Link to Article: http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Oprah-Interviews-Stevie-Wonder
I find it very interesting that people associate blindness as being a disability when those who are consider it a gift and are very happy with their lives. Take Stevie Wonder for example. He was born blind and is now in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has had an unbelievable amount of chart toppers, and has been in the music industry for over 50 years. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder opened up about his inability to see and how it has shaped him as a musician and person in general. The first question she asked about his blindness is, “Can you explain how you came to be so smart, sensitive, and connected to the world without being able to see? And do you remember colors at all?” In which Stevie Wonder replies, “When someone mentions a color, I associate it with my understanding of what that color is.” What I have learned about blindness from this class and other speakers is that a vision is internal and seeing is external. If you have a vision, you can achieve anything no matter the obstacle. As for Stevie Wonder, in this interview, he has his own vision of what colors are and perceives them based on what he imagines it to be. Stevie Wonder says that he wouldn’t change being blind for the world, but of course regaining sight would be great. I have learned how proud people are of their blindness and consider it their own culture rather than a disability. This perseverance is what helps those who are partially blind or blind to go for their dreams and surround themselves with positive people who will help them get there. Having a disability does not mean you can’t conquer your fears, but rather use that as motivation to prove those who think less of you that you are just as capable or even more than them. Stevie Wonder mentions being teased throughout school for being blind, but being blind only made him more curious. If he were being teased about not knowing how to climb a tree, he didn’t think “I can’t do that,” but rather, “I can’t see where I’m going, but how would I be able to climb a tree if I weren’t blind?” His emotions and sounds are what keeps his life going and continue his drive for music, which anyone can with the power of a vision. As I mentioned before, a vision is internal, therefore, you don’t need sight in order to have a vision and reach for it. That is the most inspirational thing from both Stevie Wonder and those who are blind that I have learned throughout my time in this class and other speakers I’ve heard in the past.