Navigating Rude Questions: Handling Skeptics and Naysayers

When someone questions your right to use a cane or dismisses your blindness, it can be frustrating and challenging. Dealing with people who ignore your privacy or deny your need for assistive devices can be both frustrating and demoralizing. However, it is important to approach these situations with grace and maturity. This article explores strategies to handle such encounters without engaging in unnecessary confrontation, emphasizing the importance of staying polite and moving forward.

Responding with Diplomacy

When someone asks you whether you are really blind, the answer is a simple one: there is no need to prove anything to anyone. If they ask, and you feel comfortable sharing, you can provide a factual response. Here are two potential replies you might consider:

Out Loud: "I am legally blind, and this white cane enables me to get around without assistance."

In My Head: "I am legally blind but I can still see that you are an ass."

Remember, no one is under an obligation to provide an answer or an explanation to rude questions. If you are a fully grown adult, handle the situation maturely and choose not to engage.

Dealing with Rude and Narcissistic Behavior

Unfortunately, you may encounter individuals who are determined to dispute your condition in an attempt to bully or steal. In such situations, it is crucial to maintain your composure and be louder if you feel threatened. Here are some additional suggestions:

Remain Calm: If someone insists that you are not blind, it is important to stay calm and not engage in a confrontation.

Seek Help: If you feel in danger, ask for help. It is okay to call for assistance if you feel unsafe.

Ignore the Narcissist: Narcissists often refuse to listen. They may lie and manipulate to get what they want. In such cases, it is best to ignore them.

Be firm in your responses and maintain your dignity. Some possible responses you might say include:

"Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t realize you were my doctor. How are you, Dr. Jones?"

"Just because I am able to do something non-visually as well as you do it visually is not in and of itself proof of sight."

Engaging with Sarcasm and Humor

While it is essential to handle the situation maturely, you can also inject some humor and sarcasm into the conversation to lighten the mood. Here is an example of a sarcastic and humorous response to someone questioning your blindness:

Response:

"Wait, what really! I am NOT blind! Damn man, where were you all those years ago when the doctor said I was? Here I’ve been living my life all this time, not seeing because I took the doctor’s word for it. Thank God I finally met you so you could tell me the truth! "It was so easy, too! All my life doctors have told me there was nothing that could be done to restore my sight, but you…you were able to tell instantly on meeting me that I was never really blind in the first place! Now that I know that I’ll start seeing right away. I’m sorry if I’m blubbering on here, but I’m just so excited to be able to see from now on, thanks to your expert advice!" "Hey, before you go, can I get your number? In case I have any follow-up concerns, I might be able to get you some referrals too! I have a friend who thinks she’s deaf—I mean, you’ll probably have to write it down for her since she won’t be able to hear you until…
after
you explain that she’s not deaf, but still, if you could help her realize the truth too that would be awesome!" "Anyway, thanks again, man! This is gonna be a life changer!"

At this point, try to turn and walk into the nearest obstacle. Then, turn back to the person and say, “Dude! What the f***!”

Remember, the goal is to assert your dignity and not feed the troll. Stay polite, move on, and report any dangerous behavior to the appropriate authorities.