23 Nov Colour blind
I had the opportunity to be contacted by a facilitator from India who had heard good things about me and reached out to connect. Always a nice way to start the relationship… when the person who contacts you compliments you, before you even say hello! In addition, he sends me a link to “misty mountains” on Youtube. My interest is piqued. I feel rather soothed for most of the video (watch it to find out why) and as we start the conversation on the phone, I offer him some unsolicited feedback on the video. Turns out he is a musician and photographer and with the help of a friend put this mindful music video together. All good I think, let’s get into the chat. But before he carries on, he casually mentions that he is blind! Whaaaat??? Stop the bus!!!! So here I am critiquing his photography and video skills and he is completely blind!!!! Humbly I take my foot out of my mouth and back-pedal to a place where my curiosity and not my pride is in the driving seat. I am no longer interested in being the subject of a networking call, I want to know how in earth he is a learning facilitator, and trains presentation skills, to boot!! And is blind!!!???
60 minutes later, I have to say goodbye. But I am completely blown away by my new friend. His attitude, energy and passion come through his voice. He loves doing what he does and more-over, he has a personal passion for diversity training and facilitation.
An idea sparks…
Surely someone who can’t actually see the colour of someone’s skin would make a remarkable facilitator in a country like South Africa, where skin colour seems to be the most divisive factor in our young adult democracy. Surely this facilitator’s disability would make his super-power: colour-blindness. And when the colour of your skin seems to translate into your value, he would have a unique ability to see through to the real person underneath…
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