Sarcastic Comments

Sarcastic comments can be hard to deal with. Sometimes I don't catch what people said, just the tone in their voice. It's unmistakable however. I don't understand why it happens most of the time.

It happened today. A lady was out with somebody who was also disabled, although I was too busy with my students to notice anything other than she might possibly have Down's Syndrome. We were pretty much taking up all the space in the store as we were working our way to the counter. It was a small place and did not have much maneuvering room. My students' canes were tucked away under our table to leave their hands free to deal with trays, money, etc. I was talking with one of my students who has low vision and she was giving me good eye contact as we discussed her options for meals. She wanted a cookie instead of apples...

Somewhere around that time, the escort for the other young lady in the store shoved herself past us, making some comment that didn't sound polite. I didn't do anything. My student didn't notice and there really would have been no point, especially since I wasn't sure what she said exactly and maybe I was wrong. She didn't do us any harm. There's a part of me, however, that wished I knew what she said. I think it was something along the lines "...if they really are blind..." but I can't say for sure.

Either way, it wouldn't be the first time I've heard or heard of people making sarcastic comments.

Sometimes people make innocent comments or have questions. That's ok with me. I like what I do and I like educating. Maybe in the future the person talking will be more open to hiring somebody with a disability or, better, be their friend.

It's the comments that are rude that upset me more, especially if it is directly to one of my students! What do I do in situations like that? Do I respond back the same way? That wouldn't be responsible, professional, and it wouldn't do any good. Do I try to teach them about how their comment might hurt people? Or just ignore it completely? I set the example for my students and that, I think, creates the biggest dilemma. I want them to stand up for themselves, to advocate for themselves. If I just ignore it completely, will that mean they won't advocate for themselves when it is needed? At the same time, I don't want them to be bitter at the world. I want them to know that, yes, people are going to be mean sometimes, but you don't need to sink to their level. You don't need to let it bother you. You are who you are and your disability does not define who you are as a person.

I guess if the person is being a pest and interfering with what you need to do, then it is time to say something. Otherwise, ignoring it might be the safest policy. At least, that is what I currently do.