The blind are no more or less otherworldly, stupid, evil, gloomy, pitiable, or deceitful than the rest of us. It is only our ignorance that has cloaked them in these ridiculous garments.

– Rosemary Mahoney

That was how Rosemary Mahoney, an American narrative nonfiction writer, ended her latest book For the Benefit of Those Who See. The book is a vivid account of the daily life of the visually impaired and how prejudice and ignorance have shaped their place in society.

In the book, Mahoney begins by discussing her own fear of blindness above all else. Throughout her travels in Tibet, China, and India, she recounts her experiences visiting Braille Without Borders, the first school for the blind in Tibet, and the Tenberken’s International Training Center in Kerala, India. These experiences reveal the shocking prejudice against the blind and the slow progress in changing people’s perceptions, ultimately transforming her perspective.

One key message from the book deeply resonates with me: the blind should be treated with dignity, not pity. We often view ourselves as superior, feeling pity for the blind, the “oppressed” Chinese and North Koreans, and people in developing countries, believing it is our duty to act as “saviors” and alleviate their suffering. But do they truly need saving, or are we simply satisfying our own need to feel good by imagining ourselves as the “savior”? This mindset is driven by sheer arrogance.

None of them need your saving. They just want your support and empathy.

– Volunteer Training Staff

I, too, have fallen into this arrogant and ignorant mindset. I approached the disadvantaged as if they needed my “saving.” How arrogant and ignorant I was! Recently, I volunteered to help visually impaired people learn English, and only during the volunteer training session did I realize the puerility of my thoughts. The training staff told all of us, as if it were a revelation: “None of them need your saving. They just want your support and empathy.” Do not approach it with the mindset of giving alms; instead, approach it as if you’re meeting a friend, recognizing that everyone is equal and no one needs your liberation.

The author makes a powerful statement by admitting that she, too, held preconceived notions about the visually impaired, believing they were in need of “saving.” It is heartening to see how her view entirely shifted, but she also points out that there is still a long way to go before this prejudice is completely eradicated.

Overall, the book is a profound commentary not only on the living conditions of the blind but also on human perceptions in general. For the Benefit of Those Who See serves as a crucial reminder that true understanding comes not from assuming superiority, but from embracing humility, empathy, and respect for the inherent dignity of every individual.

(August 22, 2024)