I don't speak out against unethical tech because i want to be "hostile". I want to be nurturing my curiosity, strengthening my community and celebrating progress. I'd rather talk about recipes, books and art. Dealing with predatory tech bros is a survival strategy, not a hobby
Today, someone told me that the #AccessiBe saga is easy to understand because our posts are so thorough and clear. That's a matter of survival: I've had to explain my rights and needs as a Blind person since I learned to speak. A day without explaining is a rare & joyous freedom
It's not new, being called "hostile". by the man who grabs me by the wrist near some stairs, when i shake him off. By the boss who reprimands my teenage self for jaywalking, off the clock. By the kneeling flight attendant whose "special" briefing I refuse.
It doesn't take a raised voice or a personal insult to be called "hostile". It's enough to be Blind without being subservient, sorry, biddable or afraid. It's enough to say that someone's "help" is hurting
The #AccessiBe overlay is deceiving the general public and demonstrably hurting Blind users. The company now calls our critical voices "hostile". Sighted folks smile knowingly at each other when they say this word: it puts us in our place. It's a license to ignore.
If you've ever been a minoritized person raising your tired voice against the implacable "help" that constrains your choices and wears you down, you know why, even though I'd rather be thinking about literally anything else, I'm giving my energy to resistance again today.
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