Unceasing Echoes

I wanted to look at mask wearing here. I should  clarify that this post is in no way a complaint about the reasons or need  for wearing masks during the COVID-19  crisis, nor presenting some ‘right’ not to have to use them, but rather what they represent (or don’t) for blind people.   I’ve discussed here previously about the issues of facial expressions and eye contact and they seem to have been brought into particular focus with the current need to wear masks in public spaces.   Although I think I understand  the role that facial expressions play in sighted people’s communication, I have been surprised at the level of fervour expressed by some about the extent of what is lost                                           ...

A stranger: “You’re blind are you mate? What, is it tunnel vision or what?”    

‘have you thought about’ (revisited)   A stranger: “You’re blind are you mate? Haven’t you thought about getting some glasses?”  

A stranger: “You’re blind are you mate? What, are you short-sighted or what?”    

A stranger: “You’re blind are you mate? How many fingers am I holding up then? (waving an unknown number of fingers in my face)  

Taxi driver: “I dunno mate, you people are an inspiration to us all. Fair play to you. I couldn’t do without my eyesight, no way mate. I’d rather lose anything else, I’d rather lose both my legs than my sight. Fair play to you”   Me: “what about you’re penis?”  

“What’s better, to have always been blind, or to have lost your sight later in life?”   How the f**k would I know.