Why don't sighted people see a white cane?

@hookfan (447)
March 7, 2007 5:34pm CST
I have retinitis pigmentosa which is a degenerative eye condition and I use a white cane. You wouldn't believe how many sighted people walk into my cane and then yell at me to 'watch where I'm going!' or I get told off for the tapping noise. Why is it so hard for some to be understanding?
3 people like this
4 responses
@lauriefnp (5111)
• United States
7 Mar 07
There are so many ignorant people out there, as I'm sure that you're finding out. I would like to say that they were not aware of the white cane or of it's significance, although I know that this is an excuse that very few, if any, people can use. It boils down to stupid, ignorant people. Hold your head high and be proud for being able to learn how to navigate without the benefit of your sight. You are to be commended, and fortunately there are more nice people in the world than ignorant ones.
2 people like this
@hookfan (447)
8 Mar 07
Thank you for your comment. It has taken a long time to learn. I do know people see a guide dog more readily and I thought this would be interesting to hear people's comments :)
@weemam (13372)
7 Mar 07
This is because my friend there are a lot of really ignorant people in this world , I find that manners are getting rarer every day ,people like that are to be pitted, But in general there are a lot more nice people than horrible people , I am so glad I have so many of the nice people as my friends , Well done on your first discussion xxx
1 person likes this
@hookfan (447)
8 Mar 07
Thanks :) I know there are more nice people but in town I seem to get the ones who are too busy to see around them.
1 person likes this
@weemam (13372)
24 Mar 07
thanks for the best response pal, it was a lovely surprise xx
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
31 Mar 07
I don't know, Hook, when my roomie & I were visiting England in 2003 they saw the white cane a LOT faster than they saw my crutch! I guess its because she had the cane infront & I had the crutch under my arm....
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
2 Apr 07
Oh yes! We'd like to go back in 2008! I know she'd like to do the jack the ripper tour, tho the end, with the pub crawl will be even less interesting to her than it was to me
@hookfan (447)
1 Apr 07
Now that is possible. I still don't like it that people can be so ignorant as to not see when someone is struggling. I am very aware when someone (by sound) that someone is using crutches, a cane or even a scooter and tend to move over. Surprises people I think. Did you enjoy your visit to England? :)
@hookfan (447)
3 Apr 07
Sounds like you will have some fun here then! I tend to do my sight seeing with the Scouts. :) It is a good way to see alot of 'natural' England by camping! :)
@mummymo (23706)
8 Mar 07
Hookfan I am so sorry that you have been treated in this way! I cannot explain away or condone these irrational and inconsiderate people but I would say that icertainly hope they are the small minority! Good luck and welcome to mylot!
1 person likes this
@hookfan (447)
8 Mar 07
Thank you and I am enjoying it here. I've seen alot of good discussions and now have met two more very nice people :)