not, honestly. I mean, it seems like if they can line themselves up right (like, by using the ball return as a guidepoint and knowing how far away the center of the lane is) then bowling is actually one of those sports where it's mostly repetitive action and you don't really need to see. You'd probably need a special hookup to read them back they're score is all.
Sports I think blind people could be good at, with some accomodation: Bowling, golf, figure skating, archery, skiing/snowboarding in a cleared but secluded area (I've actually see this done in CO)
Sports which blind people should avoid: Football, baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, hockey, and any other sport where people/objects are moving at a high velocity towards the player
Posted by kelly | February 4, 2007 8:36 AM
Posted on February 4, 2007 08:36
I'd be laughing with you. It's about as funny as asking if you've ever been to a concert with a deaf person... or if you've ever gone to ballet with a man, hehe. It's just funny.
Not to say that it doesn't happen, but it's an ironic situation. ... "Ever gone out to eat with an anorexic?" It sounds like the beginning of a joke, you know?
Posted by Evans | February 5, 2007 11:37 AM
Posted on February 5, 2007 11:37