I'm the only white person on the subway car. Everyone else is black. No, I'm not racist, I just notice my surroundings. I am not uncomfortable, it is what I'm used to. I should feel like the odd one out- but what does the color of your skin matter? It doesn't.
There is a sign on every subway car by designated seats that states: 'Priority seating, for person's with disabilities.' Underneath that it says, 'Not all disabilities are visible.' If I was with my friends, some of them might have jokingly said, 'some disabilities are in the head.' But it is not a joke- cuz that is the truth.
Can you climb trees? Can you do ballet? Do you have a good singing voice? Are you good at math? If you answered 'no' to any of those questions, then you have a disability. That's right. You are UNable to do something. As is every human being, simply because we were all born with different talents and abilities, and no one can do everything.
I was a volunteer for Friendship Circle when I was in for high school. It is an organization that helps children with disabilities make friends. Volunteers go to the children's houses once a week, play with them, hang out, and become their friend.
Is it possible to see a person with a visible disability and not notice it? If a person passes by you in a wheelchair, or on crutches, will you tell me that they weren't in a wheelchair, or that you did not see it? That would be denial. It is okay to notice difference. It is normal to realize that someone is not exactly like you. Whether is is a physical difference, the inability to do a certain task that comes naturally to others, or even something that you may not see, may never know about the person.
We ARE all different, that is the point, and that is how it is supposed to be. If we were all clones of one another, or all dressed the same, had the same name, etc, it would be a boring world. Diversity is what makes the universe such a colorful place.
We should notice differences, but instead of being disgusted by it, or perhaps feel threatened by it, we should embrace it, and learn to appreciate each person for their differences, for what they can bring to the table.
If I sit on the subway and notice that I am the only white person there- does that make me racist? I think not.
this is so well put altie.....wow. If I was on that train with you, you'd still be the only white person :)
ReplyDeletethank you for such positive reflection and encouragement. Take Care sis.
Danny- I figured as much. And thank you for reading my blog, and for making me conscious to be more careful and sensitive in what I say.
ReplyDeleteLast time I was the only white person on the train I was also the only person on the train not leaving an evangelical conference...
ReplyDeleteugh.
evangelicals rock the house!
ReplyDeleteK someone please explain to me what that is.
ReplyDeletean evangelical?
ReplyDeleteyou've REALLY never heard that word before?
Christian?
ReplyDeleteCheerio: what do you expect from a Crown Heightser?
ReplyDeleteLooow, E, very low. I expected more from you.
ReplyDeleteA disability is not merely the lack of a talent (dancing, singing, etc.) but the lack of an ability that is considered normative (like being able to walk unassisted).
ReplyDeleteThat said, its great that you have such an inclusive view of other people.
Thanks G3.
ReplyDeleteI know what a disability is, technically. It was a play on words.
That's good. I've heard the "we're all disabled in some way" line used in all seriousness. While we should try to treat everyone equally and afford everyone the same opportunities, a disability is still just that - the lack of an ability that nearly everyone has.
ReplyDelete