Because I have partial sight, I am often able to determine the reactions other people have to my white cane. Sometimes I will catch a glimpse of a parent pulling a child out of my path and I can imagine the parent then explaining to the child the purpose of the cane. I appreciate this on two counts. I am glad that I have avoided a collision with the youngster and also that I have been the subject of some first hand education from the parent to the child. It’s a good reaction.
Up front and personal reactions by adults vary. Last week I
came across a very different reaction. Lyle and I were on our way back from
Australia. We usually preboard and at the end of the flight wait until the
other passengers have deplaned. This gives me a little more time and my cane
doesn’t get caught up in the crush of people. At the end of one of our flights,
I was waiting to stand and retrieve my carry on luggage from the overhead
compartment. I couldn’t hear any more people coming up the aisle from behind me
and so stood up. Unfortunately I had failed to notice the gentleman who had
been sitting across the aisle in the row in front of me. As you read on you will see that I am
speaking with much sarcasm when I use the word, gentleman.
The instant I stood up, this passenger did likewise.
Although there were no other passengers coming from behind, the man pushed out
in front of me nearly knocking my cane out of my hand. He addressed me in a
very rude voice saying, “You people are supposed to wait until the very end.”
What did he mean by “you people”?
Of course, I know and you will have guessed also. By you
people he meant people like me who use a white cane. It was one of the more
blatantly rude reactions I have come across. Perhaps it was made more so
because his comment was delivered upfront and to my face.
I have chalked this all up to experience. If there is one
thing I have learned it is not to take such reactions personally. Although
there is no excuse for this passenger’s behaviour, I don’t think that it had
anything to do with me personally. I try not to let such reactions cause me too
much distress. For every one insensitive person, there are many more people who
are genuinely kind and caring.
How rude. Friday night went to a country singing concert at the Drop-in-Center. The man who played the bass, was totally without sight, he enjoyed his music and he played the bass so well. I do not know how he knew where to put his fingers. The main singer was so so, Darlene and Devin were there as they had her sing before and said she was excellent.The steel guitar player was also good, he also plays with the Legends.
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