Here is a big kudos to Convo Relay for understanding Deaf Culture and taking a stand on behalf of it. Convo Relay is truly exhibiting a strong "of, for and by the Deaf" attitude which is certainly going to strengthen itself as a business because it will garner loyal and faithful customers who appreciate a business that puts them, the customer, first.
Check it out!
So what's wrong with Alexander Graham Bell?
Well....
Alexander Graham Bell, the man and the association are one and the same. You see, if you study your history and review the time line of the AG Bell Association for the deaf and hard of hearing, you will see that the following quotes and sentiments stated by the man himself are still, to this day, deeply rooted in association's philosophy and pedagogy.
"We should try ourselves to forget they are deaf. We should teach them to forget that they are deaf."
"I admit...the ease with which a deaf child acquires this sign language and it's perfect adaptability for the purpose of developing his mind; but after all, it is not the language of the millions of people among whom his lot in life is cast."
"I would urge the abolition of the sign language."
"To ask the value of speech...is like asking the value of life."
"The adults who use sign represent our failures; let us have as few of them as we possibly can."
*tsk*tsk*tsk*
Oh and did you know that it wasn't until the Americans with Disabilties Act was written into law that the AGBell Association for the deaf and hard of hearing provided signed interpretation of their conferences and workshops?
Now, if you truly embrace yourself as a Deaf person, or any person, who values a unique culture and American Sign Language, please support Convo Relay and let them know that you appreciate their efforts in supporting us. Please contact them at feedback@convorelay.com or better yet, give them a thumbs up on Facebook. By supporting each other, we can tear down THAT wall of ignorance and finally begin to heal as individuals and as a community.
With Convo's advertisement and courage, they are demonstrating for other businesses one of the many ways to spread an important awareness that is good, not just for Deaf people, but for the world at large. So for your bold efforts and firm stance, Convo, we cannot thank you enough. Muchas Gracias!
....and they truly do.
Do you?
If there were a Like button to press like in Facebook on your blog post, I'd press it.
ReplyDeleteIn today's advertising climate, sassy is what wins customers. We need more sassy advertising to keep Deaf people feeling welcome and curious Hearing people asking questions.
ReplyDeleteThe BEST business decision Convo has ever had by focusing on Deaf consumers. Others, who said Convo made bad business decision, are way out of their mind. They actually do not understand what the TARGET means! Great article!
ReplyDeletewell this is a quote heaven - top banner - side bars and body of the entry - quotes a plenty
ReplyDeleteall good - even the bad ones cuz ICED 2010 called upon the nations of the world to remember our history and AG Bell be a big part of it - not just in the US of A but also to the great north and even down south and....
and a quote back at ya - George Veditz wrote to AG bell in 1915 stating: "I wonder if you could be induced to turn your attention to a sort of television that will do for the eye what the telephone does for the ear"
such vision and forsight our Uncle George had
he was talking about the videophone he was and... along came Ed Bosson and along came Convo
Just shy of 100 years - no worries. we r gonna make up for lost time. How? by putting the truths out there for all to see
the desire and right to be able to hang up on AG Bell if u so desire - being chief amongst them (while also dispelling that oh so rosey picture of the great benefactor and caretaker of the Deaf)
i love envisioning folks in the bustle of their day - going - hmmmm what is that i spy?
and re: the wall - indeed.
next time i ring Alexander Graham i will definitely use Convo
Convo - biggest thanks!
Jeffrey - kudos
peace
patti
I would like to thank everyone for reading and commentators for leaving your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous Comments:
"We're sorry, the number you have reached has been disconnected or is no longer in service. If you feel that you have reached this message in error, please check the number and dial again. If you need help, dial zero for an operator."
And...let us know when you're ready to be somebody.
Agreed, Jeff! This ad was BRILLIANT! It was part of an ongoing campaign theme, it spoke to an issue that their customers know, and injected a good healthy dose of humor by providing a twist on their theme and the issue.
ReplyDeleteIn my mind, this one was as well-done as what could have come from "the professionals".