First there was the farcical journey this morning that made a 5-mile trip last an hour, so I only just made my connecting bus. Halfway through the trip home, a group of carers and disabled people got on the bus, and one of the disabled people came and sat next to me. I wish to make it clear that I do NOT blame the disabled man for what happened next, I blame his carer.
So, we set off, and the disabled man starts prodding and poking at me. No big deal, I figured he didn't understand that it wasn't socially acceptable, so I moved a little closer to the window. His carer did nothing to stop him. He moved up and continued prodding me. I asked him politely to stop (I couldn't move seats, the bus was full), and he did. His carer did nothing to stop him. 2 minutes later, it started again, and once more his carer did nothing to stop him, so this time I addressed the carer:
Me: Excuse me, could you ask him to stop prodding me please because I'm finding it rather uncomfortable.
Carer: No, we want him to learn how to integrate into society.
Me: That's as maybe, but integrating does not involve prodding and poking at a complete stranger, so will you please ask him to stop it.
Carer: You horrible girl.
Me: Excuse me?!
Carer: You will just have to put up with it, I am not asking him to stop, he can do it if he wants, what harm is it causing you?
Me: Look, I do not like being prodded and poked like this, and I shouldn't have to tolerate it.
Carer: Well you will have to, because I'm not going to stop him!
I lost it at that point unfortunately.
Me: Well I'll tell you what then, I'll come and sit next to you and prod and poke you! I can do it if I want, what harm will it cause you?! I understand he doesn't know what is socially acceptable and what isn't, but YOU do, so take control of the situation please!
Surprisingly, the carer did so. As I said, I do not blame the disabled man in any way for what happened, I blame the carer for allowing it to continue. Please don't lambast me now lol.
So, we set off, and the disabled man starts prodding and poking at me. No big deal, I figured he didn't understand that it wasn't socially acceptable, so I moved a little closer to the window. His carer did nothing to stop him. He moved up and continued prodding me. I asked him politely to stop (I couldn't move seats, the bus was full), and he did. His carer did nothing to stop him. 2 minutes later, it started again, and once more his carer did nothing to stop him, so this time I addressed the carer:
Me: Excuse me, could you ask him to stop prodding me please because I'm finding it rather uncomfortable.
Carer: No, we want him to learn how to integrate into society.
Me: That's as maybe, but integrating does not involve prodding and poking at a complete stranger, so will you please ask him to stop it.
Carer: You horrible girl.
Me: Excuse me?!
Carer: You will just have to put up with it, I am not asking him to stop, he can do it if he wants, what harm is it causing you?
Me: Look, I do not like being prodded and poked like this, and I shouldn't have to tolerate it.
Carer: Well you will have to, because I'm not going to stop him!
I lost it at that point unfortunately.
Me: Well I'll tell you what then, I'll come and sit next to you and prod and poke you! I can do it if I want, what harm will it cause you?! I understand he doesn't know what is socially acceptable and what isn't, but YOU do, so take control of the situation please!
Surprisingly, the carer did so. As I said, I do not blame the disabled man in any way for what happened, I blame the carer for allowing it to continue. Please don't lambast me now lol.
Comment