Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Writing a blind character? (self.Blind)
submitted by james_rhap
I am beginning the process of writing what will (hopefully) someday be a novel about outlaws in space. One of the leads is a blind space cowboy, and he's just a total badass in every way. Before I write anything, I want to make sure I get everything right about his being blind. Given that I don't personally know any blind people in my life, I figured that if I wanted to do this thing right I'd have to ask a community like this one so that I could ensure that the character is portrayed accurately and sensitively.
What are some things I should keep in mind when writing a blind character? This question pertains especially to how being blind might effect his fighting style and such, because he's a badass space rebel who will end up in lots of fight scenes. Any help is much appreciated!
What are some things I should keep in mind when writing a blind character? This question pertains especially to how being blind might effect his fighting style and such, because he's a badass space rebel who will end up in lots of fight scenes. Any help is much appreciated!
AlexDalcourt 2 points 3y ago
https://twitter.com/WhenWeAreHome/status/1245920372362444800?s=19
james_rhap [OP] 2 points 3y ago
That was a very helpful read with resources that I will be happy to check out! Much thanks!
AlexDalcourt 1 points 3y ago
❤
MRXGray 1 points 3y ago
I'm sure you'll build up this blind character in a way that can resonate with your ideal readers.
So I won't go to which hood he grew up. And what was it like. Culture. And such.
​
But how he rolls now largely depends on when he became blind.
Since birth? Early in life? Teenage years? During or right after college like me? In his 30s? 40s?
​
And next thing to consider is, how he became blind.
Some reasons can significantly affect his personality. And character. And overall attitude.
And essentially, how he thinks. As an outlaw, especially.
​
Let's say someone was a victim of senseless violence like me. Let's say he was gunned down.
And let's say all that happened in his early 20s. While he was — Just. Buying. Food.
Now won't that affect his perspective as an outlaw in his mid 30s? Most likely, right?
​
Hope this helps! :)
So I won't go to which hood he grew up. And what was it like. Culture. And such.
​
But how he rolls now largely depends on when he became blind.
Since birth? Early in life? Teenage years? During or right after college like me? In his 30s? 40s?
​
And next thing to consider is, how he became blind.
Some reasons can significantly affect his personality. And character. And overall attitude.
And essentially, how he thinks. As an outlaw, especially.
​
Let's say someone was a victim of senseless violence like me. Let's say he was gunned down.
And let's say all that happened in his early 20s. While he was — Just. Buying. Food.
Now won't that affect his perspective as an outlaw in his mid 30s? Most likely, right?
​
Hope this helps! :)
james_rhap [OP] 2 points 3y ago
This does help a lot! Thank you!
The character went blind in his late teens. I have yet to develop the exact way he became blind, but it likely will have to do with violence in some way.
The character went blind in his late teens. I have yet to develop the exact way he became blind, but it likely will have to do with violence in some way.
LexieDream 1 points 3y ago
THis is difficult, as it would greatly depend on which “powers” you would be giving such a character.
As a blind individual, I would say to please stay away from common stereotypes.
Blind people usually don’t feel others faces. We aren’t unaware of our surroundings. We aren’t any more or less offended by cursing than the rest of the population. And we use words such as “see”, “watch”, “look”.
These are some common stupid misconceptions.
As a blind individual, I would say to please stay away from common stereotypes.
Blind people usually don’t feel others faces. We aren’t unaware of our surroundings. We aren’t any more or less offended by cursing than the rest of the population. And we use words such as “see”, “watch”, “look”.
These are some common stupid misconceptions.
james_rhap [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Thanks for the information! I will make note of it.
As for powers, I'm not entirely sure what you mean. No magic or anything. If you mean realistic special abilities that a person could have as a criminal, I'm not sure yet and could take any recommendations.
As for powers, I'm not entirely sure what you mean. No magic or anything. If you mean realistic special abilities that a person could have as a criminal, I'm not sure yet and could take any recommendations.
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