Deaf
Culture
by
Tim Jones
04/29/2003
The Deaf
Community has a unique culture, viewed as being different by a surrounding
population that doesn't take the time to learn and understand that it may
not be so different. This culture is identifiable to that of other cultures.
Just like other cultures, the deaf culture comes about by shared experiences
and a shared language. Besides a shared language, being deaf has brought
about many identifiable characteristics of a culture, such as having their
own regional, state and national organizations, schools, athletic events,
community picnics, theatrical performances, and religious congregations,
just to name a few.
One of the
biggest identities of the deaf culture is its language, American Sign
Language. American Sign Language is a language that relies on vision to gain
information. The use of hand motions, facial expressions, and body movements
is the basis of American Sign Language. Carol Padden stated in an article
she wrote for ASLinfo.com, "The essential link to Deaf Culture among the
American deaf community is American Sign Language. This community shares a
common sense of pride in their culture and language. Their exists a rich
heritage and pride in the ability to overcome adversity as individuals and a
group." (Padden, ASLinfo.com p1)
As mentioned in
the quote by Carol Padden in the last paragraph, the deaf community is very
prideful. The deaf culture doesn't view their impairment as a disability. As
stated on the website DeafFriendFinder.com, "Deafness is not a disability
but rather a different way of being."(deaffriendfinder.com/culture P.1) This
is the deaf culture's belief. "Deaf people view themselves as a linguistic
and cultural minority, not as a disability group." (www.seattle diversity
works P.1)
The hearing
population might view the deaf community as being sensitive. Since they
don't view themselves as disabled, the deaf often get offended when called
"hearing impaired", "deaf-mute", or "deaf and dumb". "Hearing impaired" may
be seen as a politically correct way of labeling a person as deaf. The deaf
culture believes that that is exactly what "hearing impaired" is doing,
labeling them as something they can't do. This is why the deaf get offended.
" Hearing
impaired -- A term much preferred by hearing people, largely because they view
it as being politically correct. In the mainstream society, to baldly state
one's disability (e.g. deaf, blind, etc.) is somewhat rude and impolite. To
their way of thinking, it is far better to soften the harsh reality by using
the word "impaired" along with "visual", "hearing", and so on. "Hearing
impaired" is a well meaning word that is much resented by deaf and hard of
hearing people." (www.nad.org)
The deaf do have a community and culture all their own. They are people,
just like you and me, but having to live a different lifestyle because of an
impairment. Their culture deserves to be recognized just as any culture
does. They deserve the respect that anyone else does. Just because they are
impaired doesn't mean that they are not not capable of overcoming adversity
if just given a chance.
"...Words
and labels can have a profound effect on people. Deaf and hard of hearing
people are sensitive as to how they are referred, because they have
experienced being put down and disparaged by other people. They have seen
their intelligence, their abilities, and their skills questioned simply
because they are deaf or hard of hearing. Show your respect for deaf and
hard of hearing people by refusing to use those outdated and offensive
terms." (Info to Go/National Association of the Deaf; www.nad.org P.2)
Works
Cited
Info to Go.
National Association of the Deaf. www.nad.org P.2
Free Fact
Sheet,Deaf Culture Part 1. www.seattlediversityworks.com P.1
Deaf culture.
DeafFriendFinder.com/culture
Padden,Carol.
Deaf Culture. www.aslinfo.com p.1
Discussion:
In a message dated 8/3/2003 5:19:09 PM Central Daylight
Time, kcdrummond@_____.com writes:
Dear Bill:
In reading the material in your Culture 3 page I noticed something that has
been bothering me since I read it.
The page by Tim Jones 4/29/2003 says
<<The deaf do have a
community and culture all their own. They are people, just like you and me,
but having to live a different lifestyle because of an impairment. Their
culture deserves to be recognized just as any culture does. They deserve the
respect that anyone else does. Just because they are impaired doesn't mean
that they are not not capable of overcoming adversity if just given a
chance.>>
This paragraph appeared right after Mr.
Jones' acknowledgment of the fact that the term "hearing impaired" is
offensive to the deaf. Perhaps Mr. Jones would do well to change the wording
of this paragraph to include the word D/deaf instead of impairment. I am
thinking this is just an oversight on his part as is typical of us "hearies".
lol
Cheryl