The creation of a new aggregator, DeafSide, is now the epicentre of a controversy. Certain bloggers are screaming that Deaf-Side is a self-betrayal! Betrayal of what? I am certainly not clear on that. However, I would like to offer ONE humble Deaf Canadian’s perspective… from yours truly.

As you may already be aware, Canada is a multicultural and officially bilingual country where minority immigrants come from various countries in the world. These immigrants are allowed to continue to speak their own languages, practice their own cultures, traditions and congregate in their own clubs, organizations etc. Yet, they are able to speak English and/or French and interact with the majority on a daily basis. Once the interacting with the majority is done, these minority groups gather in their own clubs and shoot the breeze in their own language, play soccer or other sports popular in their countries. Feel free to click on those links which show the great variety of ethnic groups in Canada that call themselves Canadians and yet have “homes”, or “safe harbours.”

http://www.saeaweb.org/node/4c

http://www.londongreekcommunity.org/center.htm
http://www.math.toronto.edu/toronto/

What does all that have to do with DeafRead and DeafSide? PLENTY!

For one thing… you can look at DeafRead in a similar vein as Canada… a place where various people in the Deaf spectrum, from ASL to English, Deaf Culture, CI, etc, with varying perspectives that often clash. DeafSide is one of the enclaves of DeafRead. DeafSide is where the culturally Deaf people wish to relax in a safe Deaf-centered harbour and be able to discuss language, culture, and other topics without having to defend or justify ASL and the Deaf existence. When the Deaf have had their chance to relax at a Cyberspace Deaf Club, they can then go refreshed into DeafRead. We all need a safe harbour where we do not need to worry about attacks, or being invalidated as needing to be fixed or being told that children nowadays do not need ASL because they have CI.

I, for one, am looking forward to joining DeafSide, and vlog…as soon as my frustrating technological issues is resolved (hence, my blogging only rather than vlogging). I look forward to potential ASL and cultural discussions, a la Parisian Deaf Banquet (you gotta go to a Deafhood workshop). I will continue to go to Deafread. It is always good to read a wide variety of perspectives that really make you think, even if there are times when you want to cheer or yell at someone. Such is life!