Blind Barber Defies Discrimination: The Inspiring Story of Jim Buist

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ivan Seeking
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the story of Jim Buist, a legally blind barber, and the implications of his experience regarding discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities in the workforce. Participants reflect on Jim's resilience and the broader societal attitudes towards disabled individuals in various professions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express admiration for Jim's determination to continue working despite his blindness.
  • Others question how society perceives and reacts to individuals with disabilities in professional settings.
  • One participant highlights the discrimination faced by disabled individuals, referencing a case of a blind person being denied the ability to practice acupuncture despite passing the necessary exams.
  • Another participant humorously remarks on the importance of proper hair styling, suggesting a concern for the quality of service provided by a blind barber.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the inspirational nature of Jim's story, but there are differing views on the implications of his blindness for his profession and the attitudes of society towards disabled individuals.

Contextual Notes

Limitations: The discussion does not delve into specific statistics or studies regarding employment discrimination against disabled individuals, nor does it explore the legal frameworks that may protect or fail to protect them.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in disability rights, employment discrimination, and personal stories of resilience may find this discussion relevant.

Ivan Seeking
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
8,252
Reaction score
2,664
..."Is there somebody there," he said when he met CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman

It's the first sign that Jim's eyesight ain't what it used to be.

Here's the second: Jim tells a customer, "I can't even see your ears."

Fact is, 64-year-old barber Jim Buist is legally blind. [continued with video]
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/01/assignment_america/main3781074.shtml

For those who cannot handle the sight of blood, you may want to refrain from viewing.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's good that he didn't give up because he went blind. How others feel about it...I wonder.
 
No thanks kind sir! I'd rather like to keep my hair (and ears) styled properly.
 
He must own his own shop. It's amazing how many employers and liscensing boards discriminate against the blind. A http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5504805.html to practice acupuncture because she's blind, in spite of the fact that she passed her national board exam.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Medical Regenerative Healing: Lee Spievak Re-Grows Finger Tip
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K