Kim Talia Pillay

Student number:

215080580

PSYC708-Psychology

of Diversity

17 April 2015

Assignment: The complexity of identity in

diversity: Diversity Marker-Blindness

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

PAGES:

1. Introduction 3

2. Review of Literature 4-11

3. A theory relating to blindness 12-13

4. Discussion: How is the aspect of diversity,

blindness, constructed and experienced and what is its meaning for the individual

14-16

5. Discussion: Reflection on the module

objectives in relation to blindness in the psychology of diversity context

17-22

6. Discussion: The aspect of diversity that is

blindness as a demographic, political, ideological or social justice concern

23-25

7. Conclusion 26

8. Reference list 27-28

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1. Introduction

“The needs for positive regard from others and positive self-regard would match

organismic evaluation and there would be congruence between self and experience, with

full psychological adjustment as a result.”- (Carl Rogers, 1959)

This aspect of diversity, namely blindness can be defined as the inability to see anything even

light. Even so, if an individual is partially blind, they have limited vision and experience only

a portion of the visible world. When a person becomes completely blind, this means that one

cannot see at all and their world becomes total darkness. It can be deduced from this inspiring

experience of interviewing an extraordinary blind person with such a zest for life and who is

just as capable and human as any other member of society, even more so in some respects.

He has made it clearly evident that being blind does not make you a lesser being but as a

blind person society stigmatises you and passes judgement on your capabilities without any

basis and it can be said that, life will go by too quick if you do not stop every so often and

look around.

Firstly, followed by the introduction, included in this essay is a review of literature of various

psycho-social related articles with regard to the marker of diversity, namely, blindness.

Countless studies were conducted with regard to psycho-social aspects or related issues and

have the following objectives: to explore how society views capable blind people; to

understand sentiments of a blind person, (be it positive or negative); to determine if the social

adjustment scale and test conducted assisted in revealing attitudes towards the diversity

marker, namely blindness; What is the chance of a blind individual achieving one’s goals and

success. Secondly, the essay will also explain, by means of a social identity theory, the

development of the identity that has been identified by the subject. Thirdly, this essay will

explain in detail, how the aspect of diversity, that is blindness, is constructed and experienced

and what its meaning is for the individual. Fourthly, this essay will explain how this relates to

the psychology of diversity by reflecting on the module objectives. Lastly, the essay will also

indicate how this particular aspect of diversity can be a demographic, political, ideological or

social justice concern thereafter is followed by the conclusion.

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2. Review of literature:

The focus of psycho-social related issues in the diversity of marker-blindness research:

The varying articles of psycho-social related issues regarding blindness in review.

Abstract

Blindness research entails various factors that often occur in the community at large.

Society tends to view individuals with disability, such as blindness with much scrutiny

and judgment, act obscure when reacting to people with difference, judgmental opinions

and misconceptions about capable blind people Fries (1930). Whilst it is argued that

sentiments, that which holds a positive connotation, such as able bodied people believe

that their act of helping a disabled person is as show of human concern in turn this kind

gesture can hold a negative connotation (Fries), as a blind person may feel that you are

deeming him incapable and a lesser human being who is just screaming out to be helped

and he begins to wonder if he is an object of curiosity, or is he being exposed to unwanted

sympathy and pity. According to (Zarlock, 1961) a test was also administered to 52

subjects. They were rated on, via the social adjustment scale and tested for manifest

anxiety, ego strength and attitudes towards the diversity marker namely, blindness. It can

be deduced that the maladjusted believed in somewhat of a miraculous cure from religion

or the science of medicine in contrast to the socially adapted and matched the normal

individual’s who depicted no differences. Further analysis of the impact that stereotypes

have towards individuals with blindness globally, are that of individuals living with

disabilities are often viewed as flawed and incapable and for some reason need to be

rehabilitated in order to function as normally as possible in society (Kahn, 1984) and

Pintner (1930) somewhat places everything into perspective of a living as a blind person.

Even though one does not have a sense of sight, their mental faculties are intact, thus

society should not treat them as inferior rather accommodate them as much as they can,

such as the use of Braille.

Although studying becomes a gradual challenge every year and every semester for a blind

person not only due to the lack of resources but many other factors as well. But with

patience, determination and perseverance, success is in the radar and achieving one’s

goals is obtainable. In interviewing our subject living with such a disability, that is

blindness, there are similar shared experiences which are explored in these studies. There

is a correlation between disability and society’s misconceptions, disturbing negative

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reactions, scrutiny, judgment, prejudice, bias and discrimination to name a few. It can be

said that there is a need for intervention as living with disability such as blindness does

not mean an individual’s world becomes black and it does it state in any way that a blind

person, for instance should be treated “different”, objectified and ignored, felt pity for and

seen as a vegetable, incapable of achieving their goals and aspirations. However, as a

positive, blind people are given “too much help” in public and can sometimes become

annoyed and feel like a lesser being. According to Luque and Flora (1979) research with

regards to assisting or helping individuals with disability, the treatment of a disabled

person in a social situation depends on somewhat of a combination of the attitudes of the

able bodied individuals, stimulus value of the disability and the environmental situation

(Flora & Dybsky, 1976). A blind person can be identified by dark glasses, a white cane or

a guide dog. These are aids in which are used to help and assist blind people.

Blindness in the social context

With regard to the social psychology of blindness, often people with disability are seen as

misfits of society and this is a personal and lifelong struggle for many with disabilities

such as blindness. According to Fries (1930), a blind person’s victory and personal

success in this life is all about having an excellent support system and is determined by

the attitudes of society at large, that is his, immediate family, friends and colleagues

towards him. This study is necessary as it helps one to view blindness of a person and

their capabilities just as they would view an able bodied individual who normally does

things for himself and achieves at his full potential. As our gentleman said, “yes having

sight and doing it is normal but being blind and can still do it and most times do it better

than normal people”. It all boils down to having an open mind, by doing so, one will

realise that blind people are just like you and me.

Being visually impaired does not mean that he or she cannot do anything they put their

mind to or it does not by any stretch of the imagination depict that they have inferior

intelligence. Sight does not affect one’s mind as it is only a physical challenge that

people, if determined and optimistic can conquer over their disability. The world needs to

accommodate people living with blindness as much as they can, through all aspects of

society. Intervention, such as more efforts regarding integration, taking time to

understand the disability and interaction as well as extensive research needs to be

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conducted to depict common courtesy, love, care and support to people living with

challenging disabilities such as blindness.

The positive and negative impact of sentiments on an individual who is blind

It can be argued that while sentiments which hold a positive connotation and able bodied

people believe that their act of helping is just a natural human concern for someone who

is disabled, maybe not viewed as such from the eyes of the disabled. One who is visually

impaired is often helped even without asking. This is often seen as an act of kindness but

can also at the same time hold a negative connotation, as a blind person may feel that you

are deeming him incapable and a lesser human being who is just screaming out to be

helped and he becomes baffled as to whether he will be an object of curiosity, sympathy

and pity. This is so relatable to the subject that was interviewed by the group as he is most

time frustrated and easily angered at friends over sympathizing with his condition rather

they should see him as a human who is open to learning and new experiences and wanting

to find his way around unknown environments and places. Even if he has to enquire but

he is not helped and everything is not being done for him instead he walks and feels and

senses his surroundings and finds his desired location.

It is due to personal observation and indictments of the society at large are and their

habitual act of discrimination towards the blind community and their misconception of

charity which is solely based on sympathy. It is evident that people often sweet-talk and

flatter individuals with disability when in their presence but at other times will most

probably look down upon and doubt a blind person’s abilities, for example. This is due to

the fact that these blind people are not fit enough to live in society with the normal able

bodied human beings. It is because of this that prevailing attitudes of people of society,

that many blind people are deprived of opportunities in society and the workplace.

The society most time uses sentiments towards blind people and this often results

negatively as blind people are now forced to partake in menial tasks, such as smaller jobs

and the occupations that require less competence and formal qualifications, incapable of

making a livelihood and it becomes a challenge in that one who is disabled cannot even

afford to be a human being due to everyday life expenses and demands. Hence, the only

options for people living with disabilities depend on the government and its disability

grants and at the hands of the community. They are also deemed incapable of studying

and achieving academically, and this was so in the case of the interviewee, as his

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extended family said ‘they do not expect him to study’ and often like many others who

experience this, have a low-self esteem but he chose to ignore the negativity and continue

to pursue studying towards a degree in politics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It was

surprising that our interviewee who is living with blindness uses his disability to his full

potential and that is to achieve and succeed in life. It is definitely a choice and it is

entirely up to the person and what path they choose amidst being different from others. It

can be said that one should not pity people living with blindness, rather have a normal

and optimistic spirit in that you are willing to extend your hand of kindness if and when

needed and treat them as you would treat an able bodied individual, cooperate with blind

people and work towards a cause of love and acceptance in society.

It is surprising that we find people with disabilities often the most content individuals in

the world compare to able bodied people who have so many insecurities and are so

unhappy when they should be overjoyed with life and its offerings and the fact that they

have all their faculties. The Miller Lock Company of Philadelphia reported that the

workers who are blind are happy and content due to the fact that they are treated as a

normal person would be in a work environment (Fries, 1930). In essence, happiness and

joy comes from doing and exploring and exercising one’s creativity and talent, in the

same way that any other person has the opportunity too. Once one who is blind becomes

successful in their attempt to achieve and succeed in life, they need no sympathy.

A study conducted to determine ones attitudes towards people living with blindness

Just like the 52 blind subjects of ages between 20-45 years old from different regions of

New York State, were tested to determine their attitudes towards people living with

blindness. The criteria used in the selection process was the following: permanent and

total blindness with no light perception; at least 10 years of vision prior to blindness;

blind for at least 3 years; with the exception of blindness; no other physical disability.

Twenty-five able bodied subjects were selected as a control group for the 25 blind

subjects who as a result made an ample social adjustment to their handicap. These groups

of subjects were matched on age, intelligence, religious affiliation and socio-economic

background. This Social Adjustment Scale was developed as an initial step to permit

measurement of social adaptability to blindness. The scale was a rating device based on a

checklist of items which indicated a blind person’s level of acquisition of skills or social

maturity in 10 problem areas, namely: socialization, communication, recreation,

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employment, indoor orientation, travel, eating problems, dressing problems, business

problems and physical hygiene (Zarlock, 1961). It is evident from the results, that the 52

blind people who were rated and then tested for manifest anxiety, ego strength and

attitudes towards blindness and effectiveness of religion and medicine to restore health

and degrees of an independent personality. Each blind person was interviewed in order

for additional data to be obtained about the attitudes towards a miraculous treatment to

cure blindness. Twenty-five able bodied subjects were matched with 25 blind subjects

who scored high on the Social Adjustment Scale. The same procedure was followed by

the controlled subjects but they were not rated for social adaptability. It is concluded that

there was a correlation between social adaptation to blindness and high ego strength, low

manifest anxiety, and a positive attitude towards blindness.

However, the blind subjects who were socially maladjusted placed unusual optimism and

self-assurance in the efficacy of religion and the science of medicine to restore health and

they firmly believed that they would have the ability to see again through some

miraculous cure. The subjects who were poorly adjusted to the environment were

characterized as dogmatic in their personalities compare to the blind subjects who had

made an excellent social adjustment to their disability. In essence, they were intolerable

and unsupportive of blind individuals in society. There were no important differences that

were obtained between socially adapted individuals with disability and the able bodied

subjects.

Common man is tested in everyday life in situations where some succeed and some fail.

This all depends on their frame of reference, belief systems, ideas and worldview in

relation to blindness. In our interview with the gentleman who was blind, he went on to

say that his extended family where so disturbed with his condition that they believed it

had something to do with him seeing the Sangoma as a close relative is believed to be a

traditional healer. This is a common practice from an African perspective and context, as

we see in this study where people who were tested and deemed maladjusted believed that

there is a miraculous cure from religion. Evidently, the society has many expectations and

assumptions and possible solutions for the people living with disabilities. This can most

probably result in pressurising the individual and may impact them negatively, providing

false hope and disappointment. It is important how society handles people of this nature

as it is a very sensitive topic and deals with their human aspect of being and functioning

in everyday life and in the world. The community at large should maximize tolerance,

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love and care and adjust to people living with disability as they are just like normal

people but just have different lifestyles due to their condition. Everyone deserves to be

treated equal and just as human and not discriminated and prejudiced and judged just

because of their physical differences.

Discrimination, prejudice, stigma and bias against people living with blindness

According to American studies Kahn (1984) in relation to blindness and society’s

perspectives on people living with disability, they are often viewed as flawed and they

need to be rehabilitated in order to function normally in society. In other words, just

because individuals are disabled, in this case blind, they are without a doubt incapable,

lacking ability, unproductive and powerless in every aspect of life. From this perspective,

individuals with physically disability face many challenges and it stems from society,

which devalue, stigmatize, discriminate, as well as bias and prejudice against people of

difference. They become social misfits and victims of dependency, low-status jobs and

fewer opportunities that life usually offers to an able bodied person. Basically, it is

concluded that people living with disability do not really have anything to contribute to

the world. From a civil rights perspective, society must make adjustments physically and

socially, so that housing, job opportunities and foundation of meaningful relationships

can be created between people who are able bodied and those who are disabled.

The countless studies regarding legislation of the past and the present day constitution of

South Africa says that, “the state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly

against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital

status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion,

conscience, belief, culture, language and birth” (Marumoagae, 2012). The South African

constitution like any laws that have been created globally is to protect the rights of the

masses. Moreover, in this section specifically, it states that no one may be discriminated

against, among others, and highlights on the grounds of disability which is relative to this

study. This section also particularly protects the rights of people living with disability by

providing that the state must take whatever steps to protect these individuals that are

specifically disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. These interventions are inclusive of

national laws as well as monitoring the development of such groups of people that may

most likely be vulnerable. South Africa does not have particular laws or rights, for people

who are disabled instead one can find protection for individuals living with disabilities,

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for example, blindness, in the Employment Equity Act, the Promotion of equality and the

Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. In essence, this study suggested that

complexities of disability does not need to remain as narrowly segmented as through a

greater attention to the two perspectives on disability, namely, the rehabilitation and the

civil rights perspective, which can allow for more enlightened public policies regarding

issues of disability to come into sight.

The functionality and productivity of blind people can be viewed as being on the

same level of those living without blindness

Pintner (1930) puts everything into perspective and just like our interviewee and subject

this man too was blind from early childhood years. The main point that fitted into the

study of psycho-social issues of blindness is the fact that a blind man’s intelligence,

intellect, capabilities, character and personality does not differ from an individuals who

can see. As Helen Keller said, “the only thing worse than being blind is to have sight and

no vision”. It boils down to personal choice or preference, what you as the individual

living with a disability or blindness for that matter, does with one’s life. If one chooses to

go out there and make something of yourself amidst being blind, with perseverance and

determination, one will achieve and succeed and if one chooses to slack and make

themselves a victim and constantly feel self-pity then they will only be behind and never

succeed. Instead a person of this nature will develop contentedness and a dependant

mentality and ultimately fail to reach at their optimum level.

The intervention of Braille reading was traced and this depicts its importance for blind

people and I somehow can relate this to the interviewee and his method of studying.

Although generally studying is such a challenge for such individuals, this young

gentleman uses Braille mainly when writing an examination, which is most common

amongst blind people in the world. As he said, “he operates like a man”, just as normal as

an able bodied person, “even better” as he so vehemently puts it. One can pause for

thought and reflect on all the people who triumphed over adversity and happen to use

their disability to their full potential, such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, John Milton

and Helen Keller. Ultimately, from this study, one can realise that we should rise above

the obstructive, mundane, the dreary and tortuous, to put oneself and people of difference

above the process of oppression and the fear of not being able to make a transition to

becoming open minded of those we possibly love and care for amidst their disability, so

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that they can reach their point of self-actualization, with us as a support system, knowing

that they alone achieved their dreams, goals and aspirations.

As a result of fear, stigmatization, stereotypes and discrimination surrounding blindness,

it is pertinent to examine the effects of visual impairment on an individual in order to

develop successful coping strategies. Due to the vast number of people living with

blindness in the world today, further research is needed.

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3. Theory:

The self-categorisation theory (Turner, Hogg, Oakes, Reicher, and Wetherell, 1987) centres

itself on the whole “us” and “them” phenomenon in human groups which can be relative

when discussing blindness and especially how society perceives one who has a disability.

Firstly, this form of disability experience creates barriers to everyday life and activity for

people living with a disability such as blindness. According to the theory, it highlights these

barriers, such as the “disability experience” that is closely related to the example of visually

impaired individuals, is one of having to deal with the largely negative responses of others in

society and the division this causes. With regard to their development during childhood and

this marker of difference, our subject experienced prejudice and stereotyping just because he

was automatically looked down upon and was openly judged as incapable and he was given

the title of a lesser being. This was taken from the fact that his immediate family was

accepting of his difference where as his extended family did not bother to see his true

potential and went to an extent of telling him that “they did not expect him to study”. This

also led to the stereotype that people living with a disability do not have the potential to

achieve academically. This automatically shows the identity construction by people as they

have already defined our gentleman’s place in the world.

Secondly, in keeping with blindness during the adult and adolescent years of development,

and this young man’s experience of being visually impaired, it is an observation that people

create assumptions and possess innate fears, which are illustrated towards individuals who

are visibly disable, who are often ignored and become invisible and isolated in society. Due

to this, people living with a disability, such as blindness lose confidence, for example, our

young gentleman who is blind did mention that he does not feel he looks good, even though

he does not have an idea about his physical appearance. He usually believes everything he

hears even if in passing a person says that his not handsome, he tends to believe it. This is

somewhat relating to a low-self esteem due to people and their negativity in talk and act

towards people living with blindness. People also tend to think he is incapable of finding a

desired location and think that they need to do everything for him. This young man usually

gets frustrated with people who insist they need to help him, which deem him incapable when

he is actually independent and self-sufficient, finding his location with the use of his white

cane. He may be “different” from other people but he definitely can do anything and

everything like an able bodied person would and it can be said that, in his words, “you can do

anything you put your mind to”.

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Lastly, people who live with blindness also experience other forms of stigmatization and

discrimination where they are being treated as a social outcast, they become unworthy of

being loved unconditionally, losing out on friends, a person to share their lives with and in

general people do not want to associate and interact with a person who has a disability. There

are also less overt ways that society makes a handicapped person feel inferior. It is simply,

due to the fact of being “different” from the majority of the people and not fitting the social

norm. This falls into the category of comparison, distinguishing between the “us” and “them”

where society often assume that they need to view themselves as superior to the other, so in

turn, they compare themselves to the other which can make them feel secluded, alienated and

isolated. When one, who has a disability, is being greeted at University or a formal function,

not by “hello” but by “do you need any help?” shows that virtually every aspect of one’s

character, personality, tastes, interests attributed to one’s disability are also a part of the

experience of living with a social difference. In essence, a disability becomes a “master

status” that prevents individuals from playing a normal social role in society.

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4. Discussion: How blindness is constructed and experienced, and what its meaning is

for the individual

“The only thing worse than being blind is to have sight and no vision”- (Helen Keller)

In essence, a person without a purpose in life is more handicapped than the disabled or

disadvantaged. This inspiring young man was born with the ability to see, but after a few

months after being born, he contracted a condition of having fluid in his head and shortly

after a major operation, he was left blind. At three years old, he was officially completely

void of sight. As he said, “everything around me went completely dark”. As we began to

interview this young gentleman, the first thing that caught our attention was his warmth and

his optimism as well as his realistic outlook on life. He was approachable, respectful, an

active listener and knowledgeable. This made it easier for me and my group to interact with

him. As the conversation progressed, he was comfortable and well informed about the

relevant information that we needed. We definitely built a relationship, in the time we spent

in each other’s company, as qualities such as unconditional positive regard, empathy,

acceptance and trust that was demonstrated by us the group towards the gentleman. By him

being realistic and full of hope moulded him into the individual he is today. It opened the

path to move ahead through the challenge of living with blindness. He made us all see that,

although the world is full of suffering, one can still fully persevere and overcome such trials

that life throws at you. He is a without doubt an inspiring individual with a purpose, drive and

vision so great to excel beyond the shackles of his disability.

If one has an open mind, they will agree that a blind person is just like anyone else. Being

blind does not mean that he cannot do anything nor does it mean that they have inferior

cognitive abilities. In no way, does not having sight affect their intellect as it is merely a

physical handicap. Even though they do not have sense of sight, their mental faculties are still

intact, and therefore we should not treat them as inferior. The word needs to accommodate

them as much as it should. To one’s surprise and my personal observation, blind people

respond to intellect and intelligence. When approaching an individual of this nature, speak

politely and do not shout but rather converse in a normal tone of voice. As they are just as

human and remember they are blind not deaf, a common misconception I have come to

observe. One should also make an effort to understand blindness and blind individuals by

building a relationship, interacting and researching about them.

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Usually, when individuals experience blindness, they feel broken and no longer whole. When

one experiences a loss of sight, it impacts on their self esteem and self-concept that is

generally how one thinks and feels about oneself as well as the role you now in play in

society and family. In this gentleman’s journey of life, his basic losses when he became blind

were loss of physical integrity. Firstly, self-esteem is closely linked to appearance and

competence. There are often negative stereotypes and prejudice directed at blind people.

They are deemed incapable, not incompetent, outsiders and different from those in society.

This young man was accepted with his difference within his immediate family and among his

colleagues, friends and teachers at school and campus but marginalized by his extended

family. They do not think he is capable of doing anything, for example finding a desired

location and find the need to direct him and do everything for him which assumes loss of

techniques of daily living and he was also once told by his extended family that they do not

expect him to study. This encompasses the loss of light security in one’s life. Equating

darkness with blindness has broad psychologically implications. Light is often associated

with positivism and goodness in contrast to darkness, which is associated with evil, despair

and everything that has to do with negative connotations. In essence, these elements both

have emotional connotations for people with sight as well as people who are blind. This can

therefore, result in barriers to being fully accepted in the community and in the world.

Secondly, he experienced loss of contact with the environment and reality. Vision plays a

primary role in maintaining basic bodily orientation that one uses in everyday life. When one

loses sight, they lose sense of where they actually are, who and what are around them. For

example, it took him time to develop the skill of location and direction, be it at campus or any

other place that he frequents. It is with the use of his cane, which is the primary mobility tool,

used by many individuals who are visually impaired or blind, that he is aware of his

surroundings and in touch with reality and the environment.

Lastly, he experienced loss of ease with written communication. When one becomes blind it

becomes immensely difficult to communicate. Blind individuals lose their ease of access to

writing as well as reading. They are not able to, for example, write lists, taking notes and

keeping track of appointments. They also cannot see any graphic illustrations, pictures or

photographs. Magazines and newspapers become inaccessible and learning and writing for an

assignment and examination becomes a challenge. This young man uses a person to orally

assist him or to write down what he is saying when doing, for example, a multiple choice

assignment or exam, and for other exams, like most people, he uses Braille. It is also difficult

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to keep up with current fashion and hairstyles, which result in individuals feeling that they do

not fit into the norms of society. However, this young, simple man, taking every detail that is

surrounding him into consideration and dresses according to how he feels or someone would

tell him what colour it is if he happens to ask them while changing. He has no particular

fashion sense and wears anything he wants with no pressure to fit into society. One with the

condition blindness such as this young gentleman can leave you feeling hopeless and not

fully accepted in this world. One should speak positivism in people with this disability, in

which they educate as well as teach them how to appreciate life as a blind person and should

emphasize that life is not always “black”, isolation and closed doors for a blind person. They

are “different” but still as capable and human as any other being.

The response to the question of what blindness means to him, was definitely surprising. It

was not the typical pessimistic and self pity answer that we had assumed it would be. He

laughed and said this whole condition of being blind is a “joke” for him as he created an

identity for himself and who he is, as he grew up and began to understand his disability. He

believes he is just as capable, as human and normal as everyone around him. He wakes up

and says “I am living”, which is the most important than viewing himself as a lesser being.

Even though he is perceived as abnormal and categorized as incapable or disabled, he turns a

deaf ear and focuses on what he wants in life. For example, his extended family mentioned

that that they do not expect him to study but he ignored such negativity and still pursued

studying although he knew it will be a challenge.

It is usually indicated that blind people do not fit in with societies norms and they struggle to

adapt to a world that they cannot see, which is not equipped to handle their needs. However

this gentleman still is motivated to work to the best of his ability and achieve at the highest

level in every aspect of life at his potential. The life lesson that this young man taught us, is

that if you want to lead a happy, fulfilled and successful life, you need to construct your own

vision and create your message that you will share with the world. You should also become

your own disciple and follow what you believe in and do not feel pressured to conform to the

world. He also taught us that one’s life will have purpose and meaning when you attach a

message and do not care about the world that gossips, discriminates or criticizes, rather focus

on your own life, core beliefs and discard those people who add no value to your life.

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5. Discussion: Reflection on the module objectives in relation to blindness in the

psychology of diversity context

Diversity expands worldliness. In for example, a University, it might be the first time you

have a real encounter with someone, or have an opportunity to have a relationship,

communicate and interact with people from diverse groups. Often, we find ourselves

segregated from other groups of individuals, whether it is in malls, schools, churches and

even our own areas where we live. When we have diversity, it is like opening the door to a

new world, with vast unceasing possibilities. It is also due to experiences of what others are

going through or live with, for example, disabled people, that we really appreciate our own

lives and begin to love ourselves as able bodied individuals. Diversity enhances social

development. By interacting with people of other religions, cultures, backgrounds and

different walks of life, widens one’s social circle, by expanding the pond of people with

which you can socialise with and develop relationships. One can also consider how

monotonous and boring your conversation and life would be if you only had friends or

colleagues who had everything in common with you. When you have that shared experience,

example with someone who is different in the physical, you will be able to view the world

differently and have shared experiences. It also increases our knowledge. It can be said that

when interacting with the “other”, who is different from us, we see the world through their

perspective, angles and see their vantage points and somehow find we can relate in a way.

We, the society learn in the process, and may even end up perceive and view the other

differently after this experience.

Diversity enhances self-awareness. By learning from a person, for example who is disabled,

sharpens one’s self-insight and self-knowledge, allowing you to contrast and make

comparisons in your life, everyday living and experiences with others whose life experiences

differ sharply from your own. By being self-aware, one will be adapt an open mind rather

than constructing social realities of prejudice, discrimination and stigma and having a single

focus lens in which you view people in the world. When it comes to diversity, it also

promotes tolerance. In terms of being tolerant, that means that diversity can help us accept

people with difference, example blind people. The point is, we are all different, yet the

differences that we have between us can be used to strengthen society. Diversity also allows

us to grow and understand new ways of living and experience life to the fullest. If we did not

have diversity, we will always be closed off in our own world compared to if we have it,

people will not be selfish, ignorant and blatantly disrespectful towards individuals with

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difference. When you think without prejudice, discrimination and stigma, you become a

better person. The key is exposure and using what you have learnt through experiences in

your life to maximize tolerance and minimize things such as social difference towards people

living with blindness.

Appreciating and understanding diversity is essential to all success and achievements in

today’s day and age, especially in psychology and related professional fields. Most people

view diversity as good, because it gives individuals a chance to experience things that are

different and what they are not usually accustomed to. When one opens their minds to

accepting and encouraging diversity, they are able to value, for instance, people with a

difference such as blindness. The implications that arise are cultural clashes, language

barriers which results in conflict and lack of communication as well as disintegration of

communities and families and discrimination and racism. One is always viewing the other

with suspicion which leads to tension and war and internal dissatisfaction within oneself,

leads to destruction to personal and social relationships among people in society.

Both “difference” and “prejudice” are socially constructed categories. Social construction of

difference is created by a system of privilege and oppression. With regard to blindness, this

constructed difference is between two groups, one group that has privileges and is considered

normal just because they are able bodied compared to those who are oppressed and labelled

abnormal just because they have a physical disability. Due to this, society categorizes people

according to how they look and function in society and not about who they are as people and

their potential to achieve in life. The abnormal people are deprived of many opportunities and

privileges compare to the normal functioning individuals. We should all have equal rights,

equal opportunity, equal respect and equal privilege. No one should feel intimidated by the

other and hide from society just because they live with a marker of difference such as

blindness. The ancient structure of society needs to detach itself from our minds and hearts

and we should create a new, liveable environment where all individuals walk without feeling

inferior side by side. Prejudice is an attitude that rests on negative stereotypes about people or

particular groups because of their backgrounds, sex, class and physical disabilities such as

blindness. People construct these realities due to their own personal frame of reference,

morals, values and belief systems.

A theoretical model is a theory that is often used to explain a particular behaviour or a

situation or to create a hypothesis on a certain phenomenon (Shoemaker, 2004). With regard

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to blindness and the psychology of diversity, social constructionism seems to be the most

fitting and ideal theoretical for explaining this aspect of diversity. For instance, being blind is

a lifestyle, but people of society rather label visually impaired people as “the blind” instead of

seeing them as human beings. As a result, one can say that they only have a meaning because

society gives them a meaning. For example, if you are blind, incapable and a lesser being

because society tells you that you are, not because you choose to be. Ultimately, it is all just a

social process that makes us, people of society differentiate between what is normal and what

is abnormal. In today’s day and age the social construction in society is dividing individuals

depending mainly on physically appearance. People who are blind for that matter are seen

differently because of where they come from and how they were born, for example, if you are

blind, then you are not expected to study because you do not possess the ability to achieve.

This is all what society has inculcated in us the people of the world and we are often caught

up on this whole idea of social standards and stereotypes that we supposed to follow. In other

words, we believe what we want to believe.

Diversity refers to differences among people, be it in a community or society, neighbourhood

and school, university or in the workplace. Diversity means that individuals who are different

from each other will interact with one another with outcomes that are unpredictable. One

should believe in the power of diversity because each individual’s life experiences and

unique backgrounds add value to one’s life. This also enables us to have broader mind sets

and ensures we do not limit the ideas and voices inside our heads. Firstly, diversity can easily

affect people’s behaviour. Different groups of people from varying backgrounds and culture

have differing patterns of behaviour, value systems and norms of living in society. Each

individual’s frame of reference and culture defines how one thinks and understands. It is from

the moment, a human being is born they are categorized and labelled by the society we live

in. in particular, South Africa, being a multicultural society, prejudice and stereotypes, for

example on social differences such are blindness are solely created on the bases of age,

gender, socio-economic status and race, and men or women are now expected to behave in a

particular way. People tend to gravitate towards individuals with similar norms, morals and

values, race and cultural backgrounds and the fact that they are the same physically, that is,

that they are able bodied, everything is perfectly fine on their bodies. Often, individuals

ostracize or have biases towards people who are “different” and they do not understand. In

conclusion, diversity regarding the manifestation of behaviour with regard to diverse cultural,

racial and other social groups is behavioural software that programs us all, and makes us

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think and act accordingly in society. The ability to value and accept individual differences

will help and teach us to relate more effectively in any circumstance for that matter.

It is important for people to become more aware of, and more able engage with, differing

social and cultural perspectives. They need to understand and work with issues arising from

different dimensions of human diversity, such as disability which will benefit the personal

and professional lives of people. The issues and controversies related to negative ideologies

such as prejudice, discrimination and stigma with regards to example, blindness in human

diversity that do arise should be dealt with by creating awareness, emphasize skills,

understandings and abilities that individuals must develop in order to engage with difference.

By valuing and appreciating and enhancing diversity, one recognizes the difference and

respects individuality while promoting respect for the other. It also emphasizes the

importance of people sharing their experiences and stories of being different or living with a

difference. It acknowledges that people of difference have different stories in life to tell to

someone who is willing to hear it. This approach seeks to maximize diversity awareness and

sensitivity so that people of society are able to act appropriately and accordingly towards

people of difference. By constructing positive influences, people in society will begin to

change their negative attitudes, behaviours and perceptions.

Psychology and counselling contribute to a mentally and healthier society. Psychologists

contribute to the well-being of society, just as a counsellor would meet the needs of, for

example, the physically disabled. They do so by helping such individuals understand their

emotions and behaviours and managing them to lead a better and empowered life.

It is evident that in this present day and age, society faces many challenges and crises on a

daily basis and in this case, living with blindness and being considered as “difference” from

the rest. A natural crack due to a drought or an earthquake can symbolise the relationship

between the people and the environment or society. This vivid imagery depicts the

persuasive destructiveness of the effects of such a crack. We also recognise that this image

also expresses moments of calamity in the lives of individuals of society. This image of the

‘crack running through a social landscape’ provides a clear picture of how people

continuously struggle to give meaning to life. This is a result of a fragmented and a chaotic

society. It can also help us reflect about people’s experiences of suffering, pain and strive

amidst their disability (Transformative Counselling Encounters, 2010, p.23).

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Counselling is a process that enables an individual to calmly address their issues and

problems in a supportive environment, but implications can arise due to misconceptions and

having negative attitudes such as prejudice and discrimination and stigma against those who

live with disabilities. For example, people might have a misconception about interacting with

a blind person, as they would strongly believe if they associated and socialised often, they or

their future children will become blind. Counselling should be a foundation and for many

people and their issues in everyday life but they create implications because people are not

able to see things with an open mind.

It is important to keep in mind multiculturalism in regard to the vast diversity in relation to

differences. It exposes one to how others have suffered in the past due to social differences. It

also promotes personal friendships, in which they allow you to learn and teach others about

difference. It is the social ideology that expresses the best way to end discrimination,

prejudice and stigma against people of difference, for instance, someone who is blind. One

should not be judged on appearance instead by their character. Social blindness refers to

society not being able to look past or beyond a particular social difference. This can affect an

individual’s performance, opportunities and privileges. By encouraging the exploration of

social issues that arise regarding disability, we attempt to understand and resolve

discriminatory issues related to people living with a social difference.

Another psychotherapeutic approach is practical or emotional support of those who have this

sensory impairment such as blindness. They need family and friends most to support and

assist in making fully informed decisions. They also need the assistance of mental health

services, such as professional who aid in helping individuals who are visually impaired reach

their full potential in life and learn to appreciate life living as a blind person, both in

childhood and adulthood life, making them face the world they cannot see, yet feel, gaining

them confidence and independence.

Cultural immersion is the process of becoming familiar with culture by extensive interaction

and participation in different facets of society. If one pauses for thought and empathizes with

the individual with a marker of difference, for instance, blindness, one will begin to

understand the perspectives of the other and relate and learn how to function in a

multicultural, society with normal and people of difference. To create a positive environment

where people who are able bodied and people who are disabled are respectful towards each

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other, one has to look beyond just the appearance of a person and have to be proactive in

order to create the ideal social settings for harmonious diversity.

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6. Discussion: Blindness as a Demographic, Political, Ideological, or Social Justice

Concern

Firstly, this popular use of diversity refers to the use of social statistics that is a term which

reflects demographic proportion or range of social differences that are represented in a

situation, group of people or organisation (Blaine, 2007). For example, it is estimated that

there are 285 million people that are visually impaired globally. There are 39 million people

who are blind and 246 have low vision, about 90% of the world’s visually impaired live in

low income settings and 82% of individuals living with blindness are aged 50 and over

(World Health Organization, 2014).

Demographers analyze social characteristics, for example, the study of blind people in

relation to structure, size and distribution of this category of people who live with difference.

There are various ways which people differ in society. For example, individuals who are

visually impaired, have dissimilar dimensions regarding the physical such as facial features

and appearance and characteristics such as fashion sense and style. Psychologically, they

have varying levels of self-esteem and anxiety. Intellectually, they most probably differ in

intelligence and verbal ability. They also differ in the social categories which they represent

such as their frame of reference, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds, sex and religion. Individuals

who associate with people who are from different social categories, for example, people who

have the ability to see socialize with visually impaired people are known as socially different.

Social categories are somewhat informative and useful as they help one in organizing and

remembering other information about people. This results in access of information regarding

social groups such as expectations, beliefs and attitudes. Social categories are also useful for

describing individuals, that is, society often identify others by the social characteristics, for

example, this young interviewee whom was blind, has the label of the “blind guy” attached to

him most time instead of being seen just as human who just happens to be visually impaired

but still lives with much capability, purpose and drive in life.

In essence, dimensions of social difference are essential to one’s self perspective and the

other. The significance of social difference goes beyond the fact that we think of individuals

with regards to their social differences and the fact that they are put in boxes with particular

labels. Social categories consist of vast information and influences how society experiences

and perceives the social environment.

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Secondly, diversity when closely linked to blindness from a political perspective, is when a

certain social category or groups have experienced discrimination and disadvantage on the

basis of not being able bodied or being blind, for this matter. For instance, this young

gentleman’s extended family did not expect him to study as he was blind. It is from

psychological perspective, diversity maybe limited to visible dimensions of social difference.

Even if one’s social difference, for example, being blind, is visible or not in society, it is an

important factor in understanding their influence one’s social and psychological adjustment.

It is evident that there is a greater psychological burden that is related with being a member

of some social categories than others and some of this burden is due to past oppression, unfair

treatment and injustice, such as during the Apartheid era.

Thirdly, the ideological concept refers to a basis of a theory, beliefs, shared ideas and a

worldview that is a lens through which we view the world (The Reader’s Digest Association,

2001). Often, this determines particular social groups of people will act when faced with a

societal challenge, for instance, living in a community among disabled people, for example, a

person is blind. With regard to the ideological concern, there are two ideologies that feature,

namely, the melting pot and multicultural ideals. The melting pot ideal in relation to diversity

is the most enduring and well-known set of values. Disability in example, the South African

constitution can be known as the melting pot. The constitution is a set of rules by which a

country is run and one abides by. It safeguards the people and their rights. According to the

constitution, article 9 regarding disabled persons, “there shall be no discrimination against

disabled people and legislation shall provide for measures to promote the progressive opening

up of employment opportunities for disabled men and women, the removal of obstacles to the

enjoyment by them of public amenities and their integration into all areas of life (African

National Congress, 1993). Often, people with disabilities are viewed by society in a negative

light, incapable of and discriminated against just because they live with example, blindness.

They are most time ostracized and excluded from many aspects of life.

Society needs to change their ideas and beliefs regarding disabled people or blind people for

that matter. They need to change their attitudes and not discriminate towards people living

with difference and also look at these people with a different lens, one which will not

prejudice or judge against but empathize with social categories of people with difference.

Multiculturalism is the name that is associated with ideals or beliefs that promote the

preservation, recognition, appreciation and celebration of social difference (Blaine, 2007).

Some people may not accept such ideals regarding disability and thus discard people living

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with blindness. People will not be able to adapt and conform to equality, acceptance,

unconditional positive regard open mindedness and positive attitudes towards people of

difference. Such are ideals are important in determining people’s behaviour, attitudes and

feelings.

Lastly, social justice concern which is related to this particular aspect of diversity, that is

blindness, is the view that everyone deserves equality whether you disabled or not. The social

justice perspective aims to open doors of opportunity and access for those who are

disadvantaged in all aspects of life. Therefore, this form of diversity is a concern of

individuals who strive and value social justice. Just because one is disabled, often they will

be treated different from others in society. For instance, due to the supposedly advanced

society, people living with blindness are subject to violations of dignity, denied equality and

opportunities. It is important to realise that the term disability is often used without much

thought. It is not a disability until one is not able to participate in basic life. Often, people of

society are too quick to judge that one is disabled rather than it being something looked upon

as a lifestyle or condition. People living with disability are just as mentally and intellectually

capable and should not be treated as objects, lesser beings that are most time stripped off the

title of being a human being, that of not belonging and being accepted with difference.

The society should aim to educate and explore difficulties with people of difference in

society, which may include stressful or emotional feelings of the person, for example, living

with blindness. They should relieve their stress, intense emotional pain, rebuild their self-

esteem and aim to help one to lead a satisfying and empowered life. They should also attempt

to lend a listening ear and counsel people and help them manage their difficulties and

transform their personal problems into their own personal growth.

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7. Conclusion

Difference is a fundamental aspect of our human existence. It is somewhat of dissimilarity

and affects all members of society, regardless of race, religion or creed. It can refer to any

aspect of a person and should not be the sole sum of who that person is. This is often

distinguished by many factors, in this particular case, disability. In my perspective I found

this task to be very experiential and it made me pause for thought and go through a process of

introspection as to what my own feelings, perceptions and beliefs are regarding blindness as a

marker of diversity. The interview with this young gentleman who was visually impaired was

truly an “eye opener” and my group and I were surprised by his optimism and general

outlook on life.

I am not different by any stretch of the imagination from this young gentleman as he is just as

human and capable like me, “even better” as he would say. The theme of objectivity emerged

from the interview as people often saw him as “a blind guy” who is helpless and not capable.

This young man taught us how to appreciate everyday life amidst its challenges and made us

see that life is not always “black” and closed doors for a blind person. They are “different”

but still as human and a valuable as well as productive part of society. Followed by the

introduction, included in this essay was a review of literature of various psycho-social related

articles with regard to the marker of diversity, blindness that added value to this legit study.

The essay explained, by means of a social identity theory, the development of the identity

that had been identified by the subject. This essay explained in detail, how the aspect of

diversity, that is blindness, was constructed and experienced and what its meaning was for the

individual. This essay explained how this related to the psychology of diversity by reflecting

on the module objectives. The essay also indicated how this particular aspect of diversity

could be a demographic, political, ideological or social justice concern. To conclude, people

who suffer from blindness, in the case and disability as a whole, should not be disregarded or

made to feel inferior but rather steps should be taken to include them instead of ostracizing

them, as they form a valuable and productive cog in this ever diversifying society we are all a

part of.

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