Category: Let's talk
A thread in another board debate got me to thinking about the issue of trust. Someone posted that they never let anyone, even friends, help with ATM transactions. Maybe I'm naive, I don't know, but I've never gone to that extreme. For one thing, while talking ATM's are great, they aren't everywhere. Also, there is no uniform design where ATM's are concerned, much as there isn't a uniform design for public restrooms, but that's a whole other topic. As a blind person, I have to have a higher threshold of trust than sighted folks. I have to trust that the cab driver isn't taking the scenic route to pad his fare. I have to trust that the cashier will give me the proper change. Maybe I've just been lucky, but I can't think of any time when I've been cheated. So am I a foolish optimist who trusts too much?
I usually get a very trustworthy person to help me. I don't mind if someone helps me with a non talking ATM, but I wouldn't let a stranger or a non-friend help me.
Troy
Oh yeah, I wouldn't just ask the first dude on the street to help me, either. I've got friends who I trust implicitly, and I have no problem letting them help with ATM transactions.
KL, I haven't had too many people cheat me either, but you have to becareful. You don't know. I agree that you have to trust as a blind person, but I don't think you should let down your guard either. If you get into a cab, plan out your route, and ask the cabbie what route he is planning on taking.
I also think it depends on the situation too. While I wouldn't let a stranger help me with the atm, I would let a stranger help me if I'm at an intersection that has extremely high traffic and is very hard to cross I'll let them tell me when I can cross the street. My thought is first of all, if it gets me across the street quicker than let them help me instead of saying no I don't need help and just standing there like a total idiot and also it makes the person feel good because they helped somebody. Mostly, I cross streets myself though because the intersections I encounter aren't too bad. Busy but no turn lanes and distractions like that I try to stay away from crossings like that anyway.
Kerby
Yes, but situations, whatever they are, don't stop someone ripping you off. If a sighted person didn't like you, he could tell you to cross at the right time. Common sense is your friend.
Yes, we do often have to be a bit more trusting than sighted people, but common sense should prevail. I don't think I have ever been ripped off.
There's a difference in common sense and paranoia. You shouldn't just go around trusting anyone and everyone whenever you need help, but you also shouldn't assume that every single person you meet is out to rip you off, mug you, kill you, et cetera.
the last poster made a great point, and I was in no way trying to imply that everyone is out there to rob you. Thanks for bringing that up.
I agree with the setuwation thing. you have to watch, but yet, you have to be more trusting then most. that doesn't mean you just go and trust the first person you see, but don't be paronoied either.
O I think I'd ask a close friend or my mum for help with ATM transactions, especially drawing money.
Jen.
I agree with the consensis here.
Kerby