We’re doing visual descriptions wrong

As a blind person I find the whole concept of self-description at the start of a meeting a bit trite. And, ironically, actually quite ableist. 

If you're not sure what I mean, I'm talking about when you're in a Zoom and you're asked to describe yourself in visual terms: how you look, what you're wearing, your surroundings or whatever. 

I’m sure the intention is good – but that’s a manifestation of ableism. It's a manifestation of the idea that as a blind person my understanding of people is somehow lesser; that I need a visual frame of reference. That I need to get the measure of a person the same way that a sighted person would. 

And it's bullshit!

I don't need to know what you look like. I'd prefer not to. I'm not entirely sure what a lot of people in my life look like. It stops my brain doing that silly human thing of projecting judgements and preconceptions on people based on their appearance. It's actually really liberating. And I don’t need well-intentioned ableism getting in the way of that.

The next time you're asked to describe yourself, here’s what I’d suggest instead. Ask.

Does anybody actually want this? Or are we sitting around in a Zoom wasting 15 minutes with everybody describing themselves because we are ticking a box? I don't think you're going to offend anyone by checking in on whether what you're doing is actually helpful for them. 

If somebody does value visual descriptions, great! But instead of "hello I'm a Caucasian male with brown hair wearing a blah blah blah" – I’d suggest this instead.

Try focusing on the energetic aspect and the intentionality behind how you look. 

We all design our appearance, whether consciously or not. Our aesthetic is crafted and curated. Why are you wearing what you're wearing? What about the suit made you buy it? What is the story behind your jewellery? 

Tell us a story, let us get to know you and your world a little. It doesn't have to be complicated. You can skip the irrelevant stuff. No wrong answers. Let’s break some ice! 

But please, enough with the soulless, "I'm doing this because my manager says I have to" visual descriptions. Your visual understanding of the world doesn't necessarily make sense or have relevance to a non-visual person. While some might value that lens, particularly if they have lost their sight later in life, it never hurts to ask. 

Because I don’t care that your shirt is blue. I care why it's blue.

📸: Jake Dennis/All Is For All