Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
48
↓
Being a vision impaired person at foo fighters gig rant (self.Blind)
submitted by SunnyLego
Frustrated, after despite using my cane at Weezer/Foo Fighters gig last night, I missed my 2 fav songs sitting in first aid tent, after a drunk guy pushed me over and I slashed my knee resulting in a lot of blood coming out.
I fucking hate drunk people. Standing with friends, holding white cane out in front of me. I used to hate when people would give me shit for wearing sunglasses, but I don't know what's worse, that or drunks hassling you because they see someone "disabled." One drunk grabbed both my arms and yelling in my face "YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL." First incident of the night so I just smiled and didn't yell don't fucking touch me.
2nd incident, drunk guy stares at me for 5 mins, then grabs my friend and says "She likes Foo Fighters??" then starts asking other stupid questions at which point Rachelle says "She has ears and can still hear!" He then started asking me tons of questions in which I had to ask him to stop talking so I can hear the gig.
After standing and getting smashed into by people not looking where they're going several times (despite not standing in mosh area of course.) got pushed from behind and face planted and sliced knee. Will point out the guy stopped and wouldn't stop apologising, so that's something.
I always told self, while eyesight ruined roller derby and library career, it can't ruin music, and I'll always have that, but was crying when I got home at realising that it can ruin live music. I have seen a lot of gigs, and have been lucky enough to travel Aus with famous bands in the past. Since eye disease kicked in, I've missed gigs because too afraid to go alone, and tonight was a reminder of why I can't go anywhere alone.
The old lady at Springsteen who screamed that I fake being blind so I can meet Bruce, still wins the title of douchiest person at a gig though.
Now sitting listening to Foo Fighters song Best of You on repeat, trying to remind self live isn't over just because losing eyesight.
I fucking hate drunk people. Standing with friends, holding white cane out in front of me. I used to hate when people would give me shit for wearing sunglasses, but I don't know what's worse, that or drunks hassling you because they see someone "disabled." One drunk grabbed both my arms and yelling in my face "YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL." First incident of the night so I just smiled and didn't yell don't fucking touch me.
2nd incident, drunk guy stares at me for 5 mins, then grabs my friend and says "She likes Foo Fighters??" then starts asking other stupid questions at which point Rachelle says "She has ears and can still hear!" He then started asking me tons of questions in which I had to ask him to stop talking so I can hear the gig.
After standing and getting smashed into by people not looking where they're going several times (despite not standing in mosh area of course.) got pushed from behind and face planted and sliced knee. Will point out the guy stopped and wouldn't stop apologising, so that's something.
I always told self, while eyesight ruined roller derby and library career, it can't ruin music, and I'll always have that, but was crying when I got home at realising that it can ruin live music. I have seen a lot of gigs, and have been lucky enough to travel Aus with famous bands in the past. Since eye disease kicked in, I've missed gigs because too afraid to go alone, and tonight was a reminder of why I can't go anywhere alone.
The old lady at Springsteen who screamed that I fake being blind so I can meet Bruce, still wins the title of douchiest person at a gig though.
Now sitting listening to Foo Fighters song Best of You on repeat, trying to remind self live isn't over just because losing eyesight.
KillerLag 15 points 5y ago
Sorry about the bad experience, not all live concerts are bad for people with vision loss.
Drunk people can be pretty bad, though. I was out working with a client and a guide dog before, and someone who was intoxicated attempted to grab the harness of my client's guide dog to "give him a try". I had to intervene and get the client out of there.
Drunk people can be pretty bad, though. I was out working with a client and a guide dog before, and someone who was intoxicated attempted to grab the harness of my client's guide dog to "give him a try". I had to intervene and get the client out of there.
SunnyLego [OP] 6 points 5y ago
Thank you, glad you were able to rescue your client in that situation. Thanks for the work you do.
KillerLag 4 points 5y ago
No prob. Sometimes my clients have odd encounters, and we try to figure out how to work out way through. Most of the time, it's people who talk extra slow, or talk extra loud. It's fairly rare that it is a dangerous situation.
Although one time, a client picked up the phone, and proceeded to order drugs from his dealer. I turned a blind eye to that (as long as they aren't using when I am working with them, it is their prerogative what they would use). I have also had clients use drugs just before lessons, and I've had to explain we can't do lessons when they are impaired (most of them have been understanding).
Although one time, a client picked up the phone, and proceeded to order drugs from his dealer. I turned a blind eye to that (as long as they aren't using when I am working with them, it is their prerogative what they would use). I have also had clients use drugs just before lessons, and I've had to explain we can't do lessons when they are impaired (most of them have been understanding).
U5efull 8 points 5y ago
It's sad you had this experience . What do you think the solution is?
When at metal shows, the physically or visually impaired are usually extra protected in a crowd, but that's a much smaller community. In this situation,. Would you prefer to have a section set up for you or is there something else you'd like done?
When at metal shows, the physically or visually impaired are usually extra protected in a crowd, but that's a much smaller community. In this situation,. Would you prefer to have a section set up for you or is there something else you'd like done?
Vicorin 4 points 5y ago
Was about to say that maybe it was just a one off thing, as there's never been a problem at the shows I've gone to. Then again, all the shows I've been to are metal shows, and as you pointed out, that's a much smaller community.
SunnyLego [OP] 2 points 5y ago
I'm hoping it's a one off, just frustrated. Would be solved by people using common sense but we all know when you can drink at a gig, that ain't gonna happen.
U5efull 2 points 5y ago
Right, but what could a venue or artist do to help out?
Drunks and idiots happen and security can't be everywhere, venues charge on space, so the issue comes to how this can be done in a way that makes folks safe but not alienated, and allows the venue to make money without reserving a lot of space.
What would you have the band or venue do? I'm not asking rhetorically, but seriously looking for answers.
Drunks and idiots happen and security can't be everywhere, venues charge on space, so the issue comes to how this can be done in a way that makes folks safe but not alienated, and allows the venue to make money without reserving a lot of space.
What would you have the band or venue do? I'm not asking rhetorically, but seriously looking for answers.
SunnyLego [OP] 2 points 5y ago
I'm trying to think of answers for you. I guess having a no drinking area? I mean there are seats for the wheelchair users so I don't know if could point out as also have disability is there a place for me to be safe ect.
Association for the Blind asked me if I want to go on the radio and talk about it. Not sure.
Association for the Blind asked me if I want to go on the radio and talk about it. Not sure.
Nighthawk321 1 points 5y ago
Yeah agreed. Every helps each other out at metal concerts.
Fange_Strellow 5 points 5y ago
Yeah, definitely understand your frustration. However, you could also reframe the way you look at this situation: sighted people get hassled and accousted by drunk people at concerts and shows as well. This really wasn't so much about being blind in public, rather, just a situation of being out in public and dealing with annoying people.
Certainly, doesn't make things any less annoying, but perhaps this way of thinking removes the added frustration that can come with blaming things on the blindness?
Certainly, doesn't make things any less annoying, but perhaps this way of thinking removes the added frustration that can come with blaming things on the blindness?
DasBarenJager 2 points 5y ago
"The old lady at Springsteen who screamed that I fake being blind so I can meet Bruce, still wins the title of douchiest person at a gig though."
Wow holy shit, people suck!
Wow holy shit, people suck!
IDontKnowHow2Save 2 points 5y ago
People who accuse you of faking it are the absolute shittiest people on earth.
Nighthawk321 1 points 5y ago
IDK man, you kind of have to expect that stuff when you go to rock concerts. Not saying it was acceptable of course. I go to a bunch of rock concerts and mosh a bunch. The best thing to do next time that happens is just walk to a different area of the venue. There are always going to be people getting high and drinking at concerts. Maybe next time have a beer or do and just loosen up a little bit.
SunnyLego [OP] 1 points 5y ago
I can't drink I'm on low dose chemo to fight Uveitis.
I go to tons of concerts too. I used to travel with bands. Hence being frustrated because never had that kind of experience at show before. Assume will get used to it as the years go on.
I go to tons of concerts too. I used to travel with bands. Hence being frustrated because never had that kind of experience at show before. Assume will get used to it as the years go on.
yeswesodacan -1 points 5y ago
Sounds like in a hectic situation like that you'd be better off in a wheelchair.
yeswesodacan 2 points 5y ago
I only say this because being in a wheelchair is more outwardly obvious that people need to be more cautious around you. Someone from behind you will likely not see that you're carrying a cane in front of you, but they will notice a wheelchair.
Nighthawk321 2 points 5y ago
I feel like you don't mean any harm, but for a blind person, that's pretty degrading. That's like when succurity asks me at an air port if I need a wheelchair.
yeswesodacan 1 points 5y ago
I can relate to that situation. The last time I took a flight for work my job's travel agent told the airline I was visually impaired. I told them I could see well enough to follow someone to my connection, but they insisted I take the wheelchair. Did it feel weird? Yeah. But I sucked it up and got a free push across the Dallas Airport.
Nighthawk321 2 points 5y ago
To each their own, but I refuse to do that, otherwise it only strengthens the stereotype that blind people are incapable of small tasks.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.