Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Time to address the blind parenting talk from the breakfast club morning show (self.Blind)
submitted by djflex90
So first off, let me be clear I am blind with decent experience in caring for kids as young as 1. The other day on the podcast segment of the breakfast club a young woman called in to voice her frustrations about sighted people not letting her babysit her kids. I want to kind of give my take on the situation.
First off, I am frustrated and saddened by the fact that this show witch is amusing first off and second sticks up for marginalized populations would speak on such a topic without doing proper research as they normally have facts in order before speaking on something. So part of this and yes only part of this is on the members of this show and it’s producers.
As I’m sure a majority of blind people know that we as a community are not uniform in our capabilities and experiences. Some of us have the chance to or decide to go for independent living training while some aren’t able to or just decide for reasons not to. Some people can travel well while others can’t. Some people have parenting practice and some don’t. I’m not trying to call the young woman out but she was not the best example of a blind person that could have called that morning. She did not Cary herself with confidence, she did not mention good relatable examples of other blind parents and child care professionals, and I think that’s one of the things that caused this mess as well. If I were a sighted person and someone who came to me presented in that way I would have reservations as well. I guess my point is, this situation is complicated with many things that need to be fixed. Educating the public is first and for most. And also making sure we as a community put our best foot forward.
First off, I am frustrated and saddened by the fact that this show witch is amusing first off and second sticks up for marginalized populations would speak on such a topic without doing proper research as they normally have facts in order before speaking on something. So part of this and yes only part of this is on the members of this show and it’s producers.
As I’m sure a majority of blind people know that we as a community are not uniform in our capabilities and experiences. Some of us have the chance to or decide to go for independent living training while some aren’t able to or just decide for reasons not to. Some people can travel well while others can’t. Some people have parenting practice and some don’t. I’m not trying to call the young woman out but she was not the best example of a blind person that could have called that morning. She did not Cary herself with confidence, she did not mention good relatable examples of other blind parents and child care professionals, and I think that’s one of the things that caused this mess as well. If I were a sighted person and someone who came to me presented in that way I would have reservations as well. I guess my point is, this situation is complicated with many things that need to be fixed. Educating the public is first and for most. And also making sure we as a community put our best foot forward.
FrankenGretchen 6 points 3y ago
So we gatekeep who speaks for us? Maybe some certification is needed here? Who officiates such?
No, we don't get to elect a qualified representative on whatever topic is in play. Blind Ambassadors aren't a thing and they'd have to be validated by the sighted folks interacting with them, anyway do the idea is shenanigans. We are as diverse as any other segment and disagree, disresemble and disassociate or the opposites at individual whim. We've fought for recognition of that individuality.
I keep seeing people justify their weighing in by stating their childcare/parenting experience. So, a non parent should stay quiet?
I didn't even know the Breakfast Club existed til this hoopla hit the media. How much influence do they really have? Why did they drop their reputed ball in our court on a topic so volatile? Do they influence policy? What about their followers?
Whoever she was, they chose her for their show. Empirically, this is their deal. Not hers. Critiquing her takes the responsibility off the show and shames us as a whole. Not the best foot we could be putting forward.
No, we don't get to elect a qualified representative on whatever topic is in play. Blind Ambassadors aren't a thing and they'd have to be validated by the sighted folks interacting with them, anyway do the idea is shenanigans. We are as diverse as any other segment and disagree, disresemble and disassociate or the opposites at individual whim. We've fought for recognition of that individuality.
I keep seeing people justify their weighing in by stating their childcare/parenting experience. So, a non parent should stay quiet?
I didn't even know the Breakfast Club existed til this hoopla hit the media. How much influence do they really have? Why did they drop their reputed ball in our court on a topic so volatile? Do they influence policy? What about their followers?
Whoever she was, they chose her for their show. Empirically, this is their deal. Not hers. Critiquing her takes the responsibility off the show and shames us as a whole. Not the best foot we could be putting forward.
djflex90 [OP] 4 points 3y ago
Because how dare I implicate the blind community and being part of a problem. You can’t sit there and tell me some people can voice things better than others. If a topic about parenting with no sight is presented who would have better first hand knowledge on this? Who would have the stories to tell? The stories from other parents who have shown them how it’s done? Or would you rather a 20 year old who is mor concerned about her friends not letting her babysit talk to a nation wide audience on the matter? But hey what do I know.
FrankenGretchen 2 points 3y ago
Who did Breakfast Club choose? This is the reality. Not who us better suited or who would sound better but who did they choose to have on their show?
If you have a show, you can choose who you want to have on it. I bet you'd have as much difficulty being told who is approved to speak on a topic on your platform as you're having with how they chose to portray blind parents on theirs. If things were as you say they should be, then you'd still not have a choice about who does the representing. We got the short end, this time.
Let some youtubers weigh in from their channel with people they think could make a better case or do it yourself. That might counter any bad effect you perceive. We look just as bad as our detractors when we bash our own because we don't agree with them.
If you have a show, you can choose who you want to have on it. I bet you'd have as much difficulty being told who is approved to speak on a topic on your platform as you're having with how they chose to portray blind parents on theirs. If things were as you say they should be, then you'd still not have a choice about who does the representing. We got the short end, this time.
Let some youtubers weigh in from their channel with people they think could make a better case or do it yourself. That might counter any bad effect you perceive. We look just as bad as our detractors when we bash our own because we don't agree with them.
djflex90 [OP] 0 points 3y ago
They didn’t choose anyone first off. It’s a call in radio segment meant for people to call in and rant about topics they choose. Someone dropped the link in the thread. Maybe you should listen
FrankenGretchen 3 points 3y ago
You'd be surprised. Interns get the job of sifting potential airtime candidates. The hosts may or may not vet every caller but thru are screened and hosts do set guidelines for screeners to go by. She wouldn't've been aired unless she and her topic was approved. What you should also know is these shows are entertainment. These people have personae they portray on air that might have nothing in common with their off air personalities, opinions or preferences. They're actors out for ratings using whatever people, topics and outrageous tactics they choose to get them.
djflex90 [OP] 0 points 3y ago
Cool story. Now let’s be constructive.
cartertemm 2 points 3y ago
TrippingWithNoSight 2 points 3y ago
Can we not keep this to the original thread.
djflex90 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Guess not
[deleted] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
djflex90 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Who. The hosts of the show, the blind person in question or the people calling in saying equally crazy things about how they would rather Michael Jackson or R. Kelly babysit over a blind person? Lots of things from many directions
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