Author M. Leona Godin shares the trope-free history of 'blindness'

For years, society's general understanding of those who experience blindness was rooted in tropes found in pop culture and literature. Author and columnist M. Leola Godini aims to enlighten and broaden that understanding while confronting the perspectives of an “ocularcentric culture.”

In this talk, Godin shares her unique and intimate perspective on the subject matter, by exploring the sources of various tropes and archetypes often associated with being blind. Using excerpts from her new book, There Plant Eyes: A Personal and Cultural History of Blindness, Godin addresses a virtual Town Hall Seattle audience, with historical anecdotes and the science around "blindness." Godin also weaves in her own personal story of gradually becoming visually impaired when she was a child, with additional tales of notable figures on the spectrum of blindness in pop culture and entertainment.

Goldin was joined in conversation with fellow author and graphic designer Keith Rosso.

M. Leona Godin is an author, playwright, and educator who is blind. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times; Playboy; and The Oprah Magazine. In 2019 she was a Logan Nonfiction Fellow and has written and produced two theatrical productions. She has lectured on art, accessibility, disability, and technology at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, Rice University, and the American Printing House for the Blind.

Keith Rosson is the author of the novels The Mercy of the Tide, Smoke City, and Road Seven, He’s also a legally blind illustrator and graphic designer.

This virtual talk was present by Town Hall Seattle on June 16.