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?
chicp
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Roto-Rooter to the Rescue
Good Evening Good People!
I would like to take the time tonight to explain a few things about a particular blogger who has, over the last few years, twisted, bent, disregarded, and corrupted a few good people with his skills in manipulation.
How has he done this?
Eyes, eyes, eyes.
Lies, Lies, Lies!
Hides, Hides, Hides.
A rather evasive little guy.
Alright. This particular blogger has a habit of disregarding worthy comments and discussions for the sake of making himself seem like the good guy. Yes, while it is his blog and it is his right to do as he wishes with it, I'll show you a good example of his tactics and in the end, perhaps you will understand where it is several of us are coming from.
He likes to assume.
He likes to attack.
He likes to degrade.
Don't believe me?
Check out:
http://theholism.blogspot.com/2010/08/last-stand-prayers-have-been-answered.html
I want you to read closely what he says towards Shelley Potma and yours truly. Surely you will see his traits in his words.
Anyhow,..I contacted Shel, who was also engaged in the discussion with this little guy and she has shared with me a particular comment that this little guy has opted not to publish. Of course, as aforementioned, it is his blog, his right.
But look and see how he plays the game and attempts to make himself the good guy of the discussion:
Below is Shel's comment posted here with her permission:
" Semantics, Barry. You missed my point, which is the fact that the Native Americans have been underdogs, most definitely, regardless of whether they massacred Custer's army or not.
Today, Native Americans are still struggling with the government's view and treatment, though they are definitely making much progress in getting their lands back and respect of society and political clout, but it has been a long, hard road for them. Aboriginals succeeded in wringing an apology from our Prime Minister. Yet, we have the Caledonia issue in Ontario. Do read up on that.
Speaking of lack of hands-on experiences… I was at Ipperwash Beach (a privilege, I must say) with the Deaf First Nations people at IDC conference which was held by the Oneida (at their reservation). (The First Nations finally got it back from the Ontario government after a stand-off that resulted in the death of Dudley George and a black eye for the Harris government.) Do not tell me that I know nothing about Native Americans. Heck, I was born near a Blackfoot/Cree reserve, and grew up with Blackfoot, Chippewa Deaf as well as Inuit Deaf at my school, and witnessed a few examples of racist behaviour against them, such as cutting off their hair (out of fear of lice) while leaving the hair of white kids alone!
You're correct that the gov't attempted linguistic and cultural genocide and failed, but they came damn close to succeeding, you must admit. Several tribes that existed long ago no longer does, such as the Beothuk in Newfoundland, for example. The numbers of First Nations People in North America is nowhere as great as it could have been had it not been for the greed of the white society in the past.
Residential schools for the Native people are testimony to their genocidal attempts, and do not tell me that it was the white man only who told me of the horrors that occurred in those institutions. I also heard from my Aboriginal friends, and read books from both sides as well! There is something to be said for ensuring that you benefit from a combination of reading information and stories as well as interacting with people and obtaining hands-on experience.
You should know better than to make assumptions about the people against whom you are embroiled in debates! You know what they say about people making assumptions.
You won't listen to my sources, some of them who are also First Nations themselves, and not collaborators at that? A pity.
Oh by the way, Barry… re: your contention to Jeffrey that the Indian Removal Act of 1830 has nothing to do with the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.
Ah… au contraire. Those two situations were merely part of the government's implementation of their plan to eradicate Native culture and language, and "tame the savages", and grab land.
Finally, on the topic of ASL, we NEVER said "ASL only"… quit spreading that myth. We advocate for bilingualism, both ASL and English.
This is the last time I will participate in this debate on your blog since you are more interested in putting people down than a genuine exchange of perspectives on an issue.
Have a good afternoon. "
There ya go,..if you do your homework, like he says, you'll learn to steer clear of this manipulative little guy. For if you like a fair debate, you can't find it at Holism blog.
Holism?
Nothing whole about Barry Sewell and his blog.
This post proves just that.
Ultimately, thanks for your time and patience,
Jeffrey
Further reading:
http://theterlinguan.blogspot.com/2010/08/puerile-battle-of-big-littlehorn.html
I would like to take the time tonight to explain a few things about a particular blogger who has, over the last few years, twisted, bent, disregarded, and corrupted a few good people with his skills in manipulation.
How has he done this?
Eyes, eyes, eyes.
Lies, Lies, Lies!
Hides, Hides, Hides.
A rather evasive little guy.
Alright. This particular blogger has a habit of disregarding worthy comments and discussions for the sake of making himself seem like the good guy. Yes, while it is his blog and it is his right to do as he wishes with it, I'll show you a good example of his tactics and in the end, perhaps you will understand where it is several of us are coming from.
He likes to assume.
He likes to attack.
He likes to degrade.
Don't believe me?
Check out:
http://theholism.blogspot.com/2010/08/last-stand-prayers-have-been-answered.html
I want you to read closely what he says towards Shelley Potma and yours truly. Surely you will see his traits in his words.
Anyhow,..I contacted Shel, who was also engaged in the discussion with this little guy and she has shared with me a particular comment that this little guy has opted not to publish. Of course, as aforementioned, it is his blog, his right.
But look and see how he plays the game and attempts to make himself the good guy of the discussion:
Below is Shel's comment posted here with her permission:
" Semantics, Barry. You missed my point, which is the fact that the Native Americans have been underdogs, most definitely, regardless of whether they massacred Custer's army or not.
Today, Native Americans are still struggling with the government's view and treatment, though they are definitely making much progress in getting their lands back and respect of society and political clout, but it has been a long, hard road for them. Aboriginals succeeded in wringing an apology from our Prime Minister. Yet, we have the Caledonia issue in Ontario. Do read up on that.
Speaking of lack of hands-on experiences… I was at Ipperwash Beach (a privilege, I must say) with the Deaf First Nations people at IDC conference which was held by the Oneida (at their reservation). (The First Nations finally got it back from the Ontario government after a stand-off that resulted in the death of Dudley George and a black eye for the Harris government.) Do not tell me that I know nothing about Native Americans. Heck, I was born near a Blackfoot/Cree reserve, and grew up with Blackfoot, Chippewa Deaf as well as Inuit Deaf at my school, and witnessed a few examples of racist behaviour against them, such as cutting off their hair (out of fear of lice) while leaving the hair of white kids alone!
You're correct that the gov't attempted linguistic and cultural genocide and failed, but they came damn close to succeeding, you must admit. Several tribes that existed long ago no longer does, such as the Beothuk in Newfoundland, for example. The numbers of First Nations People in North America is nowhere as great as it could have been had it not been for the greed of the white society in the past.
Residential schools for the Native people are testimony to their genocidal attempts, and do not tell me that it was the white man only who told me of the horrors that occurred in those institutions. I also heard from my Aboriginal friends, and read books from both sides as well! There is something to be said for ensuring that you benefit from a combination of reading information and stories as well as interacting with people and obtaining hands-on experience.
You should know better than to make assumptions about the people against whom you are embroiled in debates! You know what they say about people making assumptions.
You won't listen to my sources, some of them who are also First Nations themselves, and not collaborators at that? A pity.
Oh by the way, Barry… re: your contention to Jeffrey that the Indian Removal Act of 1830 has nothing to do with the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.
Ah… au contraire. Those two situations were merely part of the government's implementation of their plan to eradicate Native culture and language, and "tame the savages", and grab land.
Finally, on the topic of ASL, we NEVER said "ASL only"… quit spreading that myth. We advocate for bilingualism, both ASL and English.
This is the last time I will participate in this debate on your blog since you are more interested in putting people down than a genuine exchange of perspectives on an issue.
Have a good afternoon. "
There ya go,..if you do your homework, like he says, you'll learn to steer clear of this manipulative little guy. For if you like a fair debate, you can't find it at Holism blog.
Holism?
Nothing whole about Barry Sewell and his blog.
This post proves just that.
Ultimately, thanks for your time and patience,
Jeffrey
Further reading:
http://theterlinguan.blogspot.com/2010/08/puerile-battle-of-big-littlehorn.html
The Puerile Battle of the 'Big Littlehorn'.
Dear Barry,
Whatever goes down in history regarding the AB2072 will not be as profound as your idiocy and arrogance. To see you pray against your enemies only tells me that you have failed to heed the words of our Father.
I do not write these words to you out of malice or aggression but as a fellow brother. You have spent countless hours putting people down and you have allowed your bitterness to conquer the good in your heart.
People erect monuments so that future generations will not forget what has come and been done before them. However, in your case, your words and actions have been so monumental that we will not forget no matter how hard we may try to. I should hope we will be able to forgive you.
I find it rather obnoxious of you to use Custer as an example because despite the fact that his army fell at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the government still achieved what they set to out to accomplish.
This may, too, be the case of those whom you have erroneously called the "radical 'D' people", the "extremists", and the "closed society" as history has shown that a truth bearing people may fall only to rise up stronger, bolder, and wiser.
The Native Americans have yet to rise...
Finally, I will pray that you may find the strength not to be stronger than your brother but to defeat your greatest enemy, thyself.
Jeffrey
Whatever goes down in history regarding the AB2072 will not be as profound as your idiocy and arrogance. To see you pray against your enemies only tells me that you have failed to heed the words of our Father.
I do not write these words to you out of malice or aggression but as a fellow brother. You have spent countless hours putting people down and you have allowed your bitterness to conquer the good in your heart.
People erect monuments so that future generations will not forget what has come and been done before them. However, in your case, your words and actions have been so monumental that we will not forget no matter how hard we may try to. I should hope we will be able to forgive you.
I find it rather obnoxious of you to use Custer as an example because despite the fact that his army fell at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the government still achieved what they set to out to accomplish.
This may, too, be the case of those whom you have erroneously called the "radical 'D' people", the "extremists", and the "closed society" as history has shown that a truth bearing people may fall only to rise up stronger, bolder, and wiser.
The Native Americans have yet to rise...
Finally, I will pray that you may find the strength not to be stronger than your brother but to defeat your greatest enemy, thyself.
Jeffrey
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Wasting Away in a War of Words
Illegal Alien.
Illegal Immigrant.
Foreigner.
Gringo.
Haole.
Outsider.
We're bitchin' about English terminology on ASLRocks! WTF?
And wetbacks????
The Mexicans cross a river.
The Europeans cross an ocean.
Go figure.
All in all,..you guys gotta fucking grow up and remember why we are so moved to get into issues like this. We've been hurt. We've been ridiculed. We've been belittled. We've been pained. We've been chastised. The one thing remains, we are all Deaf and yet,..here we are wallowing in a war of words against each other about all these fucking politically correct ways of saying things.
You wanna talk about hate speech?
Okay,..try this on for size:
"The only reason oralism is good for Deaf people is so they can learn how to properly say "Fuck YOU!" to hearing people when they turn their backs to the cries of a Deaf child."
That is hate "speech".
Call me a wetback because you know what,..I get pissed on by the audist establishment and so do you!
Fuckin' Wetbacks....
Stop squabbling.
Stop bickering.
Stop quibbling.
Fight for the future.
Fight for the kid who has yet to get hurt by such arrogant ignorance.
Illegal Immigrant.
Foreigner.
Gringo.
Haole.
Outsider.
We're bitchin' about English terminology on ASLRocks! WTF?
And wetbacks????
The Mexicans cross a river.
The Europeans cross an ocean.
Go figure.
All in all,..you guys gotta fucking grow up and remember why we are so moved to get into issues like this. We've been hurt. We've been ridiculed. We've been belittled. We've been pained. We've been chastised. The one thing remains, we are all Deaf and yet,..here we are wallowing in a war of words against each other about all these fucking politically correct ways of saying things.
You wanna talk about hate speech?
Okay,..try this on for size:
"The only reason oralism is good for Deaf people is so they can learn how to properly say "Fuck YOU!" to hearing people when they turn their backs to the cries of a Deaf child."
That is hate "speech".
Call me a wetback because you know what,..I get pissed on by the audist establishment and so do you!
Fuckin' Wetbacks....
Stop squabbling.
Stop bickering.
Stop quibbling.
Fight for the future.
Fight for the kid who has yet to get hurt by such arrogant ignorance.
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