Thread: So, was I rude?

You mention that you hated treated him differently because he blind, however you are REQUIRED to do so. Treating him differently does not imply you believing that he is a lesser man, you were merely adapting to his needs. He was most likely not offended, as he is probably very used to people doing a variety of different things to get their points across to him. You stopped and helped a man in need when others did not, and instead of worrying you should feel proud for being the Good Samaritan. It is clear that hospital and the public in general need more people who are willing to help others in this way, because it truly is the little things that matter.

-Brent

Originally Posted by bknesal

You mention that you hated treated him differently because he blind, however you are REQUIRED to do so. Treating him differently does not imply you believing that he is a lesser man, you were merely adapting to his needs.

Thanks, that's a good point.

Just to be clear. I'm not beating myself up over this. I realize that he has probably had a lifetime of people treating him differently. I just felt that I could have been more respectful of him even if he did not end up taking offense. Next time I'll try to do better.

Thanks guys.

It sounds like you have played the part of the Good Samaritan to perfection. A dozen people walked by but you stopped to help, I think your intentions as well as the actions say a lot about you. Its all good! Life is a learning experience and you have learned something. I do agree that maybe you should have asked what the best way to help was, but I would have probably made the same mistake trying to act in an efficient manner.

Instead of wondering if you offended by the was you helped him you should be proud that you helped another person in need. I can only imagine how scary it must be to be lost in a room with many people and have no one offer any kind of help. It is a window to your character

As everyone has already said, you did nothing wrong, and definitely could have done worse. Since it was just a light touch to direct him to where he wanted, I think the only way you could have offended him was if he had a big touching issue, and he likely would have made it known. I would have done it the same way, typically I think I'd have said something like "here" before touching him just out of instinct as a preamble to helping him, but it isn't necessary.

You should definitely be proud for stepping out and helping him when others didn't, human brains are hardwired to avoid doing that, and you did. Good on you!

I can't see that what you did was anything but the right thing to do.
Some sections of western society are becoming so hell bent on maintaining political correctness that it is becoming self-defeating. Sure, there are things we did a few years back that we cringe at nowadays, but we are in danger of throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

To get a definitive answer I think you'd have to address the guy concerned (and even then you couldn't be sure). For what it's worth I think you did the best that you could and it was pretty good actually. The fact that you're questioning your response to a previously unexperienced situation speaks well of you as well.

Let me start this by saying my father is blind and what you did was absolutely wonderful. I hope you mentioned your name to him so he knows who helped him.
You are correct about not everyone with a cane is totally blind, but enough so that they need the cane. When I am with my father and he is following me, if he has his dog, the dog leads, if not he places his hand on my shoulder from behind and I just walk. Some of his freinds prefer to take my arm. Either way is fine.
I think what you did was wonderful and I'm certain so did the gentleman you helped. There are several ways to handle working with a stranger who is blind. If you would feel more comfortable, next time ask the person if he would like to take your arm, or place his hand on your shoulder. Those are the two best options and i am certain they will let you know what they prefer.

Once again, you did a wonderful thing and I think if you ask any visually impaired person they would agree.


I owe you one from the top shelf.

Cheers!!

not offensive. helpful. no worries.

and it is pathetic that others were too worried about being PC to help him.

Hello, Utopian:

You would have been rude and committed a profound offense had you not stopped to help him.

But you did stop to help him, and did you put a warm and gentle hand on his shoulder to point him in the right direction.

That was kind of you, and gracious, and responsible, and human. It was also noble.

Were I you, I probably would have added a few kind words. Then again, for you, your touch of understanding said it all.

Thank you for extending a helping hand to one in need.

Regards,
Obie