As someone who is now vision impaired (yep .. my blindness is recent indeed)
This is INSULTING ..
Obviously .. not a joking matter ..
For I do have to protect myself .. and what's left of my eyes ..
(I use shields .. because I can still sense things .. but it also means I have migraines if too much light hits my eyes).
Chinese Company Names Sunglasses After Helen Keller: Brilliant or Bad Idea?
SodaHead Business
2012/04/21 23:41:37
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A new line of luxury sunglasses named after a blind icon? We sure didn’t see (pun intended) that one coming!
But this is no joke. A Chinese company has actually named their eyewear after the famously deafblind Helen Keller who, by the way, never actually wore sunglasses! You may be wondering: Is this a case of deliberate eyerony? A glaring oversight? Something lost in translation? Apparently, none of the above.
According to the Washington Post, “Helen Keller is apparently a staple of China’s school curriculum – an exemplary figure that overcame her disabilities to make a mark – and a socialist to boot.”
Furthermore, the company’s spokesperson Chen Wenjing said that they were fully aware that Helen Keller was blind, but chose the figure for what she represented: “her philanthropist spirit which spread optimism around the world.” Hmm . . . we’re not sure we buy that explanation.
As if this story wasn’t ridiculous enough, the company’s motto—“You see the world, the world sees you”—just seems to make the use of Keller’s name feel even more insensitive. Yet, some are calling the marketing strategy bold. After all, the Helen Keller sunglasses certainly have received significant media attention.
What do you think SodaHeads? Was the Chinese company’s decision to name their new line of sunglasses after Helen Keller brilliant or a bad idea?
But this is no joke. A Chinese company has actually named their eyewear after the famously deafblind Helen Keller who, by the way, never actually wore sunglasses! You may be wondering: Is this a case of deliberate eyerony? A glaring oversight? Something lost in translation? Apparently, none of the above.
According to the Washington Post, “Helen Keller is apparently a staple of China’s school curriculum – an exemplary figure that overcame her disabilities to make a mark – and a socialist to boot.”
Furthermore, the company’s spokesperson Chen Wenjing said that they were fully aware that Helen Keller was blind, but chose the figure for what she represented: “her philanthropist spirit which spread optimism around the world.” Hmm . . . we’re not sure we buy that explanation.
As if this story wasn’t ridiculous enough, the company’s motto—“You see the world, the world sees you”—just seems to make the use of Keller’s name feel even more insensitive. Yet, some are calling the marketing strategy bold. After all, the Helen Keller sunglasses certainly have received significant media attention.
What do you think SodaHeads? Was the Chinese company’s decision to name their new line of sunglasses after Helen Keller brilliant or a bad idea?
Read More: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/04/20/chinese-compan...
Top Opinion
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sglmom 2012/04/22 00:33:59
This is INSULTING ..
Obviously .. not a joking matter ..
For I do have to protect myself .. and what's left of my eyes ..
(I use shields .. because I can still sense things .. but it also means I have migraines if too much light hits my eyes).
I can see lights and shadows .. I know where I am at .. I've had decades of wonderful experience of bringing a camera with me (both in the Military Service and while in Civilian Employ .. )
I recognize the beauty .. the cameras .. the SLRs nowadays have abilities that older ones didn't have .. and with computer chips .. the firmware can also be adapted .. modified .. so that those with even my blindness can use them ..
(and yes, although I can't focus myself .. I do remember how to do these things .. develop film (it is easy .. routine .. I've done it thousands of time myself .. a process) .. expose papers (although I have help focusing the image) .. )
And for the internet .. ever hear of text to speech .. speech to text software?
There's a LOT now available so that the Blind, the Deaf, those with movement disorders can participate in everyday activities ..
(I'm always INSULTED by those who feel that we who have some disability .. seem to think that we are totally incompetent, childish, unable to participate in daily enjoyment activities .. I earned my Degrees (UGrad/Grad) .. I've had full careers .. just because my eyes don't work doesn't equate to me losing the ability to know how to .. write programs .. build things, measure, cook, clean .. take care of my home .. manage my personal affairs .. enjoy hobbies .. etc).
Photography is different. I understand you being able to do that through light and shadows. The internet, well, I'm still confused about that.
(and yes, I've spent a lot of my personal earnings to obtain the adaptive equipment).
But there's any number of corporations .. for which you can obtain current price lists and products for a wide variety of disabilities .. and to meet the needs .. Just do a google search on these product ..
Shocked that it's possible. Question, though. You said you became blind recently. Are you merely "legally" blind, and can actually see a picture up-close? -or is everything just light and shadows, no matter how close something is to you and no matter how much you focus in on it?
I can't imagine becoming blind after spending the majority of my life seeing. Must have been rough at first. Probably still is rough.
I had bilateral Retinal Detachment (both eyes -- huge holes) .. I've got Lattice Degeneration .. and Cataracts (amongst other things .. I've had concussive injuries in the Military Services .. so yes, there's already damage to the face/orbit) ..
Needless to say .. the damage to my eyes is extensive ..
Mind if I see the blog you wrote?
http://www.sodahead.com/livin...
http://www.sodahead.com/livin...
http://www.sodahead.com/livin...
And yes, it is a CHALLENGE indeed .. the scariest part of my home is the Kitchen .. being single .. I need to do things for myself .. I have taken classes to learn to cook once again and even had family members come to my home and help me reorganize things in the house (so that I was safe .. and I could place the sound dots to know where the sharps were and got into a pattern of finding them safely .. having things a certain way too).
It is quite interesting all the very USEFUL Apps for my Smartphone that help me each and every day ..
(and yet .. there are those who would want to JAM smartphones in restaurants, etc .. I rely on my Smartphone to scan, 'read' the menu for me .. and also to help me track such as cash in hand, etc!)
I don't mean to be insensitive, as I have a life altering disability, myself, idiopathic(which means, unknown origin, but it's stress) Dysphonia(that means inability to make sound, my husband is happy about that one;-)
But seriously, just when I figure out how to computer, they create, the idea of TALKING, and the computer TYPES the words... Just my rotten luck
(it would definitely be ironic for sure)
It also is insulting to know how many .. even here on-line .. are unable to recognize that we, who are disabled .. CAN and DO participate in everyday life and we have our own talents and skills .. enjoy hobbies, and just live!
1990's baby- most of my peers did too.
She was an amazing person, my parents and I both respected her very much for her strength and determination- and also her teacher so helping bring about such a change in her.