Pathway for the Blind
My first trips venturing into the city I saw raised yellow pathways cutting down the streets. Imagine a foot-wide yellow track with the texture of giant corrugated cardboard. These paths went every which way at corners, even cutting diagonally across plazas and splitting like sun rays.
I stupidly assumed they were bike paths, although upon reflection, why would a bike path be so bumpy?
I was gobsmacked to learn the paths are for sight-impaired/blind people. For those with some sight, the bright yellow contrasts along the grey sidewalks and colors a path. For blind people, the corrugated texture is unmistakable and easy to follow with a walking stick.
Options
Some paths are intricate. They are not limited to the main sidewalks in the city; they go around, through, up ramps, down alleys…everywhere.
I’ve traveled to major US cities and I’ve never seen anything like this. I can’t fathom the obstacles facing a blind person in New York City. So the crosswalk lights also click a countdown to a red light. La-di-dah. That doesn’t help you find the crosswalk to begin with.
Japan has an aging population, and perhaps that contributes to their awareness of disability and how demobilizing (and demoralizing) disability can be. This small feat of City planning – of course I don’t know how much it costs exactly to add these bumpy yellow paths everywhere, but it can’t be exhorbitant – allows a disabled population freedom to travel where they need to go and explore places they’ve maybe never been.
Americans are kind and generous in many ways, but I do believe our city planning falls short in accommodating those who aren’t physically-able-bodied. We don’t really like things, or people, slowing us down. We are a speedy society in comparison to Japan – from food to cars “fast-fashion.” And we are quick to label something a “nuisance” without first considering if the nuisance is worth it for the greater good of society.
Japanese strive for wa – harmony – and this seems to include finding the best solution for everyone. They are very willing to give up a little space, or time, or even freedom, if it increase the overall wa.
Some Americans would be quick to label this Socialist (as if it is a dirty word). I would first call those people ignorant, and then wonder if they have been so fortunate in life as to never need a special accommodation or know and care about someone who did. I have not been so fortunate.
What if we swapped the word “socialist” with “considerate.” Now the cold pricklies turn to warm fuzzies. It’s hard to argue with someone who is just being considerate.
Japanese are incredibly considerate folks. I have personally been the benefit of their consideration for others who don’t speak their language…and are hopelessly lost and confusing the words for “I’m sorry” with “thank you.” Consideration for the group is embodied in their language, mannerisms, religions, and even their sidewalks.
I love America. I would say we are generous as a society. But I would not say we are considerate. In fact, I would say we are quite inconsiderate, and when forced to be considerate, we tend to grumble a lot about personal freedoms and conveniently leave out brotherhood and community.
Perhaps we could use some yellow brick roads (they’re not actually brick but it has a nice ring to it). Build them, follow them, and see where they lead. Better yet, follow them with eyes closed and consider those who can’t see where they lead.
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