Blind with Different Views
By: Susan Murphy
My friend has a beautiful backyard with a lovely swing. Sometimes I go sit with him while my dogs enjoy the freedom and exploration his place offers. I too love it, especially the bird watching. I found myself describing to George all that I see: "There is a bluebird with feathers as blue as the sky landing on the lamppost," or "Wow, there are so many cardinals dashing through the yard with their vibrant red feathers" I am careful to describe the scene to him because my friend is blind.
We had a friend between us who passed away. It is the love of our friend that is forming our new friendship. I enjoy spending those easy mornings talking with him about everything. Yesterday, we were talking about politics, particularly how disagreements over politics can divide relationships. We found ourselves in this conversation because recently I dared to share my thoughts on a political issue with a friend, only to be met with a wave of condescension and disrespect. As I spoke, trying to articulate my perspective, their tone turned dismissive and belittling, as if my words held no weight or merit.
With each sentence I uttered, they responded with a sneer and a mocking tone, making me feel as though my opinion was not just different but downright foolish. Their words cut through me like knives, leaving me feeling small and inadequate for daring to express a viewpoint that diverged from their own.
Instead of engaging in a meaningful discussion or trying to understand where I was coming from, they resorted to personal attacks and derisive comments, as if my thoughts were not worthy of consideration. I felt invalidated and marginalized, as if my voice didn't matter in the conversation, and that my intelligence was being called into question simply for holding a different perspective.
The experience left me frustrated and hurt, eroding my confidence and leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. It made me realize how toxic and divisive political discourse can be, and how important it is to approach differing opinions with respect and empathy, even when we strongly disagree.
George listened to my frustration then told me that there was another blind guy in the neighborhood. I said, "Two blind guys? Are there two blind mice too?" We laughed as he continued with his thought. He and his friend had totally different political views. Because they did not see it the same way, they came up with a "safe" word “Noodles”. The word would help identify that their friendship, the bond they shared, was more important than convincing the other of their viewpoint. Their safe word reminds them that they choose to engage in respectful and empathetic dialogue, to seek common ground, and prioritize the bonds of their friendship and connection over political differences.I pondered that these two blind men had two different views, but could see clearly what so many could not see.