Monday, February 22, 2016

Inspiration Porn: Don't Take Pictures of Disabled People Without Their Consent

Some suggested rules for life as a good person:
  1. Don't take pictures of disabled strangers without their consent.
  2. Don't share the pictures you shouldn't have taken to the internet without their consent. Their story is not your story to do with as you see fit.
A picture of a Kroger employee helping a blind customer has gone viral.

From the video:
Spotted this touching sight while shopping at the neighborhood Kroger. This visually impaired gentleman was waiting for assistance at the service desk. As we both stood among the Valentine's Day decor and discount candy making small talk, the young man gathering carts in the frigid parking lot approached us. He introduced himself to the gentleman, and reminded him that his name was Colin and he would be happy to help him as he shopped.
Trying not to listen and completely eavesdropping at the same time, I found out that these two know each other; as Colin has helped this gentlemen, who is a regular at this Kroger store, many times. Without missing a beat, the two set off to Sunday grocery shop--together. With Colin guiding the cart and taking care to navigate the busy store as the two discussed his shopping list.
Trying not to listen. Complete eavesdropping. This is not good behavior.

From the article. Emphasis mine.
The woman, Ashlee Fujawa, who is the director of public relations for environmental conservation organization Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, happened to snap a picture of the interaction between Coleman and the customer. She later shared it on the organization's Facebook page, where the post went viral as Coleman's kindness resonated with social media users.
It just happened that she took a picture of two strangers and put it on the internet.

The employee and the blind man seem to have a good relationship. That's lovely. Their story is not fodder for feel good inspiration porn.

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