Power of Discrimination Exposed in Call It Blindness

Power of Discrimination Exposed in Call It Blindness

The fear of the unknown causes people to inflict pain and hatred rather than try to understand. They discriminate or prejudge others on the basis of their ethnicity, race, sex or handicap. This treatment often results in victims being ostracized from society. It is assumed that such hardship can make people bitter and full of resentment. However, Georgina Kleege disproves this in her essay "Call It Blindness." She shows that her personal struggle against discrimination has made her better, because it pushes her to open people's narrow-minded views, break down societal stereotypes, and inspire those with similar challenges.

As a handicap, there are extra struggles that Kleege must face while trying to broaden the narrow-mindedness of people in today's society. When people have a handicap, they are seen as weak and inferior. The blind must try to escape the negative stereotypes that are often associated with them. Kleege acknowledges that people believe, "Blind means darkness, dependence, destitution, despair. Blind means the beggar in the subway station" (395). She tries to help others understand that her condition is not one of despair but one of hope, as "blindness does not in itself constitute helplessness. You will be as resourceful, capable, and intelligent as you ever were" (403). Kleege tries to make clear to others that her condition is not the end of her life, but the start of one with more difficulty. There are also stereotypes of uncleanliness and unawareness of those without vision, as well as an idea that the blind are less intelligent. Even though there are many who do fall into the stereotype, there are also in...

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Throughout history, there have been many images of bravery and strength. However, there is none more admirable than the bravery and strength of people like Georgina Kleege. They continue to fight, even when their triumphs go unnoticed by most. As a result, their actions have had a larger impact on society than any famous hero. With their patience and perseverance, they have helped change and mold society's negative view of the disabled into a positive one. Without people with perseverance like Kleege, members of today's society would never try to open their eyes and learn to accept and respect those

who are different.

Work Cited

Kleege, Georgina. "Call It Blindness." The Presence of Others. 3rd ed. Ed. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz. New York: Bedford, 2000. 389-407.