To think this woman was massively insensitive... wwyd?

[Flynnshine]

We took our blind DD (6) to the theatre yesterday with some other families with blind children for an audio described performance.

When we took our seats we were sat in front of a couple in their 50's.

My DD carries a large white cane which the couple clearly saw as we took our seats and then watched as we sorted out the headphones for the audio description.

The woman then proceeded to very loudly say to her husband;

"I've always wondered what I would choose if I had to choose between losing my sight or my hearing... I honestly didn't know but I think I would definitely choose my hearing, I couldn't imagine living without my sight, how would anything be enjoyable!?"

All of this in total earshot of my DD who lost her sight only a few years ago. She looked up at me with the most heartbreaking look on her face.

I was absolutely gobsmacked and desperately wanted to turn and say something scathing to her but my mind was blank and only full of swear words. I squeezed my DD's hand and had to stop myself from bursting into tears.

AIBU to think that she was just fucking rude or perhaps just didn't consider what an inappropriate comment that was?

Also, help me here so I am armed for the future... what would you have said to her in that moment?

Thank you ladies x

Although not nearly on the same scale of cuntishness - I had some bloke sat close by to us and my very ginger DC, remark to his wife that he believed ginger children were soulless. I just threw him a dirty look at the time but it actually really upset me, so I can only imagine how raging and upset you must be. Some people are cunts!

That's vile of that women. How horrible for your poor DD.

Disgusting; I hope you and DD are ok

Ginger children are soulless?! Some people are just odd as well as twats.

PS I work quite close to the RNIB headquarters. This means that my DD (4) and I regularly pass people with sight loss as they make their way too and from the building. I never fail to be massively impressed by their ability to navigate (busy, crowded, difficult) London with grace and panache. Maybe you could find out whether there are some older people with sight loss who could act as mentors to your DD as she gets older, and keep firing up her sense of possibility abou what she can do? Also I notice that the RNIB shop has some fabulous sensory toys that you might want to check out; there are plenty that we covet!

Oldman, more fool you if you didn't take it upon yourselves to start quietly chanting in his direction under your breath

It is a rather outdated belief that blind people necessarily lead joyless, unfulfilled lives. Rather than getting angry try to pity, and educate, people like this when you come across them. For example, explain to them the things that can be enjoyed, and even enhanced, without sight. Music, for example!

that is horrible and insensitive.
so sorry, but i hope your daughter had a nice time despite these comments.

Stupid bloody woman 😡. I hope she didn't spoil your show & day out too much.

I'm not sure what I'd have said, especially with DD there. I'd like to have calmly confronted her & made her squirm. In reality I'd probably have either given her a mouthful or done what you did.

I'm thinking 'You do realise blind children can still hear don't you?'

Tactless, for sure.

Deliberately trying to hurt your DD - I'm not sure about that.
People are dicks, for sure. Even old people.

Did your DD enjoy the performance?

Wow people really can be such twats.

I really wish you could have some kind of mini MNers in your handbag on standby at all times so when shit like this happens you could just whip them out and POW!!

I know how hard it is to react with the right comment at the right time. I love the comments on here though, quite heart warming.

So she was at an audio described show for blind children and said that?! Beggars belief really, how self involved people can be.

I think I would have just turned and looked at her. Made her as uncomfortable as I could with just that look and maybe thrown in a 'think before you speak'.

What a bellend. I hope it didn't ruin your daughters day.

I would have behaved badly. I know 2 wrongs don't make a right but telling DD not to worry as 'confused old people often say stupid insensitive things" would have made me feel better.

I think turning round to look at her while she was saying it would have made her realise that she could be heard would have stopped her without causing a scene. Such an ignorant bitch. What did her companion reply with? I'd be mortified if someone I was with tried to say something like that to me.

Jeez. I'm in tears reading that. What a cow bag that woman was. I like to think I'd have said something along the lines of 'There was no choice for my daughter, and what you just said was massively rude and insensitive. My daughter heard you and is upset - I suggest you apologise', but I fear I may have just broken down in tears. You poor, poor daughter.

Not sure why I got deleted there but just fort he record I was in full support of the OP and her daughter

I want to give your daughter a massive cuddle. She's worth a million times more than that woman. I hope she still managed to enjoy the show

NachoAddict. Good to know 😊 You should 'report' your message & ask why it was deleted. It might have been in error & MN can reinstate it. I hate it when that happens because it makes you look bad. (We know you're not 💐).

I'm not a violent person but that would have really really tested me. What an idiot. Hugs to your dd.

possibly dumped a cup of ice water on her lap... not thumped her. Maybe.

I 've have 2 kids disabilities and going out is challenging enough but that kind of shit ruins the whole for you as you just seethe all day then go home and cry. I can't believe some of the things people say to my face!! At a Mr tumble show a woman complained to me an 8 year old "special needs" boy ruined the show for her girls cos he kept jumping up. All said in front of my 8 year old boy who has a learning disability. I mean if can't take a disabled child to tumble where the fuck can you take them!

@allcats

I mean if can't take a disabled child to tumble where the fuck can you take them!

Not a coffee based on some of the replies on other thread....

I'm so sorry that some people are so thoughtless. Awful for your DD. Some people want shooting.

But well done to your DD for cracking on and going out to enjoy herself. This is her new reality and I hope she enjoyed the performance anyway.

Thanks Annie I will do that. I didn't want people thinking I was rude to the OP