Huh.

[jackshoegazer]

Say that a stranger asks you a question.  You do not know the answer, but then notice a sign nearby that contains the answer.  Is it ableist to assume they know how to read?

Comments

[abmann.livejournal.com]

Maybe they just didn't see the sign? That would be my first assumption.

[jackshoegazer.livejournal.com]

That would be my assumption as well.

But then assume that you point out the sign and they say, "Well that would help if one knew how to read."

[abmann.livejournal.com]

I'd apologize and then read the sign to them or tell them what they want to know. Even with a 20-some percent illiteracy rate, it seems an honest mistake to me.

If they're a jerk about it... well... Send them in the wring direction? ;)

[balamuthia.livejournal.com]

In general I just answer the question they ask. It's probably different for me since my grandma was illiterate for most of my childhood, so it's instinct for me to scan signs anyway. I'd probably just nod and say "Oh yeah, it says here blah, blah, blah".

[chili-das-schaf.livejournal.com]

EDIT: Misread, sorry. Rephrasing:

When working in a shop with several large signs "WE DO NOT SELL STAMPS", guess what we clerks were asked several times a day, by people who could definitely read (it was a university store). So my personal first assumption would not be that the person can't read but that a lot of people overlook large signs.

I wouldn't call this first assumption being ableist, though, because it comes from my experiences, not from my assumption that everybody can read.

Sorry for the edits, thinking about topics like that with a headcold doesn't really work x/

[dakini-grl.livejournal.com]

I think I would assume it was a plate-o-shrimp moment and they didn't see the sign, or that they couldn't read.

[kiwikat.livejournal.com]

I would probably assume they just didn't see it. If they were still in the area I'd say something like "oh hey, that sign says no octopi are allowed in the doctor's office, so I guess not". Then you've told them what it says and don't have to worry about whether you're being offensive about illiteracy or not, you're just being helpful.

[alebazi.livejournal.com]

I'd point to the sign and read it out loud.

[hellocthulhu.livejournal.com]

Ditto.