Discrimination

As a single person, I live a pretty carefree existence compared to other folks who are coupled or have families. However, there is continual example when I definitely feel discriminated against. And that’s whenever I’m walking in public.

Here’s a perfect example: I’m walking along a narrowish city sidewalk and along comes a couple toward me; husband and wife, flaming heterosexuals, side by side -- and they don’t allow any room for me to pass. Does it occur to them that, perhaps, they could walk in single file for two whole seconds so that I wouldn’t have to drop off the sidewalk and walk in the gutter filled with fetid water?

Noooo!

The other day, I was about to trot down a narrow set of steps outside my apartment building. Along came a middle-aged couple about to ascend the steps. They didn’t make any attempt to let me descend even though the steps were wide enough for two people. The man even announced “Scuse us!” as I was about to descend. I had to wait to let them pass.

Have these people absolutely no capacity to be without each other by their side? Is there some coupling pathology of which I’m unaware?

So, what should I do?

Should I be horribly rude and shoulder-knock everyone who refuses to give way? (Not something I would relish.) Should I stop, stand my ground and make them pass around me? (Better, but I’d be stopping an awful lot, believe me.)

Have you ever seen how people quickly clear out of the way when encountering a blind person using a white cane? It's as if sighted people are terrified of white canes.

Hmmm. . . .

Seeing that I’m clearly being discriminated against and clearly disadvantaged as a person-with-singularity, I think the use of a white cane with which to clear my path is definitely justified. (I can get one here.)

I like that.