Chris Leon’s Roar

80 Comments Add your own

• 1. LaWanda  |  July 19, 2006 at 7:36 pm

  I’m really glad to see someone is speaking out about this. When I heard that Matthew was co-ordinating this conference, I also felt disgusted. I will certainly *not* be attending.

  LaWanda
  NYC

• 2. MSM Sucks  |  July 20, 2006 at 2:47 am

  Looks like Matthew Scott Moore is finally getting his due. He’s currently under fire on another blog for his unethical practices. See http://www.ridorlive.com Be sure to read all the comments posted. Quite a number of people have had bad experiences with him. So this does not surprise me at all.

  Personally, I would never attend another conference run by MSM. He is a nazi. You can’t even leave to go to the bathroom in the middle of an ASLTA conference without risk of losing CEUs. He treats conference goers like little kids instead of the professionals we are. I was so disgusted by my last experience that I decided not to continue my membership with ASLTA.

• 3. gallygrad81  |  July 20, 2006 at 7:55 am

  Matthew isn’t exactly known for his humbleness. So no surprise there.

  Wonder what possessed Laurene Simms. She must not have been thinking very clearly. It’s too bad because this could have been a conference that served to unite people.

• 4. Jon Henner  |  July 20, 2006 at 1:33 pm

  Chris -

  Would you mind clarifying something for me? I’m not exactly sure how you’re applying the term “people of color.” I’m told that I’m not a person of color because I’m white, but I’m pretty sure white is a color. I mean, I’m not transparent and my skin does lean towards the olive/gold. In theory, because my skin does possess color, even though my heritage is caucasian, could I be a person of color?

  Thanks for clearing things up.

• 5. Elizabeth  |  July 20, 2006 at 3:39 pm

  I don’t know MSM personally, so I cannot comment if he is truly White or not. But I do know for a fact that many times biracial people don’t always show color. For example, my husband is part Cherokee, but he doesn’t look like it. I know a woman who is half Hispanic, but she looks White. Please be careful with generalizations unless you mean to say that biracial people who looks White shouldn’t be participating in People of Color. If so, this begets another question, do we have the right to tell these biracial people that they cannot participate in such groups because even though one of their parents is of color, they are too white?

• 6. Chris Leon  |  July 21, 2006 at 6:30 am

  You raise some excellent questions which I will respond to in future blog entries.

  In regards specifically to Matthew Moore, the issue here is his being the organizer of the conference. I don’t see any problem with him participating as a participant or serving as a consultant. I do have a problem with him leading it and plastering his name and business all over the place. We need people of color leading and representing us. Just like Deaf people should lead their own conferences.

  Chris

• 7. GinoNY  |  July 21, 2006 at 7:09 am

  I\’m also curious what Laureen Simms has to say about all this.

• 8. Sweetmind  |  July 23, 2006 at 10:59 am

  Hi everybody,

  I like to mention why do we have to face the racist issue? Laura has asked Matthew Moore to run her conference for Deaf people colored that I dont see anything wrong with it. I have met Laura in ASL conference.. I think she is really good job to give out her presentation. I enjoyed and agreed with her many ways.. I dont care if she is black or not.. I m seeing her as a person that I respect her all the way because she works very hard to make the difference for our Deaf community. She is in a very good state of mind and strong advocate for our Deaf community that is all I care and respect all the way. By the way she is a cool and friendly lady.

  Why bother to turn against white people after all I was not there to treat Black people into the slavery from the past.. I dont owe any black people for what was done to them in the past. It was not my fault. Dont forget that President Lincoln was a white man that gives you Black people the taste of freedom in your life in today’s. So therefore why cant we Deaf people have the freedom of being ourselves from the beginning?

  I am getting tired of some Black people think of themselves as a black person all the time. It reminds me of hearing people with audist attitude who has been doing that to our Deaf children ’s lives that is coming their own self centeredness and prejudce against our deafness. Jeez! It needs to be stopped to conform or force Deaf children into a hearing person that they are hoping for.

  MOVE ON and Work together as teamwork for Deaf community. I support all kind of Deaf cultures and Deaf languages in this society. Dont forget we all are in minority groups of Deaf people.

  Life is too short.. Lets our Spirited Deaf into the positive outlook for our Deaf community that we should be thankful to have a chance in our lives and educate people out there. They need to open their eyes and allow us to adapt our deafness and accept for being ourselves. Thats our Deaf rights and Deaf children s sakes

  Have a great day!
  Sweetmind

• 9. Chris Leon  |  July 24, 2006 at 5:59 am

  Sweetmind,

  You may not use my blog as a forum for posts you are trying to post on Ricky Taylor’s blog. If he is deleting your posts, then I’m sure he has a good reason. While his topic also relates to Matthew Moore, it does not directly relate to this topic and your posts are irrelvant. I have removed these posts and will continue to do so. Please stop abusing my blog.

  Your comments above relate to this topic and I’ll leave them. I’ll also respond.

  Do you have any idea how racist many of your comments are??? I don’t think you have a clue! Many of your comments are offensive. You need to take an anti-racism class and educate yourself. You just don’t get it.

  Chris

• 10. Sweetmind  |  July 24, 2006 at 7:16 am

  NICE TRY CHRIS.. YOu have no idea about me since you have no clue as well.

  YOu saw the truth that I didnt do anything wrong. YOu are support ricky all along that you are racist against white as well.. I dont understand this anymore.

  I SUPPORT Laurene Simms very much.. NOw you are telling me that I am racist.. What a joke!

• 11. Sweetmind  |  July 24, 2006 at 7:50 am

  You are abusing Matthew Moore as much as I can see. What is your problem? Have you meet Matthew Moore yet? I THINK NOT! You jumped the conclusion for no reason. This is unnecessary to bring it up about Laurene Simms and Matthew Moore.. Guess what! It is none of your concerns whatever Laurene Simms want to work with Matthew Moore for the Deaf people colored ’s conference.

  I have some friends who are black and black people in my family if you mind.

  YOu are not honest to yourself and others.. That is it!

  It proves that ricky is playing favorism and censorship that you are supporting all along. How interesting! You saw the truth but you are denying it so much.

  This is real full of it.

  Thank you for your true colors that you lied about me. Somebody knows the truth that is all I care. I have already shown some people who need to see the truth. I have nothing to be afraid to confront for a very good reason.

  Thank you!

• 12. Sweetmind  |  July 24, 2006 at 10:46 am

  Also I like to say it aloud.. Thats you Chris as a very racist for bringing up about Matthew Moore who is a white man. You feel you claimed white guy shouldnt run a conference. **RME** Also you are abusing Laurene Simms that you are against her, too..

  Well you need to think twice before you said this to me.. Look at yourself so therefore you need to take an anti-racism class and educate yourself. You just don’t get it.

  Thank you!

• 13. Rotty  |  July 24, 2006 at 11:20 am

  The truth will set you free

• 14. Gomez  |  July 24, 2006 at 1:40 pm

  Unbelievable! Sweetmind, I understand Matthew is your friend but you need to stop and think of what you are saying. You do not really understand the point here.

  Chris already gave a good example. Try to think about a hearing person who does not sign and put him in charge of a Deafhood conference. Deafhood conference is supposed to be about feeling pride to be Deaf and empowerment. But, if a hearing person, who does not know any sign was setting it up and leading it… how do you think Deaf would feel? Would they accept? HELL NO! Deaf should lead Deafhood conference, not hearing. It does not mean we are against hearing. It means we want Deaf to lead and be our leaders. That is same thing here. People of color are minority. They are oppressed in many ways. Especiallly by white people who do not understand what they are doing. Same way that hearing oppress Deaf, many do not mean to do so. But they do.

  Do you understand? This conference is for people of color. It should be lead by others who are also people of color. People of color have their own pride and cultures, just like Deaf.

  Matthew Moore needs to resign from position. We do not want him!!!! I don’t care if Laureen asked him. She made bad judgement. She needs to clean up the mess she made.

• 15. Sweetmind  |  July 24, 2006 at 7:34 pm

  Let me tell you , what if I am White and Black by birth. Are you gonna to reject me by your being racist to turn against me? HUH! So you are not gonna to make me a choice to pick White or Black on which side I should be fit into. Jeez! Quit Bickering on racism issue. You are not making any sense.

  Anyway, Matthew will not be part of any officers for Deaf people colored that I can understand it very well. However its just to have him to run the conference whatever Laurene will tell him whatever she want to do this or that, he will follow up whatever she wishes. Thats all to it.

  So you are telling me that I cannot attend the Deaf people colored conference because I am white. If so, then you are a racist then it s no difference anyhow.

  I am A Deaf person who will support anything that relates to Deaf community that helps each other to lift up our spirited Deaf and Deaf children s future.

  Thank you!

• 16. Sweetmind  |  July 24, 2006 at 7:57 pm

  Also, I had a Deaf teacher named Dr. James Magness who was a black man and taught me few courses that I took. However he died by illness that I just recently found out because I would love to meet and want to talk with him again.. I do respect him all the way for what he did it for me when I was a student. I just loved him and want to tell him how much I appreciate his support for me when I needed to talk. He was there for me as usual. I have had been thinking about him all the time and looked for him for a long time after I found out he died. I was disappointed that I did not give myself a chance to let him know how I felt about his grateful support. So he taught many deaf White and Black students in Deaf school in the past. I will never forget him for the rest of my life.

  I was learned the first oppression about Black people that I was with a friend who was a black when I was about 11 years old. I was getting into a big trouble by a very stupid racism reason that people punished me for having a black friend. They did not like me and a friend of mine that we were always be together every day.. I got into frustrated and did not understand why cant I befriend with a black friend at that time. They hurted and made me so angry for a long time.

  You dont know how hard for me to deal with all that racism issues that turns me off in a big time. People are people that I m looking at. Now you are putting me down for standing what I believe in. Sighs!

  Deaf White and Black people should work together as teamwork. I dont see anything wrong with it.. That IS my attitude if you mind.

  Thank you!

• 17. Person who knows better  |  July 24, 2006 at 9:10 pm

  In college I had a Black professor. I had a White professor. I had an Asian professor. I had a Male professor. I had a female professor. I had a married professor. I also a divorced professor. I had a single professor. I had a gay professor.

  The legitimacy and relevance of what they taught did not depend on which category I put them into.

  Racism is a construct. It’s not something that’s a trait born with. A person may have a totally outrageous and negative opinion of their own ethnic group. Because they are a member of an ethnic group - and have negative views of it - are they more qualified to teach about it than someone who has done thorough objective reseach? I think not! A person may know more about a group - even though they are not a member - than is someone who IS a member. Being a member of a group does NOT automatically qualify someone to teach about it or to host a conference about it.

  If the person who is not a member of a group is aware of this and does not try to pass themself off as a member then what is the issue? It seems that some people just want attention and bitching about the idea of a conference is the only way for them to get attention.

• 18. James  |  July 25, 2006 at 1:37 am

  Sweetmind is drama queen. I’ve seen her posts elsewhere and she likes to stir things up. She’s obsessed with Ricky Taylor. I agree that some of what she said here is racist and shows her lack of education on race issues. The more she talks, the more she shows how stupid she is.

• 19. The Professor  |  July 25, 2006 at 2:49 am

  I applaud Chris Leon for speaking out. It’s not an easy thing to do. I’ve had many good heated discussions with him in the past and always come away impressed by his intelligence and awareness. It’s quite refreshing, especially for someone his age.

  Some of the comments posted here are sad to read. They bear testimony to the fact that many in the deaf/hh community still have a long way to go towards understanding racism, what it is, and how it affects us all.  As long as people like Chris continue to speak out about it, there is hope for change.
  TP

• 20. Black Power  |  July 25, 2006 at 5:00 am

  Laureen doesn’t think sometimes. Her choosing Moore is one of the dumbest things she’s ever done.

  I’m wondering where NBDA stands on this issue. I hope they will be joining this boycott. Everyone I’ve spoken to so far supports it.

• 21. Sweetmind  |  July 25, 2006 at 11:07 am

  racism |ˈrāˌsizəm| noun the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, esp. so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. • prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on such a belief : a program to combat racism.

  So there! Rethink before you are saying it.. James Thats what you are doing it to Laurene as a Deaf Black woman. Deaf, Women, Black, and many others are the minority as well. Dont be so focus on yourself only.

  Oh Yeah! You are so obession to attack Moore and Laurene while I gave my stength to have the positive outlook about having a positive teamwork for Deaf Black and White children’s needs in our Deaf community.. That s what it s all about.

  Truth hurts, is it??

  Have a wonderful day!

• 22. James  |  July 25, 2006 at 2:45 pm

  You are so stupid Sweetmind. I also find it interesting how you keep copying other people’s words and trying to pass them as your own. You need to be more original. You keep missing the point what this is about, which shows how stupid you are.

• 23. Sweetmind's Friend  |  July 25, 2006 at 3:25 pm

  Sweetmind,

  What are you talking about? “Truth hurts, is it?”… I think you’re the only one who is hurting. You need to stop because you’re making yourself to look fool and you are becoming an embarassment to your friends now.

  For everyone’s sake, please stop now.

• 24. Sweetmind  |  July 25, 2006 at 4:35 pm

  {{{{James Says:
  July 25th, 2006 at 2:45 pm
  You are so stupid Sweetmind. I also find it interesting how you keep copying other people’s words and trying to pass them as your own. You need to be more original. You keep missing the point what this is about, which shows how stupid you are.}}}}

  Who’s words am I claiming are my own? The dictionary?? THe way I posted the definition of racism is obviously something I copied and pasted fromt he dictionary…Is that a problem? I didnt try to take credit for the definition…I made it obvious that it came from a dictionary source and I posted it so you can undrstand it better. I am aware of what racism is and I dont think I am speaking of it in the wrong contexts.

  {{{{{Sweetmind’s Friend Says:
  July 25th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
  Sweetmind,

  What are you talking about? “Truth hurts, is it?”… I think you’re the only one who is hurting. You need to stop because you’re making yourself to look fool and you are becoming an embarassment to your friends now.

  For everyone’s sake, please stop now.}}}}}

  Well..if you were really my friend you would have the decency to let me and others know who you are instead of hiding behind that nickname. My friends would talk to me about their feelings straightforwardly instead of behind a nickname that I do know know them by.

  This whole situation is about racism and people oppressing their own races and Deaf community. Matthew Moore and Myself are not the racists here. I dont see how I am making a fool of myself with my posts here..you are ashamed of me because I know what I am talking about and I am standing up for minority rights…You must really be ashamed of yourself.
  I
  d like to add that I am doing this for Deaf Mulatto children also. They have their Deaf rights as well.

  Anyways, I dont know what your problem is…

  Thank you!

• 25. Sweetmind's Friend  |  July 25, 2006 at 4:52 pm

  Sweetmind,

  There you go. You just gave us a living proof of why we shouldn’t have people like you or Matthew Moore to run “People of Color” conference. You are a narrowed-mind racist. This isn’t about black, white or “mulatto” children. This is about PEOPLE OF COLOR.

  Keep on going, what you are doing now is helping boycott to become a reality.

  ~Your friend

• 26. Another Friend of Sweetmind's  |  July 25, 2006 at 5:03 pm

  Sweetmind,

  As a friend, I’ve looked up the term “mulatto” and I understand it’s an offspring of a White and a Black parent. I’ve noticed something in the definition that states: “the term is rarely used by African Americans.”

  This is such shame that you are putting words in our mouth on a term that Africans Americans rarely use — with that said, you are a racist.

  No more friend you me.

• 27. Sweetmind  |  July 25, 2006 at 7:36 pm

  Excuse me! Why is it that only WHITE people are racist?? Mullato is from spanish word that I learned from.. Okay I ll say MIXED children So what are you gonna to use the word ?? it s not only black side of MULLATO if you mind.

  For pete s sake! I cannot believe this is too many closededminded people here. Quit bickering! You are oppressing toward Laurence Simms while I dont.

  Thank you!

• 28. Sweetmind  |  July 25, 2006 at 7:38 pm

  If you mind i copied and pasted it from the dictionary..

  mulatto |m(y)oŏˈlätō; -ˈlatō| dated noun ( pl. -toes or -tos) a person of mixed white and black ancestry, esp. a person with one white and one black parent. adjective relating to or denoting a mulatto or mulattoes. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Spanish mulato, from Arabic muwallad ‘person of mixed race.’

  SO there

• 29. Rotty  |  July 25, 2006 at 7:55 pm

  James Says:

  July 25th, 2006 at 2:45 pm
  You are so stupid Sweetmind. I also find it interesting how you keep copying other people’s words and trying to pass them as your own. You need to be more original. You keep missing the point what this is about, which shows how stupid you are.

  those who talk with insults know not what they talk about
  just remember when u point one finger at someone u point 3 finger at yourself

  remember sweetmind champion causes as in DEAF CAUSES
  She is an outspoken and outstanding deaf advocate

  shame shame

• 30. Ashley  |  July 25, 2006 at 7:56 pm

  I want to start by just stating that I am no more qualified than anyone else to make a statement on this issue; I am neither Black nor am I Deaf.
  I am a white hearing girl.
  I just want to bring something up that many have skimmed over. Many of you have accused and called names. I do disagree with a man representing a group of Deaf individuals because he is a hearing man, but stating that he couldn’t possibly know what it’s like to be a person of color, while it is true, is also racist. What I mean by saying that a caucasian person couldn’t possibly know what it’s like to be a person of color, because obviously, they’re not a person of color they’re caucasian. But this is racist in the sense that what you all are saying is that people of color are treated differently. I’ve never treated anyone differently. I have respect for everyone. There is a handful of people that remain racist and believe that they are elite, but again they are in a handful.
  And how does using a word that is rarely used by people of color racist? It’s a term used to indentify the race of an individual. And that is a whole other blog I’m sure.

  Now, I mean no disrespect, but besides a hearing man running a Deaf convention, I dont think anyone should be considered for their race. I see in Grey and White.

• 31. Melody  |  July 25, 2006 at 8:15 pm

  I have a question? Isn’t this supposed to be a people of colors convention type thing? If so wouldn’t that include ALL colors?

  Sorry for my ignorance in this issue as it is the first I heard about this. But from my understanding on the reading it is for people of colors thing and that to me would mean all colors?

  And I do have to agree why is it that only WHITE’s are racist?

  Don’t people even begin to think that us white’s are now being oppressed? When MLK fought for equal rights that is exactly what he fought for was EQUAL RIGHTS. NOT for BETTER rights than us whites have.

  Yes, I am white and yes I have read up on black history including MLK. When MLK day is celebrated do us whites not also celebrate with you?

  Not all of us are RACIST! BUT we do get tired of being pushed down by the other races as well.

  Blacks *excuse me if that is a racist term* have the United Negro College Fund BUT let us whites have a WHITE United College Fund and you would holler discrimination and racism. You also have BLACK colleges let us WHITES have the same thing hollering again.

  You call us Whiteboys,Crackers and etc are those not racial slurs too?

  Since when is the race AGAINST racism including just Whites only? Is it not true that there is more BLACK ON BLACK CRIME than White on Black? But yet then when a police office defends himself in the line of duty against a BLACK PERSON you holler racism? Why is this? Why cant we all unite and make it a better world for all of us?

  Know what I see? I see blacks going for a job and I have seen it time and time again since I was old enough to have a job and I see a white person going for the same job. Who gets it? REGARDLESS of who is more qualified? The BLACKS do! So, why do you still feel the need to holler RACISM in every issue?

  I believe we are all basically the same excpet SKIN COLOR! We all bleed red, we all die, we all have feelings, we all have families, and we all have the SAME basic needs.

  What happens when the WHITES are fed up and start hollering RACISM and discrimination?

  I was not alive during Slavery times, and many of you werent either! So how is it that we owe you anything? We did not enslave you as we werent alive then and neither were most of you!

  You also get extra points on a college application simply for being black! IS that fair? Us whites now have to work double hard just to get anywhere because all BLACKS wanna do is holler discrimination and RACISM.

  Enough with that Racism card and learn to live together and learn to help one another.

  Sadly, slowly with the whining about how we owe you and seeing us whites being oppressed and put down and the BLACKS rising above us instead of being our EQUALS it is turning me racist.

  And its a sad thing to have happen simply because I believe we all deserve respect, kindness, and most of all love.

  There will never be a world peace if we dont start at home.

  Thanks,

  Bear

• 32. Melody  |  July 25, 2006 at 8:23 pm

  and by the way for those that dont me I am also known as Bear or Storm or Melody in the deafchat site and many other sites.

  Thank You just thought I would clear that up!

  Melody

• 33. Preston  |  July 25, 2006 at 9:07 pm

  Many of the comments here are highly offensive. Evidently, there are a lot of ppl who don’t understand what racism is. It is much more than what the dictionary quotes it as being.

  White people have been in the position of power since the beginning of American history. For example, American still has yet to have a President who is a person of color. By “person of color”, that means people who are not White and have been traditionally oppressed because of this, which include Black, Latino, Asian and Native American people.

  It makes perfect sense for people of color to want to lead their own conferences. For White people to take over, is just another way they are practicing oppression.

  Chris never said that White people were not welcome at the conference. He said people of color should be the ones leading it. I agree 100%.

• 34. Preston  |  July 25, 2006 at 9:17 pm

  I’m not going to bother responding Sweetmind’s ridiculous ramblings. But I’d like to respond to Melody.

  I thought the analogy that Gomez made between deaf/hearing and white/people of color was right on the nose.

  If you are a White person, I’m sorry, but you really do not know what it’s like to experience the world as a person of color. You may say you don’t have any racism, but I doubt very much there is anyone in the world who doesn’t have some racism in them. That includes people of color. No one is completely immune from racism.

  You say that you have never done anything that is racist and that racism is only practiced by a handful of people. That just goes to show that you have no idea what it’s like to live life as a person of color.

  For example, when a Black man visits a store or boards a bus, his experience is usually very different than a White man’s. If you were Black, you would know this. For example,
  when a Black man visits a store, he is automatically watched more closely than the White man. The store owners automatically think he is going to steal something. He is watched more close. That is a perfect example of racism.

  Another example.. if you are in parking lot and a Black man walks by… do you feel nervous and quickly lock your car doors? If it was a White man, you would be more relax. That is racism.

  Racism comes in many shapes and sizes.

  Denying that racism exists, is yet another way you continue to oppress people of color.

  People of color need to have their own space and conferences to discuss these types of issues. The fact that a White man is leading this conference is just plain wrong.

• 35. Sweetmind  |  July 25, 2006 at 9:22 pm

  Matthew is not part of the organization, he is just setting up the conference for the lady, Laurene Simms. He isnt speaking in the conference and he isnt one of the officials of Deaf people of color…he is more like the coordinator Just like people who are getting married hire a coordinator to set up their wedding…I dont see the problem. I would like to say that I agree with the points of Preston and Melody and Ashley too.

  BTW America has yet to appoint a Deaf president of the USA too.

  Thanks!

• 36. Melody  |  July 25, 2006 at 9:35 pm

  Preston,

  I thank you for replying to me, but I must point out that I was not the one that said I never practiced racism that I believe was Ashley that posted that.

  And I am just as comfortable around blacks as I am whites believe this or not. I lived in a predominately black neighborhood that was rampant with drugs.

  Know what? I wasn’t scared or bothered in anyway. In fact, call me dumb or whatever but I slept with our front door open. And believe it or not the neighbors never bothered me and in fact did adopt the neighborhood attitude. If you’re in it we protect you and you protect us.

  It was an awesome place to live. Granted would have been better without the drug houses. But hey, cant have everything your way lol.

  Somehow, I adopted the mentality that all blacks were not out to steal or harm. I tended to watch the whites more closely in my store. * I could hear then.* But, yes I do and have admitted that I do know there is racism in us all.

  But, why is it only whites that are racists? I would vote for a black president if I thought he deserved the office. Sadly, in the last few elections I chose not to vote at all due to no belief and no faith in any of the candidates. Bring a black man that gives me faith in him. Hell yeah, Ill vote for him! And I am a white girl! lol.

  Another thing is you say until I see the world through your eyes, I cant speak. Same goes for US all until we ALL walk a mile in each other’s shoes who is to say what we have a right to feel and think?

  It actually hurts my heart that we are *divided* so by race. I just want and pray that someday we can have EQUAL rights. And right now in alot of ways that matter to us all Blacks are getting better rights then we are.

  Why is it that I see and was one of them, mind you! dirt poor white women going into Welfare and coming out with as little help as they can give her. But at the same time her black friend with the better situation financially came out with so much more? She drove a better car than me, hers was new mine was a 200 dollar beater! She owned her home, I rented an apartment. We both had two kids and unmarried at the time.

  It’s things like these people are tired of seeing. We all deserve equal treatment period! Be it welfare,jobs, or running for president. And until that day happens my heart will hurt.

  Because at the same time a few bad seeds use the racist card to get ahead everywhere they can. How is that fair to the other races? The same thing is not afforded to a Latino or a Mexican or Whites, but I see ALOT of blacks getting away with it.

  Even putting aside the *smaller* and I empathised that because in no way do I feel it is small issue of racism against colors. It is even worse for us simply because we are deaf!

  Instead of fighting in the deaf community about this *small* issue we should all races be uniting to fight for BETTER DEAF RIGHTS. Until we all stand up together and march like the illegal immigrants just did we will as a *group* or *race* take your pick face even more oppression.

  PLEASE! Stand up with us in the fight for deaf rights and leave the *smaller* issues after we got that.

  Thanks,

  Melody

• 37. I support POC  |  July 25, 2006 at 9:37 pm

  I’m not a POC but I completely understand and respect their need for their own space. If they prefer to have a Person of Color be coordinator, then I completely respect that. It is *their* conference. Same as other person said, they would rather Deaf be coordinator of Deafhood conference than hearing who not sign. Makes perfect sense to me.

• 38. Melody  |  July 25, 2006 at 9:37 pm

  sorry another post to say good point about a Deaf President of the USA Sweetmind.

  When will that ever happen?lol

• 39. Visitor  |  July 25, 2006 at 9:45 pm

  Someone told me to come here from the deafchat room.

  I want to say that RACSIM IS NOT A SMALL ISSUE! Just because you white people don’t experience it, doesn’t mean that others don’t also. Most black and other colors experience racism EVERY SINGLE DAMN DAY. You have NO IDEA what many of us go through. Do NOT TRY TO MINIMALIZE our experience by saying that it does not exsist or is not an important issue or is a SMALL issue. These kinds of comments make me very angry.

  I have chatted many times before with sweetmind in the deafchat room. After reading her comments here, I totally have lost respect for her and do not plan to ever visit that chatroom again. I have also lost respect for Matthew Moore and especially for Laureen Simms.

• 40. Melody  |  July 25, 2006 at 9:47 pm

  Vistor I never said it was a *Smaller* or *small* issue. Re-read what I posted pls.

  Thanks,

  Melody

• 41. Melody  |  July 25, 2006 at 9:50 pm

  Vistor,

  This is for you! This is what i actually said!

  Even putting aside the *smaller* and I empathised that because in no way do I feel it is small issue of racism against colors. It is even worse for us simply because we are deaf!

  Instead of fighting in the deaf community about this *small* issue we should all races be uniting to fight for BETTER DEAF RIGHTS. Until we all stand up together and march like the illegal immigrants just did we will as a *group* or *race* take your pick face even more oppression.

• 42. Sweetmind  |  July 25, 2006 at 10:00 pm

  {{{{{{{{{{{{Someone told me to come here from the deafchat room.

  I want to say that RACSIM IS NOT A SMALL ISSUE! Just because you white people don’t experience it, doesn’t mean that others don’t also. Most black and other colors experience racism EVERY SINGLE DAMN DAY. You have NO IDEA what many of us go through. Do NOT TRY TO MINIMALIZE our experience by saying that it does not exsist or is not an important issue or is a SMALL issue. These kinds of comments make me very angry.

  I have chatted many times before with sweetmind in the deafchat room. After reading her comments here, I totally have lost respect for her and do not plan to ever visit that chatroom again. I have also lost respect for Matthew Moore and especially for Laureen Simms.}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

  What the heck is this! It was NOT even me who said it.. These people dont read it correctly.. NO wonder why everything is so twisting around and accused me as a wrong person for no reason.. Ha! I find this is very interesting how people make up about me because they just want to stir up trouble for me .

  Very good job, Visitor!!!!! after Melody mentioned about deafchat site while I didnt so you are using against me. Thats your own racist against me because i am a Deaf woman.

• 43. Sweetmind  |  July 25, 2006 at 10:28 pm

  {{{{{{{{{Even putting aside the *smaller* and I empathised that because in no way do I feel it is small issue of racism against colors. It is even worse for us simply because we are deaf!

  Instead of fighting in the deaf community about this *small* issue we should all races be uniting to fight for BETTER DEAF RIGHTS. Until we all stand up together and march like the illegal immigrants just did we will as a *group* or *race* take your pick face even more oppression.}}}}}}}}}}

  Thank you for saying it aloud.. Thats how I see it all my life. I am getting tired to see whats going on here that is exactly going on in this society. It s so true!

  **5** Melody

• 44. Jolie  |  July 25, 2006 at 10:51 pm

  Can we just for one minute put all those racism issue aside?

  Sometime I wonder - The deaf community itself is so small and what happened to the unity? Are we going to let the racism get in the way to break us (the deaf community) apart?

  I can understand the perspective of wanting someone of a color to lead the conference but at the same time, isn’t that what brings people together whether it’s lead by a color or not?

• 45. Former Slave of Matthew Moore  |  July 26, 2006 at 12:18 am

  I have something to share with you guys about Matthew. I’ve worked under him for a year (I never got paid which is the reason I call myself as a former slave of Matthew).

  I’ve seen so many things that will make hair on your back rise. At first, I thought he was a great leader and his visions were amazing. Later on, I began to see his true colors and they were rather appalling.

  Matthew, of all people I know, is a textbook sexist. He despites women. He loathes this particular gender. Every day, he would say lot of bad things about them. One day, he made a phone call to a company and ended up having an unpleasant conversation with a woman. He hung up and got so mad that he would flip out at anytime. He took me with him and drove to that place. He approached the company owner and demanded to see the lady who he spoke with. He threatened to kill her by gesturing the throat slice with his hand. The owner was so terrified that he had to grab and hold him, took him outside to calm him down.

  Matthew also is a racist. He never once uttered any racism remarks or did anything that is hurtful to people of color. However, the bad vibes are definitely there. When a stranger who happen to have a different skin color and is unknown to him, he would give them a small British-like disgusted look. He would quickly dimiss them and not greet them as he would with his own race. He was traumatically robbed in his own home and he couldn’t stop mentioning that the robber was a black person. Every time he told this story, he stressed that the robber was black and how scary it was. It’s the way he put it together that made him a racist, even when he does not realize it.

  Is that the Matthew Moore you know? I know it’s not because I thought the same before.

  This is not about the me or people of color. It’s about Matthew Moore and why I think he’s not the right person to run this conference.

• 46. Sweetmind  |  July 26, 2006 at 1:29 am

  Whoa whoa whoa!!!!!!!!!!! What a big liar and twisting around against Matthew! I will explain it clear what I know and see the evidences already. You are not getting away with it Former SLAVE of Matthew Moore. And I know who you are.

  I will say it aloud tmw not tonite. It s getting late for me to write every details because I m kinda tired right now.. You made me so madder as hellva for what you did make up a real good lies. You should not twist that story about Matthew Moore. You have your own view but you dont see the whole story at all. So be it! Oh well, thats too bad you dont see a good thing for what Matthew gave you and paid you money for doing the work for him. What a very very selfish I ever know! You got a real good two faced that I know now. My goodness
  Thats s your evil way to do this. I feel sorry for you and your own bittered life.

  Sighs!

• 47. Moore is a selfish ass  |  July 26, 2006 at 5:28 am

  Some of you people are just plain stupid. Chris mentioned about taking anti-racism classes. I strongly suggest those of you who do not understand this issue, DO that. You need to stop putting the burden on people of color to educate you or explain why racism is an issue and why Matthew Moore’s leading this conference is an issue. Some of you are plain clueless.

  Sweetmind - you need to shut up and get a life. We all know you are one of Matthew’s slaves. The more you talk, the more you show how ignorant you are.

  As for Matthew Moore, he obviously has no respect for people of color or he would have already resigned from this position. He is a selfish ass who few people like.

  See http://www.ridorlive.com/?p=1799

• 48. Leslie Rodriguez  |  July 26, 2006 at 6:11 am

  Wow. That’s some pretty sick shit about Moore! I’ve heard of some weird shit he’s done from my friends in Rochester, but that takes the cake.

  For the boycott, is anyone organizing anything? I would be happy to fly out there and help with the boycott. We could make signs, protest outside the hotel and alert the media. My brother-in-law works at Good Morning America. I bet he would be interested in this story. He can also help us contact other media outlets.

  We should also start a boycott regarding everything else sponsored by MSM and his company.

  Chris, contact me at the above Email address. I’m happy to do what I can to help with this important cause.

  Les

• 49. Rainbow  |  July 26, 2006 at 7:08 am

  I find it amusing how Matthew is using Sweetmind to defend himself. Did anyone notice how some of “her” posts have good English, while others don’t? It’s quite clear that some of the comments she posted are not her writing. Matthew, the pathetic little man he is, obviously doesn’t have the balls to speak up for himself under his own name. This is probably because he couldn’t possibly have anything to say that can justify his actions. Instead, he uses “slaves” and weak-minded, low function deaf people like Sweetmind to speak on his behalf. It is no secret that Sweetmind is not very bright and she obviously believes everything Moore feeds her. I feel really sorry for her that she cannot think for herself. She deserves our pity. She isn’t aware of how Matthew has exploited and used her all these years under the disguise of “community service”.

• 50. BlackDeaf  |  July 26, 2006 at 8:40 am

  I have attended the ASLTA conference that was coordinated by MSM production aka Matthew Moore in Indy. I couldn’t believe how shallow this man was. He was so full of himself to point where he scheduled himself to 2 or 3 workshops in conference program book talking the books that he wrote. It was a truly classic example of I, Me, and Myself!

  In defense of Laurene Simms, she is an amazing, knowledgeable, and resourceful woman that I have a pleasure knowing her. I have tremendous respect of her and I am fully confidence that she will make this conference sings! Sadly, she doesn’t deserve to be associated with Matthew Moore. Only if she partnered with someone else beside MSM, she has a home run in her hands!

  As a Black Deaf, I cannot be in a good conscience to support this conference. It is not because Matthew Moore is white but I do question his business ethics because he is willing to taking people’s money for Deaf Life magazine subscription which they have not published for 2 years! What’s kind of message we send to the community that we condone that type of behavior. We need to send a message that we do value a good company that is ethical. Unfortunately, MSM doesn’t fit the bill!

  I am planning to attend NBDA Eastern Regional Conference in NYC this upcoming August to request the members to boycott against People of Colors Conference until Matthew Moore is out of the picture.

• 51. Another Visitor from Deafchat  |  July 26, 2006 at 5:33 pm

  (((((Whoa whoa whoa!!!!!!!!!!! What a big liar and twisting around against Matthew! I will explain it clear what I know and see the evidences already. You are not getting away with it Former SLAVE of Matthew Moore. And I know who you are.

  I will say it aloud tmw not tonite. It s getting late for me to write every details because I m kinda tired right now.. You made me so madder as hellva for what you did make up a real good lies. You should not twist that story about Matthew Moore. You have your own view but you dont see the whole story at all. So be it! Oh well, thats too bad you dont see a good thing for what Matthew gave you and paid you money for doing the work for him. What a very very selfish I ever know! You got a real good two faced that I know now. My goodness
  Thats s your evil way to do this. I feel sorry for you and your own bittered life.

  Sighs!)))))

  How would you know if you were not there with Moore and “Former Slave” when those experiences happened?

  So if Moore tells you anything, you’ll kneel and worship his words like a brainwashed Moore bot?

  You ARE NOT MOORE. You and Moore is NOT one and the same.

  Stop being a “megaphone” for Moore. Moore can speak for himself.

  And lastly, stop embarassing the DeafChat community.. we all are very very disappointed in you. Stop being a psycho drama queen.

• 52. X  |  July 26, 2006 at 5:38 pm

  Sweetmind, your brain has ingested too much glucose.

  SHUT UP!!!

• 53. Sweetmind  |  July 27, 2006 at 12:13 am

  YOu are wasting of my time since Chris and Ricky ’s blog are full of trashy..

  I know the truth that you are so afraid to hear it.. What a pity!

  You people have no life but you are too busy to hurt people for a very stupid reason. I realized that already so I decide not to share the truth with you because you dont deserve it. Have fun! You are not going anywhere.

  Go ahead to tell more lies.. You are wasting my time.

  What comes around goes around!

  Truth will come sooner or later..

  I dont give a hoot what you are saying about me because I know I did a good job for a long time that you want to destroy everything that you people are too jealous. I feel sorry for you guys/ gals.

  Have a wonderful life! And So long!

  Good luck, Chris Leon!!!

• 54. Chris Leon  |  July 27, 2006 at 9:40 pm

  I’ve been extremely busy and haven’t had time to keep up with all the comments here. I am, of course, a bit shocked to see all that’s been written.

  As someone else already said, there is A LOT that people still need to learn and understand about racism. I will be analyzing some of the comments posted here in future blog entries so that you can better understand why some of these comments are considered racist.

  In regards to the boycott, a group of us are currently working together to organize an official boycott. We also have someone from the media working with us. We will post more details as they become available.

  I’m also removing a number of redundant, irrelevant posts made by Sweetmind. You’ve shared your views, Sweetmind, now move on.

  I am also removing the post by someone claiming to be Sweetmind as well as the one saying that she (Sweetmind) was admitted into a mental hospital. Funny! Predictably, Sweetmind went ballistic. I’m removing the 15+ additional comments she made just before this one about those last two posts, along with these original posts.

  Some of you have a good sense of humor, but let’s try to stay on topic.

  I appreciate people sharing their thoughts and input. While not all of us may share the same views, discourse is healthy.

  Chris Leon

• 55. Gomez  |  July 28, 2006 at 12:22 am

  Dude, sorry you’re blog has drawn a few wackos. I had that happen to mine, too. It happens. Glad to see this blog getting back on track!

• 56. Rosa Lee  |  July 31, 2006 at 10:20 am

  Chris,

  My name is Rosa Lee Gallimore; I am Laurene Simms’ daughter. She and I had a conversation about your “boycott” over Matthew’s involvement just the past weekend when she came in for a visit. I thought I’d google you up to find out what the fuss is all about. You are white yourself, aren’t you? I find it quite ironic. Nonetheless, I am sadden to see how distorted your comments have been from the truth.

  I personally do know Matthew Moore and I am fully aware of who he is and how he runs his business. This is not about Matthew Moore as a person. My mother’s decision to appoint MSM Productions to fund the People of Color conference had nothing to do with my mom’s lack of cultural sensitivity or ignornace, but because of his bussiness expertise. Like someone had mentioned earlier on this blog, that it was just like hiring a wedding planner to plan a wedding, or hiring a photographer to do headshots, or a lawyer to handle a divorce, etc.

  Matthew was highly recommended due to his work for ASLTA conference. He had successfully hosted the conference in a short amount of time and have also raised alot of money for the organization. This had led my mom’s decision to hire him. As far as POC conference program goes, it is being corrdinated by my mom and her committee of people of color. The only involvement that Matthew Moore has for the conference is the monetary/logistics aspect.

  You might want to ask yourself if your qualms against Matthew Moore’s involvement in this conference is because you simply do not like him as a person or that you don’t like how he operates his business. If that’s the case then let that be your argument instead of using the race card.

  Lastly, you might want to consider your role in this “boycott” bussiness that you’re leading on, on what your actions as a white man (that is if you really are) is doing for POC conference and the people of color. Are your actions helpful or harmful towards our community? What are you fighting for? Social Justice or are you simply trying to earn brownie points from the people of color? Are your actions fueled by your personal vendetta against Matthew Moore? What is it that you’re trying to accomplish?

  I truly hope you have given those things some thought.

  Be well.

  -Rosa Lee

• 57. Gomez  |  July 31, 2006 at 2:45 pm

  Hey Rosa Lee! I saw one of your performances a few years ago. Enjoyed it. Didn’t know your mom was Laureen Simms. Interesting. Regarding Chris — you may be googling a different Chris. Chris is Puerto Rican. He doesn’t look anything white. If you’ve ever met him, you’d know this. You also need to understand that he’s not the only one upset about this stuff. He’s just the most vocal. A lot of people aren’t happy with your mom right now.

• 58. BlackDeaf  |  July 31, 2006 at 3:51 pm

  Rosa Lee…

  I would like to point out one of your comments that you posted.. “My mother’s decision to appoint MSM Productions to fund the People of Color conference had nothing to do with my mom’s lack of cultural sensitivity or ignorance, but because of his business expertise. Like someone had mentioned earlier on this blog, that it was just like hiring a wedding planner to plan a wedding, or hiring a photographer to do headshots, or a lawyer to handle a divorce, etc.”

  My main point here is that for all the conference planers in USA, why did your mother has to select a conference planner who has a questionable ethics. Are you trying to tell me that your mother is looking away while MSM production taking advantage of the Deaf community through fraudulent Deaf Life magazine which have not been published for more than 3-4 years and still taking their money.

  I guess being ethical means nothing to your mother.

• 59. Alexis  |  July 31, 2006 at 5:19 pm

  Rosa Lee comes to mommie’s defense.  She also gets her “facts” all wrong.  Tsk tsk.

• 60. Rosa Lee  |  July 31, 2006 at 7:12 pm

  You are right. I was informed later on that Chris is Puerto Rican after digging further. My apologies for making such assumption.

  As for Matthew Moore, I personally am not disagreeing with lots of you re: my mom’s decision to appoint Matthew Moore. Like I said, I do know him personally and have witnessed his business ethics. I think it is very important to seperate the fact that he is white to how he runs his business. If you are not happy about Matthew’s business antics then, by all means, yell all you want about it but to say that you are upset because Matthew is a “white man” who is “leading a people of color conference” is misleading. He is *not* leading the conference nor is he a person representing the conference.

  Btw, my mother was not aware about the DeafLife magazine fiasco or anything about his reputation until after she asked him on board. I think it would be premature to say that being ethical means nothing to her.

  Btw, Alexis - I appreciate your honesty.

  Rogering out -Rosa Lee

• 61. GinoNY  |  July 31, 2006 at 7:48 pm

  Thought I\’d see what\’s up here. Looks like Sweetmind finally lost her \”mind\” and retired to the mental hospital? Ha ha ha.

  Did you know that ASLTA dumped MSM? I\’m not at liberty to post details here but they will not be using him again. No surprise there.

  I mean no disrepect to Laureen Simms, but if she was really not aware of Matthew\’s reputation or ethics (or should I say \”lack of ethics\”), she is obviously not very in touch with the community.

• 62. Chris Leon  |  August 1, 2006 at 6:14 am

  Rosa Lee,

  Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts. For the record, I’m Puerto Rican, not white.

  Let me share with you where I’m coming from. You wrote that your mom is coordinating the conference. If that’s true, then someone needs to tell Matthew Moore because that’s not how he is advertising it.

  As a matter of fact, in some of the advertising, he seems to be taking credit for the entire conference idea. I saw no mention of Laureen Simms in the initial press releases. It wasn’t until after I publicly denounced the conference that I noticed he added her to the web site.

  First, let’s look at the latest press release he sent out. This is on his deafnews.com web site. In this particular one, he does mention your mom:

  “…Conference Coordinator Matthew S. Moore is part Native American (Cherokee). Earlier this year, he met with Laurene Simms, Director of Gallaudet University’s M.A. Program in Deaf Education, and a prominent Deaf African-American advocate, about setting up a conference with a multi-ethnic focus. Under Dr. Simms’ leadership, the ad hoc National Coalition of Deaf People of Color (NCDPC) was established, with representatives from organizations representing various Deaf ethnic constituencies.” (snip)

  This makes it sound like Moore approached your mom and that this conference was his idea.

  Now if you move on to the “About” conference page at the deafpeopleofcolor web site, you’ll notice there is no mention of your mom. But notice how Moore starts off with “MSM Productions, Ltd. is coordinating….” And signs his name at the end with “Matthew S. Moore, Conference Coordinator”. To me, this all sounds like he’s the one leading the whole thing.  (Wouldn’t surprise me if Moore changes his web site again after reading this.  I have taken screenshots.)
  Sorry but this is NOT the same thing as a wedding planner. A wedding planner would sit in the background and not try to be the center of attention.

  Let me share with you a bit more about why Moore coordinating this pisses me off.

  When the Deaf People of Color Conference was announced, I got an e-mail about it and shared it with Adrian, a 12-year-old African-American Deaf boy that I mentor. He asked me who was Matthew Moore and if Moore was black or Latino. When I told him Moore was white, he looked surprised and then disappointed. And I realized, he had every right to feel disappointment.

  We have so few Deaf POC role models. This was to be the first-ever Deaf People of Color conference. Yet, it is being led by a white man. What kind of message does this send to our youth? POC aren’t smart enough or have enough talent to coordinate our own conferences? We’re not good enough so we had to resort to hiring a white man to do it for us? Do you understand the subtle message that this sends? The message is not very empowering. (And nevermind the fact that Moore has questionable ethics.)

  Surely, there are many talented Deaf POC that your mother could have hired to organize this conference. Why didn’t she choose one of them?  I’m sorry to say but by choosing Moore, she has shamed our Deaf POC community.

  I want to be clear that I’m not against white people. But I do feel strongly when it comes to conferences relating to POC, it should be POC who are coordinating and leading them. We need to have our own space. If people like Matthew Moore wanted to help out behind the scenes, I would not have a problem with that. I do have a problem with, “Hey, look at me! I’m Matthew Moore and I’m running this conference for People of Color.”

  My friend Gomez made a good point about how if a hearing person who didn’t sign were hired to coordinate the first ever conference on Deafhood, Deaf people would be furious. There would be a major riot. Imagine the hearing person then justifying his position by saying, “I have deafness in my family. My great-great-great-great-great grandmother on my mother’s side was deaf therefore I understand the deaf experience.” (rolls eyes)

  This is similiar to Matthew Moore’s “my great-great-great-great-great grandma on my mother’s or whatever’s side was part Cherokee.”  (rolls eyes again)  Whoopie-doo-da! That does not make him a Person of Color.  He has white male privilege.  The world treats him like the white man he is.  He will never truly understand the POC experience.

  If Matthew Moore were a true ally, he would resign and allow a Deaf POC to take the helm of this conference. As long as he continues to be at the helm, I and others will continue to boycott and speak out about this conference.

  Your mother can also resolve this by correcting her mistake and asking Moore to resign and then replacing him with a Deaf POC.

  Chris Leon

• 63. Osa Negra  |  August 2, 2006 at 3:54 am

  At first, I wasn’t really sure what I thought about this boycott. I know that Matthew Moore isn’t well liked, but wasn’t sure if this was enough for a boycott. Now I understand better what this is about. I also read your article about the Sidekick game and it, along with this, made me realize how much we just blindly accept without thinking. You have given me a lot to think about. Thank you.

• 64. Chandra Johnson  |  August 2, 2006 at 6:49 am

  I’ve been checking this blog out on a regular basis but didn’t feel the need to comment until now. I want to say I’m really offended that Matthew Moore is claiming to be Cherokee and thinks this qualifies him as a person of color. Someone needs to slap some sense into him.

  Also, did you all notice how on the conference web page it says “A portion of the Conference proceeds will benefit the National Coalition” ?? What happens to *rest* of the proceeds? Straight into Matthew’s pocket, no doubt.

  Who are the people with the National Coalition who supposedly agreed to this?? I would like to know their names and what they have to say for themselves.

  – CJ

• 65. Rosa Lee  |  August 2, 2006 at 3:07 pm

  Chris,

  First off, I do apologize again for assuming that you are white. I was told by someone that you are. I don’t know much about you other than what I have read and heard. So I apologize.

  As for your comments re: Matthew Moore’s tatics, I completely agree with you. When my mom told me about her decision to appoint Matthew Moore, I had the same reaction. After informing her of what I have heard or known about him, it was clear that she was not aware of how bad his reputation is. She also just learned about ASLTA’s decision on not asking Matthew to host their conference again. I also fowarded Ridor’s blog entry about Matthew and his abusive treatment towards Linda, his assitant to her just today. She is now very aware of what is going on and is currently seeking a resolution.

  Again, I want to stress this is about Matthew Moore as a person that we should be boycotting about. To say it is because he is a “white man” who is “leading” the conference is inaccurate because all of the work towards the “meat” of the conference have been done by POC conference committee.

  However, you are right, with his company logo/name all over the media in relations to the conference is making it appear that *HE* is the one who is leading the conference. You are right, my mother’s name was not mentioned until you made the noise about the conference. You are right, he has started pulling out the “cherokee” card in order to gain respect from poc community. I believe that things are starting to make more sense to many of us and I do forsee some changes.

  You mentioned that there are plenty other Deaf POC inviduals who can offer the same expertise that Matthew offers, then by all means, do throw out some names. I 100% disgagree that my mother decided to chose a “white man” to “lead or coordinate” a conference because she believes that poc are not “smart enough or have enough talent to coordinate our own conferences.” This is my whole “argument.” What you are saying is misleading and incorrect, and potentially harmful to poc community.

  Just like you said, we have few deaf POC role models–it is important that we work together as a team as opposed to pulling each other down. We are on the same side and yes, we don’t always make sound decisions but we should always allow ourselves to take risks, to grow as a people of color in the front row.

  Chris, I do appreciate you response and I do know where you’re coming from. I, too, hope to see some changes in the near future.

  Stay cool.

  -Rosa Lee

• 66. tyrone  |  August 3, 2006 at 10:35 am

  interesting points. question for rosa lee: does this mean that you’re mom is going to fire matthew’s ass?

• 67. Do I have to?  |  August 4, 2006 at 9:14 pm

  I prefer not to give my real name on here. Hope that’s okay. My two cents on this boycott… I’ve never heard of matthew moore but I see this as a bigger issue than him. I completely agree that a white dude leading a people of color conference sends the wrong message. NBDA hosts many successful conferences. Why not tap them for someone to organize this one? I’m sure they can provide names of many good organizers who could do a great job.

• 68. Queer Xicano  |  August 5, 2006 at 4:47 am

  Well I’m definitely new to all of these blogs and chat rooms. It’s been really interesting to hear all the different comments.

  First off I think that these kinds of conferences should be discussing exactly these kinds of issues. They should be educating everyone on issues having to deal with race and ethnicity, racism, privilege, White privilege, oppression and so on, all issues that apparently are not being understood on this blog. I have not had the chance to read every single entry but from what I have read…well there has definitely been a lack of understanding of all these issues. It doesn’t matter whether or not Matthew S. Moore identifies with being half Cherokee. The issue is that he is not acknowledging his privilege. As an ally he should had made the right choice to leave that position for a Deaf Person of Color. If he fully understood the Deaf POC experience he would have made that conscious decision to do that.

  Now let me get in to a few more issues that bothered me. There are so many people that are getting angry saying that White people should not be left out of the conference because that is being racist. I’m sorry to tell you….but for the first time the conference is not about white people. These kinds of conferences are being created because there are no spaces for Deaf People of Color. These issues of race and ethnicity are not being discussed at other conferences. That is exactly what these conferences are made for.

  It also bothers me that we keep grouping everyone into one group….the “Deaf Community”….which yes….I agree there is a shared struggle but to claim that everyone in that community has the same experience is complete ignorance. In many conferences whether they targeted the Deaf community or Interpreters….not many discuss these kinds of issues. There is no acknowledgement of Deaf Womyn of Color, Deaf Queer POC, or Deaf POC. For example I live in the LA area and I have noticed that many of the organizations are fighting for Deaf Rights…..but somehow those rights do not include anyone but Straight Deaf Men. Why is that? Giving the fact that there is such a large Community of Latino Deaf here in LA…yet there are no programs available for them. There are no support groups for Deaf latinos, Deaf Queer Latinos and so on. Now I’m sure a Deaf White straight man will not be able to indentify with a Deaf Queer Womyn of color who battles audism, sexism, racism and homophobia every day or their life. You see….you can’t group everyone into the same experience and that is why these conferences are so important to POC. Many of them don’t even understand their own experience. Deaf culture is being taught at the schools….but what culture are they talking about exactly? Are they talking about the explotaion of Deaf Mexicans who are forced to work here, or the loss of identity for many chican@ Deaf, or the rapid loss of MSL that kids lose because of them being forced to conform to American Society? See all these questions are not being asked. That’s the purpose of these conferences. Now I can go on and write a thesis on this….but for the mean time I’m glad discussions like these are being brought up….it’s about time.

  To clarify…Mullato is definitely not a good term. It’s a term used to distinguish people who were mixed with White and black/African American. It was a sense of label that was placed on slaves back in the day that were mixed. Also Hispanic is a term used back in the day by people who didn’t want to identify with their Mexican heritage because it was seen as bad to do so….so they called themselves Hispanic in order to show everyone that they had Spanish blood in them. That is why many Latinos….including I, hate that term. This goes to show you how you may think you know the experience of a person of color but yet you have no idea.

  As for the people who say that they had nothing to do with slavery because they were not the ones that did it…well your ancestors did it….and you still reap the benefits of the slavery and exploitation of my people. It’s called White Privilege.

  United in the struggle,

  Queer Xicano J

• 69. Gomez  |  August 6, 2006 at 2:11 pm

  Bravo! Well said Queer Xicano!

• 70. BlackDeaf  |  September 4, 2006 at 5:47 pm

  Any update about this boycott? It has been so quiet lately…

• 71. Casanova  |  September 6, 2006 at 10:24 pm

  Been checking this out every other day, wondering the same.

  Any updates, Chris?

• 72. BrownPride  |  October 15, 2006 at 4:50 pm

  Most of the people I’ve spoken to are not attending this lame conference. Just FYI.

• 73. James Games  |  October 17, 2006 at 12:02 pm

  I,only see what is going on the issues of races,however from what I know and acknowledged of what is race is mean for all of us Deaf Colored people who went thur the frusturated life and want to set an example of betterment of our Life in the future . I have a long line of Deaf generations in my Family { myself 6th or so},also into 7 TH[ adult] AND 8TH[ Grandkid] that is in Deaf school right now. So what I see is, it is about Deaf race issue… I have to agree with some of your comments. I know it is so difficult to do the culture of race people who happens to be Deaf and assimilate into the Hearing world . Being Deaf with race we bound together for any issue about Deaf rights and if it is about race it kinda divide among us .. That I do not wish to see that happen when my grandkid grow up…Since the Conference is all about the Deaf Colored people and that should put the post of race people to run it instead white person,is not the issue. To do the work or discuss about the Hearing colored people issue that effect us Deaf colored people. This is what I want to see . I see myself as Deaf Colored American. Althought that my ancestors are from Sweden,Norway,Germany and Native American blood. What is my race for that ? From my understand that person have problems of what he did to Deaf Colored people[ Deaf Colored American] in the past time that he did not refund any money back to us and seems to think he is better than us. That person need to resolve his self -inner first before he can do more. It is more of what he did,not the race issue . Pardon my English Language , I do best in ASL. United for Deaf World…… Peace, James Games

• 74. Gabby  |  October 26, 2006 at 5:51 am

  Some of you people (like Sweetmind who has lost her mind) belong in a mental hospital.

• 75. Gil  |  November 17, 2006 at 1:54 am

  Laureen Simms behind this mess? Why am I not surprised.

• 76. Matt Moore  |  December 14, 2006 at 7:38 pm

  Hi -

  My name is Matt Moore.. damn.. it sucks when someone with your same name is a jerk.

• 77. Melody  |  December 30, 2006 at 6:07 am

  May I ask exactly what priveledge us white have any more? Seriously, I am white, deaf, broke, and having a hell of a time finding a job, much less affording college. So please, enlighten me? The only thing I can think of is not being treated as a criminal in everything I do?

  But even then I experienced that. Cause one day a cop asked me if I won the lottery or something because we bought two used cars.

  And believe it or not I do support that POC should be represented by their own. It’s just that I get so sick of seeing the racism card played. Be it white,black,latino,japanese, or what have you. We all face racism in some form or another.

• 78. A Reader  |  January 3, 2007 at 9:21 pm

  I, myself, won’t be attending the People of Color conference. I asked several times if there would be exhibitors’ booths. Never received a word back from either Simms or Moore. Guess it’ll be the same as the ASLTA Conference where a chosen few were allowed to have a booth.

  For you all who do not know this. Simms and Moore atended the same school Indiana School for the Deaf…. does that tell you sometihing?????

• 79. BoW  |  July 23, 2007 at 4:45 pm

  Sweetmind is a real bytch. Her views are pointless !

  I have known Dianne (sweetmind) for a long time, I also heard she is lesbian, and doesnt like black ppl.

  One day, u will be judge Sweetmind !!

• 80. Annonymous  |  January 27, 2008 at 2:25 am

  Matthew Moore is sicko - FYI.

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