by Gary Wunder
Almost every article that appears in the pages of the Braille Monitor is prefaced with an editor’s note. Sometimes writing them is quite easy, with a brief biography of the author and an expression of appreciation for their contribution. I have sometimes been criticized for saying that an article is wonderful and am reminded that readers will make up their own mind.
Sometimes crafting the headnote is more difficult. If what we publish is a perspective that does not enjoy universal support, what should be said about it? A bad headnote with my position may bias readers against the opinion the author has offered, but where I have failed is in not noting that a given article expresses views that are not completely consistent with truths that we hold dear in the National Federation of the Blind. One recent article was “Cane I Stick Out Anymore” that appeared in the July 2023 issue. I like the article because it came from a person who unapologetically uses a cane. I liked it because it said that making a decision to use a cane is not always an easy one. A few people rightly and strongly objected to the idea that we would publish anything in the Braille Monitor that suggested it was okay to get free access to state parks or to get a better seat at a concert. They suggested that my headnote should have said that this does not really align with the philosophy that we have in the Federation, that being that we differentiate between what we absolutely need and what it might be nice to have. We work hard at not playing the blind card.
My sincere apology goes out to those who feel that I did not exercise proper judgment in drafting a thorough editor’s note. Regrettably, this may have given the impression that our philosophy is vaguely defined or nonexistent. This perspective doesn't align with the organization's beliefs. It would have been better had the headnote stated that while not every point in the article resonates with our organizational stance, much of its content is valuable and represents a contribution for which we are grateful. My using this experience as an opportunity to learn is crucial. I hope that readers understand the importance of discussing issues from varied and sometimes challenging perspectives, since these are topics any active and evolving organization must address.
In this issue, we are running two articles addressing the word blind. I welcome your thoughts about the way you feel about the perspectives they offer. Thank you for reading, thinking, feeling, and responding.