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From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: ASL AND DEAFIES PART 3
Message-ID: <15796@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 20 Nov 90 04:16:26 GMT
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Index Number: 11888

[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Hi James,

While like Annie, I worry aboout labels working against us all,
whoever we are or whatever problems we have, I also know, we do
need "frames of reference!" My hope is for names, labels and
terminologies that let us know what is going on without "hurting."

It really doesn't bother me for a person to refer to him or herself
or others as a "deafie" as a means of understanding anymore than I
mind being refered to as a "blink" or a hearing impaired person. It
is simply a means of understanding identification and recognition.

I do get upset when these labels come across as a means of
separation and hurtfulness. For example, it is one thing to
identify yourself as a deafie and another person as a hearie. I
only feel anquish when I come across deafies who refer to hearing
persons as "Those stupid hearing people." Although, I have been
taught to understand some of the anger that exists within the "deaf
community" towards hearing people and of course, with my own
hearing rather rapidly on the downswing, I have had my very own
multiple negative experiences with "hearing people."

I don't think it is unusual that deaf people would group together
anymore than it would be for others who share a common life bond. I
just think it is important that we also live outside of those
"groups" avoiding the self limiting of our own lives.

I suppose I think I am liberal because I am an "in the middle
person", niether accepted by deaf culture because I was born
hearing and can still use assistive devices and yet I am seen by
normally hearing people as closer to deaf, even if I can hear
through these devices and often receive some of the very same
treatment from people that "deafies" receive.  Although, in my own
mind, I feel more and more kinship towards the deaf community.

I recognize and respect the deaf community and deaf culture and my
only concerns are for those who limited their life experience
within this shelter and who put up walls between the deaf community
and the rest of the world.

On the other hand, I am not really much excited by hearing people
who feel that deaf people need them to do everything or "take care
of them."

As for people like me, I guess we are stuck in no mans land between
both worlds. But, I like to think that this may not necessarily be
a bad thing and perhaps people like me can help by being bridges
now and then and remind everyone that it is one world afterall.

Keepin' the faith!

.                         Vixen

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