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From: Vixen.*@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen *)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: YOUR MESSAGE
Message-ID: <9992@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 4 Feb 90 14:12:20 GMT
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Index Number: 6603

Hi,

Reading your message regarding how the lack of common language
affects and can isolate the deaf from the so called "hearing
world".

Hey, you know what? I don't know about youse guys, but, I am
getting really tired of that expression "The hearing world!" Damn
it, this is everyones world, tough as it may be on some of us!

I think if anyone takes the time to look at how deaf people have
been treated by society in the past, it is easy to understand how a
deaf person can come to feel isolated in this world, how a deaf
person might cme to resent hearing persons. In short, the isolation
factor can be understood as a phenomena, but there comes a time
when walls have to come down and bridges have to be crossed if
there is ever going to be any understanding and progress.

Also, I think all of us, human beings, seek out those with whom we
have "something" in common. It is even how most of us come to our
more intimate relationships. This is not something peculiar to deaf
people at all. In fact, I would venture to say that "most of us"
are here in ABLED in order to be with those with whom we feel a
certain bond. Always, we will tend to bond into smaller groups
which will havve a "Them" outside of it. I think it is human
nature.

However, I don't think of that as "isolation". I feel the
individual(s) choose isolation (for whatever internal / external
variable ) reason as a defensive or even offensive withdrawal.

If a deaf or hearing impaired person rebuffs or chooses to snub a
hearing persons attempt at sincere communication because he or she
has no tolerance for the others possible lack of skills or
hesitancy, then tha deaf person has chosen to isolate. I think this
is a whole different matter than simply just wanting to be with
like persons.

Of course, I realize that it may be the deaf persons inadequate
feelings about themselves that might cause him or her to turn away
from hearing people.

To me, it always seems to boil down to two things yet, the lack or
apathy of many hearing people to bother being concerned about
communicating with deaf people and those deaf people who want to
assume that all hearing people think that deaf people are somehow
inferior or retarded or some such other thing. Obviously, neither
of these things are true.

But, here I am rambling on and on! I guess that is what comes from
not being one nor the other! Always, it's education.

Keepin' the faith!

.                            Vixen

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