Howdy!
I'm going to take the time today to write about my views pertaining to recent events that have unfolded on ASLRocks. You see, last week a young man came to present himself with having just received a cochlear implant. This young man wanted to share his views and experiences with having gone through the procedures of which cochlear implantation entails.
He wanted to debunk what he felt were myths and lies he had received from the Deaf community, perhaps his Deaf peers. In his doing of such, he shared his reasons why he wanted to get the implant and how he felt it would enhance his life. When he had these views posted on ASLRocks, there was an uproar of responses calling him an audist and several demands to have these views removed from the lineup of vlogs at ASLRocks.
Now, please note that this young man is sixteen years old, surrounded by an unawareness on the part of hearing people, encouraged by such ideals, and just had his surgery done last week. He still has much journeying ahead of him and he has yet to experience the outcome of his decision to receive the implant.
So where am I going with this?
Well, I want to talk about our responsibility as a community. It is my belief that we have a responsibility to provide love and support to those who are still learning about themselves and their place in this world. We have a duty to guide them, with our knowledge and experience, in a way that is not harsh or abrasive. We should, instead of attacking him, be asking ourselves questions.
Why does he feel he needs an implant to be equal to hearing people?
Why does he feel communication is a struggle with hearing people?
Why does he feel ashamed to be deaf?
Why is he here at ASLRocks?
Before we make assumptions and jump to conclusions, we need to be ready with the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps he is here, not to advertise a product or an ideal, but to find support whilst sinking under the pressure of a hearing ideology. Perhaps he is confused and has put himself forward as a cry for help. Perhaps he is doing this for his parents and not himself. There are many possible reasons why he brought his vlogs to ASLRocks. We need to inquire further before we reject him and abandon him in the hands of the very pressure that took him to the operating room.
To kick him out and call him an audist is to shape him in a way that he becomes another Russell Errigo, another Barry Sewell, another Richard Roehm, another naysayer, another angry and bitter person. We, as a Deaf community, already have enough opposition going against us and we needn't add to that.
It is our responsibility to be helpful to these people no matter how much their decisions and views may make us uncomfortable. It is our obligation to provide guidance for them so that our culture may thrive and our language may expand. It is our duty to welcome them no matter how lost and confused they may seem to be.
It's not Jacob's fault that he feels this way. It is the fault of the establishment and his surrounding environment. To shun him from our community would be to reinforce the arguments of the audist establishment and THAT would be OUR fault.
So what is it going to be, eh?
Thank you for taking the stand, Jeff! Couldn't say any better. This is a reminder that one must not haste to make a judgment about someone who shares the way he or she feels without having the opportunity to have a dialogue or understanding why he feels that way.
ReplyDeleteBeing so young, all not knowing where he is from and what kinds of experiences he has that triggered his bitter views, he doesn't need to be called an audist and being bashed but love and support from the Deaf vlogosphere. (***shaking my head in disappointment***)
People have a right to seek out what is true and what is helpful for themselves, not influenced by other people who may have different goals.
ReplyDeleteThe more supportive we are of them, the more supportive they will be for us who have already found our truths.
Barb,
ReplyDeleteYou're right,..we shall not hasten to make judgment about someone who shares the way they feel and by allowing dialogue there is room for one to understand the other. If we cannot have such, then we achieve nothing for the whole.
*sigh*
Dianrez,
You couldn't have said it better. Support for each other brings all of us to our truths much faster than it would take should we choose to battle one another.
Thank you.
Agree, Jeff. We can question him (why he got CI, whose idea was it, etc.), guide him toward a better understanding of what it means to be Deaf, and hopefully help him understand his own and our Deafhood.
ReplyDeleteHairtrigger accusations of being audist are unproductive.
Jeff, I have to agree with both you and Barb.
ReplyDeleteWe have so many "lost souls" already who have difficulty fitting in either the hearing world or deaf world. Do we need more lost souls?
We do need to keep in mind teenage years usually are the years of searching for one's place in the world. It's worse for those who are Deaf and (apparently in this kid's case) mainstreamed in the midst of a sea of hearing folk who perceive deafness as an undesirable trait. He absorbed that negative viewpoint, despite having picked up ASL.
Having just viewed that clip of the boy's comments...bottom line is that he wants to fit in where he is, a typical teenage trait. In that search for a place to fit, he alienated a number of Deaf folk. Well, Teens tend to alienate adults in their quest to find themselves... nothing new about that.
For now, he is pushing the Deaf world away, but at the same time, by vlogging at ASLrocks, he is also grabbing the Deaf world... again, a typical dichotomous teen behaviour. Children turning into adults are often pulled in different directions.. but in this boy's case, he's pulled between two worlds.)
If our world rejects this child out of reaction against his abrasive, and yes, audist comments, and he later experiences difficulties with the hearing world, this person would have nowhere to go for support in coming to terms with being a Deaf Being. No where to fit.
The result would be: Lost Soul # Umpteenth.
That Lost Soul Umpteenth could quite easily join the NaySayers Club. Or, if we're lucky, he could follow in the steps of those who finally came up for air and embrace the Deaf World wholeheartedly.
Thank You for made this blog.. been trying to tell them to give them support instead of reject them.. We are deaf and work together to help each other.. Love this blog!
ReplyDeleteDon,
ReplyDeleteI find it unfortunate when people put roadblocks in the way of one's journey, one's Deafhood. In several cases, the hearing world constructs such detours and roadblocks but methinks the harshest of these come our own Deaf community.
You're right, it is absolutely, totally, undeniably, and quite reliably UNPRODUCTIVE!
Shelley,
That is exactly how I feel regarding the bit on him being a teenager. Being a teenager in an adult run world is tough and being a Deaf teenager in an adult hearing world is quite a task! We all should know,..we were there at some point before.
Unfortunately, some people forget how tough it is.
We shouldn't add to the number of lost souls but rather subtract from it.
Orale!
Jacey,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your feelings with others and I should hope we continue to gather more love and support.
We need to come together and put an end to the hate and begin to educate!
Jeffrey,
ReplyDeleteI am delighted to see your blog to share your positively thoughts. I agree that we should offer our support to any deaf teenager who is in a confusion stage. I tried to explain to them but I was ignored and belittled. I dropped it and let them go. Yes, I am disappointed in them. However, it is so sad to know he got a C.I. for wrong reasons due to being pushed by his parents. I could be wrong but the way he said in his vlog. We have to allow him to journey through bad and good times with both of Deaf and Hearing Worlds. You are right that our job is to educate young ones with the properly approach.
I appreciate that you donated yourself to type your thoughts. Bless you. Lori a.k.a CajunPeach
Lori,
ReplyDeleteSometimes you can't explain things to people. You can only be an example. So, I guess that is where we will go.
Experience. Example. Educate.
Thanks!
Jeff, I am in toto agreement with you and Barb. The age 16 is so tender that a teenager is overwhelmed by the world. We are here to lend our moral support -- with Deafhood love -- to Jacob.
ReplyDeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup.
Deafhood love.
I likes.
Well, my concern as posted in that site -- I was hoping to prevent that despair feeling and worst, I certainly hope he does not commit the dreaded s-word. Because the rejection will reinforce it. -sigh-
ReplyDeletexa0s,
ReplyDeleteI don't think that will be the case but yes, no concern like that should be dismissed. We should, instead, commit ourselves to finding solutions for all the possible circumstances and situations that arise within our Deaf community.
Any form of bullying and taunting can have serious consequences and those actions should never be taken lightly.
Solutions, I say.
Any of you guys thought of opening the doors again so the opposition created by you guys gets welcomed back to your side once again.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...
ReplyDeleteI know many of you view me as a naysayer, but you'd be actually surprised at how supportive I am of the Deaf community. All right, I have a son who has a CI and he's comfortable with it, and he does not feel a need to feel "equal" to the hearing community. He just likes hearing; he was born with normal hearing and had to go through a slow progressive hearing loss. To him, CI is just another hearing aid. But I have to say this, I have witnessed and experienced the backlash when they learned that I allowed my son to have a CI at his request. Sadly I do see some people who hear negative things about CIs view my son differently and he resents that.
All I want for children with CIs is to FEEL welcomed and accepted into the Deaf community. That's why I am for Deaf schools to open their arms to children with CIs, meaning to implement oracy methodologies within the bilingual approaches. That's why I moved my family back to Rochester, NY... to have my Deaf kids who have aptitude for talking and listening to experience a more welcoming, accepting environment.
RR, the opposition is not "created by you guys". We have our own individual opinions, thank you very much. Actually, it is your mob mentality that creates this kind of thinking. By the way, this blog is evident that Jeff and the commentators have already opened their doors. It is up to Jacob to come in.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteI understand everything that you have stated and I know how frustrating it can be in those circumstances. You didn't want to neglect your son's wishes to hear. That is completely sensible.
As you know, I am not comfortable with the idea of cochlear implants because it divides our community, discriminates against, and is very problematic when trying to find a common ground in the education of deaf children. You see, when we do welcome children with cochlear implants, include speech training, and combine American Sign Language with all of that, we are reinforcing the idea that they are better off than the kids who do not need or use such technology and methods. This is where many of us struggle with accepting the idea that cochlear implants can be a part of the deaf community.
Many of us want to see an ideal come to be. That ideal being that we, as deaf people, are just fine the way we are, have an effective means to learn and communicate without having to subscribe to what the hearing world deems necessary for us to be a part of this world.
Aside from all of the complications and ramifications this issue entails, I know one thing is certain, no child should have to experience what many of us have:
The rejection by hearing peers and the double-whammy of rejection by deaf peers.
Again, I want all deaf children to be united in the sense that we are a true community, that is accepting of everyone regardless, and that hardly seems feasible when the hearing world aims to assimilate the child.
All in all, I am aware that parents have the right to choose what they feel to be best for their child. You know, I believe things would be a lot easier for all of us if the hearing loss industry, the AGBell association for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and the medical establishment were more transparent and honest about their information.
We wish to see solid and concrete evidence representing what is concerned a success and what is considered a failure rather than the endless parade of praise for speech and hearing.
You know, when a deaf child gets an implant and responds to the sound or vibration of the "miracle" implant it almost always makes the news. On the other hand, when a child's implant is considered unsuccessful, never will you see it in the news.
That's the thing, we want to see a transparency that is honest with parents seeking to make an informed decision.
Because of a bias on the part of the hearing world and the pushing aside of deaf values, we are upset and feel that our own ideals are not seen.
Whew,..all of this is very sticky and complicated because the aforementioned establishments and organizations have barred the deaf community from participating in the information process that parents go through. We are not allowed the right to justly represent ourselves and as a result, we are further confused and divided.
I'm trying to find a way through all the muck and confusion and it's not fun.
Thank you for your input.
The key word here is TOLERANCE.
ReplyDeleteAcceptance of the diverse way to be deaf is being tolerant. Lack of tolerance begets oppression. It works both ways.
Yes, Jeff... I did notice the publicity of CIs by the organizations, which gives the public a different meaning of "miracle", unfortunately. Believe me, we have done our homework. When my son first heard his CI-generated sounds, we did not treat it like a miracle; instead we treated like, okay, does it work as well as his former hearing aid? He never had to undergo AVT or whatever therapy, because he scored very well in sound and word recognization tests. When he is not in mood to wear CI, no big deal. In fact, he's attending a Deaf school now... he never liked mainstreaming (academically, it was good, but socially, it sucked.) I have a Deaf daughter and she is normal... whatever that means to people.
ReplyDeleteAnd bilingual approach does work as long as parents and educators are involved. Even, the oracy part... it is a totally different ballgame, under the bilingual approach. I am aware that the word "oracy" sends out different meanings to people who have negative memories of oral education. And yes, the organizations need to present BOTH pros and cons of having CIs. Yes, hearing parents need to be informed, but in the right way. Parents need to be introduced to the important concept of having a foundation of language and cognition right way, and the identity politics can wait, giving parents time to explore the Deaf community.
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteYou admitted CI is not suitable to deaf children. I discovered University of Irvine is doing stem cell research on deaf and it has been successful. They said it will be in the marketplace for all deaf babies to adult. Also, it can cure former CI users.
Then, what's your take on Stem Cell? In my opinion, there's no way to stop it. Impossible! Deaf is #1 disability in the country with $50 billion liabilities. Being deaf is too expensive to every corporations, private and public sectors.
Have some tolerances (Candy's comment) otherwise it will bite you at the end. We love deaf and hearing, yet we do have tolerances to move forward.
Anonymous 2:56,
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with cochlear implantation or the use of stem cells. If I had the authority to ban these options I would do just that, but of course, that is not the case.
Besides, it would be unconstitutional of me to enforce my beliefs on others when they are entitled to the liberty of their own. Of this I am tolerant. Whereas for injustice and oppression by an ignorant entity, I have no tolerance.
God made me the way I am and I am more than happy to take up the responsibilities as this person, a proud Deaf man with a comfortable sense of being.
Yeehaw!
Anon 2:56,
ReplyDeleteIf you really love the Deaf and have tolerance for them, then why do you make negative comments about the expense of liabilities? About curing the Deaf? You are talking double standards here.
When talking about liabilities (where is the link by the way?), CI companies have been sued for making defective devices and that is what made it expensive not to mention that the costs are 50-70K for surgery and $200 a month for batteries and more $$$ for maintenance and speech therapy while ASL costs nothing.
GoFigure
Nice try, Anon 2:56. It's quite a generic claim you just made. Care to back it up with reliable source for that figure you made? I doubt you could even back it up. So, before you even open up your "mouth" (i.e. finger-tapping), do your homework firsthand.
ReplyDeleteJeff- I just found your blog and glad you got back to blogging & vlogging ;-) First of all, I love your new picture banner - a true lover of mother nature, that you!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I don't keep up with ASLRocks (and all others) especially during that time, so apparently I missed all of this. One thing that got my attention was the name "Jacob" because I remember that name from past. Also with his age, I figured the timing. Now, I wonder if it's the same Jacob that his father maintained a website called "Jacob's World" that he posted pictures & journal entries about his CI surgery and all that. He was around 2 or thereabouts. At that time, I have already known that he will eventually find us, Deaf people and was hoping that he would not have to face the hostility but to have good experience.