discrimination

I agree with you for the most part, but Buddhism stems from India, in which I'd say is the "base".

Back to the topic: I hate to be ethnocentric, but yes, there really needs to be social change there; however, we all know that it's just not that easy with so many variables in the way.

The attitude that the local people have, really has very little to do with Buddhism itself but grows from ancient superstitions that probably pre-date Buddhism combined with some ideas within Buddhism but are used more as justifications. Much of Tibetan style Buddhism grows from older Bon and other local traditions that were formed long before anyone had scientific understandings. There is nothing specific within Buddhist teachings that declares something negative about the blind. In fact, compassion is one of the main tenets, but just as some Christians may excuse murder, adultery, torture, etc., human nature has it that some Buddhists will treat their fellow beings abominably and excuse their behavoir as a religious aspect. It isnt that "western Buddhists willingly ignore" it, it is that it is not part of true Buddhist practice. Also, Tibetan Buddhism is well-known in the west but certainly is not considered the "home base" of Buddhism. But getting back to the film, it is an inspiring, uplifting experience, and a very beautifully made piece of art.

It's ridiculous to extrapolate some prejudice based on ignorant superstition to a whole religion. It's like talking about the discrimination against gays/lesbians by some Christians and conclude that Christianity is bad religion.

Good point, but don't throw out a beautiful philosophy because a society fails to live up to its ideals. It was eye opening though to see such blatant discrimination from Tibetan people. We in the West do tend to idealize Asian cultures. However, the rationalizations for the discrimination don't really cut it from a secular Western or Buddhist perspective. Finally Tibetan style Buddhism is popular in the West, but its just one approach among many.