Response to Deafchip’s Pack of Wolves Vlog
Posted by ShelSep 27
This response to DeafChip’s vlog discusses the concept of the collective being better than the individual, and how independent thinking individuals can bring strength to the collective. There is commentary on assimilationist attitudes and how assimilationists attempt to pigeonhole a group of people who disagrees with the majority view as not being independent thinkers. The question is brought up as to who are truly independent thinkers… the assimilationists or those who refuse to accept the majority viewpoint.
14 comments
Comment by Robert Alfred Hawkins on September 27, 2009 at 4:57 pm
You have some interesting observations. There are in fact a growing number of individuals separating from aspects if not the entire U.S. deaf community (which some aspects are run by the hearing) due to decisions related to individual, business and organizational ethics.
The U.S. deaf is often oppressed by the hearing and deaf alike. Does it entitle us to do wrong to make something right? Plain and simple, two wrongs doesn’t make one right.
For example certain U.S.-based relay services and deaf business or organizations including schools have questionable hiring and ethical practices by the so-called pseudo-elite deaf.
Sometimes, it’s best to take the high road in name of ethics. I’m not perfect and I learned from experience as is my best friend. How do I feel right now? Independent, organic and happier with a brighter outlook. I keep company with deaf who shares similar values.
Hardest part of this is being truly alone. I respect Barry Sewell’s viewpoints as I try my best towards others. In literate terms he isn’t alone. There are ones sharing same convictions.
Comment by jeffrey on September 27, 2009 at 6:13 pm
money talks
Comment by deb ann on September 27, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Hello Shel,
I added few links to my blog, so you can find his comments.
Comment by the one and only ridor on September 27, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Hawkins: People like you who lives in glass houses should not throw stones, dear.
R-
Comment by deafchipmunk on September 27, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Hi Shel,
Yes I agree with you… That is what I see… I am gonna make a new vlog soon to address an issue of Audism: Deaf Surivivalists… I may make it tonight and deliver it tomorrow morning before I go work…
David
Comment by Shel on September 27, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Much appreciated! Thanks, Deb Ann!
Comment by Shel on September 27, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Looking forward to viewing your vlog tomorrow.
Shel
Comment by Robert Alfred Hawkins on September 28, 2009 at 1:53 am
Shel, I’m sorry if I overlooked anything on your past efforts online but I wonder if you are against cochlear implants no matter the circumstances (i.e. totally consenting) involved?
Comment by John Egbert on September 28, 2009 at 9:37 am
Robert Alfred Hawkins,
Have you asked AGBell and their associates if they are against bilingual (ASL/English-reading and writing) philosophy no matter the circumstances (i.e. totally consenting) involved?
I have nothing against cochlear implants if this human being wants it but to implant an infant and tell the parents that it is a “cure” of deafness it very misleading and I think that many Deaf and Hearing people are concerning about those that are implanted without bilingual philosophy which will cause delay or permanently lost of language acquisition.
Your question to Shel regarding the acceptation of cochlear implant doesn’t revolve the solution in the betterment of Deaf babies and children in schools. The education of the brain should be noted as the main priority first for a Deaf child because the emphasization with the education of the mouth and ear first is the major reason why many Deaf child failed to learn to speak and hear like hearing people.
The philosophy for a Deaf child to learn to speak and hear first is like having the horse behind the cart.
Comment by Robert Alfred Hawkins on September 28, 2009 at 8:33 pm
John, I was just asking in general. There was no angle.
I didn’t indicate my angle (general) for asking Shel and you didn’t ask what angle I was driving at. Regardless, I unconditionally apologize. I don’t necessarily consider you at fault assuming (per above comment) my asking within specific frameworks of a discussion on ASL/Bilingualism.
I chuckled when you asked me if I asked AGBADHH that question. I can read, thank you. It’s self-explanatory the organization espouses the opposite of my viewpoint here.
Like it or not, we’re on the same page. I never once in my lifetime married audiological aids as essential to the intelligence of a given individual let alone success of the ASL/bilingualism other approaches including that of AVT.
Would you believe it that I once asked J.J. Puorro what AVT stands for? That’s how ignorant I’m about the such. Enough said, I wished.
Mark my words: if hell exists it’ll freeze before anyone find I’m lying about the above about audiological aids.
I never had use for hearing aids nor cochlear implants. Days of school were missed due to negative, migraine-like effects they had on me. I’m practically “allergic” to them and whenever I was forced to use I’d dramatize much to amusement of my peers what I saw on TV in these PBS or whatever TV broadcasts of oral interests.
Speech class. I never made Principal Lists due to speech teachers: one “C” grade-I’m out of luck. This was how so formidable the state-run school for the deaf was on this.
As one who’s profoundly, pre-lingually Deaf and a native user of ASL I had ASL-Deaf girlfriends with hearing aids and cochlear implants (the latter took long for me to get used to) and many of same who had no use for the aids.
Don’t you forget about AGBADHH and my grandparents. My grandparents decided their old (but earned) money is better off used not with AGBADHH but rather with others.
The AGBADHH will exist. They’re so powerful for reasons self-explanatory not to mention organizational efficiency apart from controversial philosophies which I oppose. When I say “powerful” many tends to misunderstand thinking I’m endorsing them. That’s a bunch hogwash.
Even the small and struggling NAD and hopefully affiliated state associations (I’m trying not to assess based on the pageant numbers) will exist because they have potential especially if they embrace and practice truest of diversity.
Why did I indicate “truest of diversity.” There’s organic claims that aren’t really organic (i.e. foods, soap, etc.) Same thing here. Truest of diversity I’m talking about zero-tolerance and cracking down on glad-hand tactics including tokenism especially towards persons of color and Deafblind to name just two important components.
Yes, both organizations have strengths and weaknesses. About weakness: hidden agendas is quite commonplace.
Example: AGBADHH’s language on policies pertaining to AVT; not following up on dialogue on controversial issues.
Example: NAD’s lacking transparency in announcing the COO position and subsequent hiring without advertising (or announcing intentions to hire at their own discretion).
Transparency on part of both needs to be similarly practiced. An good example: towns disclosing to the public virtually all aspects such as hearings on zoning, liquor licensing (restaurants, taverns). We must KNOW.
Comment by Robert Alfred Hawkins on September 28, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Clarification:
My grandparents are hearing and never participated in anything related to AGBADHH or any of their affiliates, ancillary or vested interests. AGBADHH just happened to read an article on me in a newspaper and connected my grandparents in the picture.
Addition: I used to make fun of anything that is not ASL. Nowadays, I just let them be. Civil liberties and all that.
I’m curious: what do you say about pupils taught in the aural/oral/AVT methods being accepted and graduating from Ivy league and other reputable schools?
Comment by Shel on September 28, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Robert, John, and Ridor, my apologies for not replying to you yet, but I will respond as soon as I can. Thank you for leaving comments that provides food for thought.
Shel
Comment by Robert Alfred Hawkins on September 28, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Shel, another question: are you representing Deaf Canadian interests or are you representing yourself as a Deaf Canadian?
Sorry, I couldn’t resist after taking a double look at your URL.
Comment by Shel on September 28, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Hi Robert,
I am able to reply to your question from 9:50 p.m., right now although I will answer your other question and comments when I have a bit more time to type a longer response. I am representing myself as a Deaf Canadian only, and don’t presume to speak for other Deaf Canadians. I can only present my views as influenced by my experiences as a Canadian, born and bred. Canada is officially bilingual (English and French are both official languages in my country, as I’m certain you’re aware), so that has an impact on my views of the world, particularly when it comes to ASL and Deaf culture. I will tell you this: I am a firm believer in bilingualism, and feel monolingualism can be more harmful than helpful in certain situations. I will elaborate on that at another time.
Shel