In the history of our world there have always been individuals without sight. Historical figures like Helen Keller, Francesco Landini-a 14 th century composer, and Homer-the author of 'The Illiad' and 'The odyssey'. There are multiple references in ancient scripture to beggars who were blind. Not to mention all of us who will never be listed in the History books.
Blindness or visual impairment has existed in a sighted world and the blind have learned to compensate for situations that were not created, nor ideal for them.
Can you imagine a world where 'sight' was the disability? Imagine history and societies being built by the blind. Would all technology be voice activated and audio? Edison would never have made the history books. He would have just been some guy tinkering with wire.
What about exploration? No one would have looked up at the stars and wondered what was out there. Even the exploration of the sea might have taken ten times longer before someone figured out how vast the ocean's really were. Navigation in the beginning was done by the stars.
I have no doubt that the incomnquerable human spirit would have figured it out. The desire to learn and expand is rooted deep within the human heart and a world in darkness would not have stood in the way. Truthfully though, The progress and expansion of our world, both sighted and blind, has been a balance and compromise between our two worlds. The blind benefit from discoveries that were only possible because of the sighted. And the sighted have experienced the best of strength, triumph, and courage thanks to people who did not just try to get along with the way the world was working for the masses.
My experiences as a blind person have brought me the best of both worlds and its the balance between them that completes and enhances my life. It's a beautiful world we live in, sighted or blind, if we can only remember to look at it through the clearest eyes.
After I was mainstreamed into a public school as a kid, I wished the whole world were in Braille. In my mind, that would have made my life much easier. Life is pretty good now with the advent of GPS systems, scanners, and Braille signage on restrooms and elevators.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very beautiful piece, Traci. I was extremely moved by the historical references coupled with your own experiences. Bravo! Have you ever considered writing something about it in poetry form or musical verse?
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