The Social Implications of Being Colorblind
However, as with anything, it is only when we lose what we have that we realize the worth of what we are missing. Such is the realization that is made after reading "The Case of the Colorblind Painter" by Oliver Sacks. Mr. I, the main character, who is suffering with cerebral achromatopsia, a rare form of colorblindness caused by trauma, illustrates simply how challenging life can be without any notion of color. While Mr. I struggles to learn to cope with a colorless life, he faces the hurdle of having to learn to practice his hobby of painting without utilizing any colors other than simply black and grey. In time, Mr. I realizes that he still has posses the ability to create masterpieces regardless of the colors they possess. Mr. I learns that although the loss of color will drastically change the way he has to approach life, by no means does his life have to be suppressed by his colorblindness.
Mr. I's particular case illustrates how being colorblind does not necessarily have to be a burden in an individual's life. It is almost certain that individuals with colorblindness, especially those with cerebral achromatopsia, will have issues adjusting to life with reduced or no color. Socially, being colorblind is often looked down upon as a disability. The common belief is that those living with colorblindness will not have the same quality of life as those with normal vision and require a large amount of assistance to go through everyday life. Nonetheless, while those with colorblindness need to learn to work with a more achromatic world, it is more than possible to live a high quality life.
Rohit Balaji, Michael Amadio.