Signing Circle meetings: Deafhood?!
Politics August 12th, 2008
This is based on my view. I am no Deafhood expert. Based on my Deafhood book and some discussion with friends/experts, I have decided to make a comment about circle video meetings that I find very interesting.
Your inputs are always welcome except negative attacks and irrelevant responses. Constructive discussions (agree or disagree) will be published.
Thanks
Deafchip
August 12th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
DeafChip –
I like your comparison to when Stokoe announced ASL is a language. There was a lot of negative reaction to Stokoe, but now many of those same people who criticized him are proud ASL teachers, researchers or just community members like Marie Philip (who set up The Learning Center [Bi/Bi school in Mass.], Lou Fant, Byron Cantrell (teaches ASL at my University). There was the same kind of reaction when Padden and Woodward started talking about a Deaf “culture” — many people said Deaf do not have a culture, and now we take the idea of Deaf culture for granted. There was a lot of negative discussion about the idea of “oppression” — Larry Stewart once said that if we wanted to experience real oppression, we should live in Cuba or Russia. But now most of us Deaf do take it as accepted that there is oppression, paternalism, etc. in our society. So yes Deafhood is a new idea (actually it’s not really so much a new idea as a new word) and we are seeing a lot of negative reaction to it. I will bet that in another 10 - 20 years most of us will understand it better and see it is not what they thought it was — just as people did with ASL, Deaf Culture, oppression, etc. etc.
Good job!
August 12th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Yes exactly .. A few days ago It stunned me when I went to the SigningCircle (by Anon) It says everyone is weclomed if anonymous then not welcomed to join. I went in anyway I did identified myself– Bingo there’s Barry who leads the group. Isn’t that irony? I feel like a fool getting into his group. I quitted the group a 20 minutes later. I flagged the SigningCircle to the DeafRead moderator (because of the policy) Anon –(it’s Barry group!) It’s sickening. I believe I remember reading the policy of the DeafRead .. They must identify themselves to bring up the topics.
Deafhood is always existed in our lives . (Similiar to the Childhood and Adulthood .. etc). We all come from our various upbringings and diverse. I was ex-Deaf Oralist and I am part of the Deafhood! I have not learned the Deafhood class yet and I want to learn one day. It is so sad many easily get confused by SigningCircle group that is leaded by Barry. He needs to tone this down a bit. Many Deaf haven’t learned the about DeafHood. In my own opinion DBC and Deafhood remains separated — for a while or it is up to the DBC members to decide or vote. I know it is only a movement.
DBC — hang in there. I am so sad to see how things go wrong. I don’t mean to target Barry but he is to be blamed -In my opinion. I agree with some of his points however he makes too many vlogs lately that causes us very confused and lost.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
DeafChip ~
You are absolutely right.
It is funny how some people have misinterpreted the concept of Deafhood.
Truthfully, we have undergone some kind of ‘Deafhood’ processes when growing up without realizing because back then we didn’t have such name for that.
I remember how I had ’something’ down in my gut feeling when I was a young child that being Deaf wasn’t ‘handicapped’ (the 1960’s term). I remember very well how my Deaf friends and I would ask each other this - “Do you think Deaf is HC?”. “No, silly you, I’m not HC” was the typical response among ourselves. Even I told my mother, at the age of 7 or 8, that I didn’t want to have the ‘German measles’ vaccine shot (provided at my school) because I wanted Deaf children. I was afraid that the vaccine would prevent me from having Deaf children. Who told me to want Deaf children? No one. That was part of my ‘Deaf center’.
I, and many of us, have gone through some consciousness-raising experiences at various points in our lives - whether they be based on our being Deaf, our being women, our being people of color, etc.
I experienced that as a camper at the Youth Leadership Camp, as a Jr. NAD member, as a college student at Gallaudet, as a Deaf community member after I graduated from college, as a professional working in the field of Deaf education, as a Mother of Deaf children, and many other aspects of my life as well. They were mostly based on informal & workshop settings.
However, I had the fortune of receiving a rich experience in an academic setting, with all the scholarly information & readings when I was in graduate school. I took a course called ‘Sociology of the Community’. An African-American hearing professor discussed oppression, racism, ageism, sexism, homophobia, underrepresented/ marginalized communities, and most importantly, finding our Deaf center. My professor guided us through processes for three weeks, paralleling her past experience finding her center as a Black person. She called it ‘Afro-centrism’. For our class, she coined this term - ‘Deaf-centrism’, in reaching a Deaf-centric place for us. It was my first ever formal Deaf-centric process, finding my center as a Deaf person and getting rid of the oppressed mentality. It was absolutely one of the BEST experiences in my life.
Then came along Paddy Ladd and his book, based on his scholastic research work in which he coined this term - Deafhood. I read his book and took the Deafhood class last spring. Deafhood is just a new ‘millennium’ term for ‘Deaf centrism’, ‘Deaf identity’ or whatever you have.
So whenever a group gets together to discuss ideas and finding the best center related to being Deaf or such issues is actually doing a ‘Deafhood’ work.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Hi Deafchip,
You’re welcome to come and discuss since we have deafvideo.tv as a tool to accomplish the mission (give all info especially ASL to hearing parents). Some of them rolled up their sleeves and make the move, not political active but to develop the best package. I was betrayed by DBC that they use it to help deafhood movement not to work on the plan for hearing parents.
During the discussion some of them share their pains which we welcome and also some of them share their ideas which also welcome.
You and others are still welcome
Thanks,
Brance Long aka ecnarb
August 12th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Yeah…it’s PROCESS, PROCESS, PROCESS…Ive been around in the middle of both “paradigm shifts”–the ASL consciousness, resistance and embracing….and now the idea of Deafhood which the DBC Q & A mentioned is “the total sum of all positive meanings of “Deaf”, past, present and future” and “all the largest meanings of what Deaf people have been, are and can be”—and also that it involves “examining what it means to be Deaf”…
Evidently, from what I understand, the discussion you referred to, if they process among themselves what an idea Deaf education and life should be that is based on Deaf people’s knowledge, shared experiences, possible visions, etc. Then, yes, it is definitely a Deafhood process for each individual as well as the whole group. But again, each person in that group will have to declare that for him/herself.
Good points, DeafChip!
August 12th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Hi Tom,
thanks for sharing information with us.
Hi Don,
Yes thats right.
Hi Drmzz,
I got your point.
Hi Diane,
I can see your point and you decide what is best for you. I commend you for standing up on your own feet.
Hi SDA,
I love the way you made a good comment. Yes you have shown your great experiences and values in your life. I find your story fantastic! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Hi Brance,
I disagree with you. I went to DBC convention and I had NEVER seen any deafhood activity there. It was one of many different discussions. Some claimed that Deafhood themes were used heavily at DBC convention. I find that false and misleading. I was there and no such a thing like that. There are many different themes. For example “AGBell, Tear Down the Wall” is not Deafhood slogan. It is my slogan because I invented it. There are many diffferent themes, ideas, slogans, banners, pictures and many others. I fail to understand that you feel betrayed by deafhood. That is completely false. That is my view because I was there and you were not there.
Thank you
Deafchip
August 12th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Brance Long aka ecnarb,
Said, “I was betrayed by DBC that they use it to help deafhood movement not to work on the plan for hearing parents.”
Brance, you were not betrayed! You were brainwashed by Barry, your idol.
Why in the hell would DBC be influenced by deafhood movement not to work on the plan for hearing parents?
Gosh, you are just as loco as dr barry !
August 12th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I understood what you people talked about the deafhood just what the signing circle. True enough (ironically)!
But I think you people actually missed their actual reasons that they don’t believe in deafhood as if it should be brought along within the DBC approach toward the hearing parents of deaf babies or kids. Not against the deafhood itself, rather so.
Let’s ask yourself a very HARD question whether should DBC sticks or remove the deafhood… rather speaking of marketing approach toward the hearing parents. I would say no! Because the deafhood itself belongs to the deaf people only. So if hearing parents, let’s say some of them, want to learn more about the deafhood so just provide the link or resource(s) for them.
So overall, I really think that it’s best for the DBC to separate the deafhood in order to be more simpler for he hearing parents to will learning about the ASL/Bilingual for their deaf babies/kids. I frankly think DBC is failing in some areas so far.
At last, it’s more healthy for everyone to listen both sides and decide what you believe in or support whichever… or even back off.
Take easy and have a nice day, friends!
August 12th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for sharing your comment with us. Yes Deafhood belongs to Deaf people. No question about that. DBC recognizes that too. In fact, DBC is focusing on mission of ASL/English and Bilingualism. I fail to understand why some people have accused some of core members of mixing Deafhood and DBC. I think they are paranoid and overreacting. Some of Deaf core members who have gone through terrible moments only based on false accusation. I was at the convention and I saw everything that was in opposition of people who were never at the convention claimed otherwise. That shocked me. I have lost my respect for those people who accused some core members of hijacking DBC. That is very sad.
Yes, Deafhood should be part of resources that parents may be interested in using. It is up to parents as well as Deaf person who is old enough to understand. DBC is all about bilingualism with resources and opportunities (with no restriction) available to parents. That is all.
Thanks
Deafchip
August 12th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Chris and Deafchip,
Thank you for your responses
Deafvideo.tv is like a virtual deaf community and we shared the ideas, experiences, and even trying to get some points for getting MVP. We are living in “conversation market” like I read in cluetrain book. I saw the opportunity where we can be able to be “the player in playing field”
deafhood is for an indiviaul journey. I was betrayed again that you labelled me “loco” which I thought deafhood is for each of us to explore the postive journey with understanding of past and share it with you all. I would never label anyone especially deaf people like you or called them names.
I have no hard feeling toward you all and I’m here to learn and understand your views. Just to pratice what deafhood taught you, never call others bad names to deaf people like me.
Again, I thank you for letting my comment posted above.
Brance
August 12th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Brance and Thomas,
I went to Milwaukee and was there for four days. From what I see and learned, I don’t see DBC and Deafhood working together. I think DBC want to educate all parents of deaf babies but AGBell is keeping parents from knowing the whole truth like closing the skyway, telling media false information about DBC.
If a person want to “remove” the wall of ignorance so parents can learn the whole truth and let the parents decide by being fully informed, then that’s the parent’s decision. I believe from what I have learned about DBC at Milwaukee is that they want parents to be fully informed but AGBell doesn’t allow that.
So now what deafhood got to do with that? Nobody had any signs with Deafhood on it.
It is all DBC, wanting to help hearing parents to be fully informed.
People like Barry, abcohende, Mishkazena’s blogs really got the Deaf community divided up with deliberate misinformation about DBC by using deafhood terminology.
It is time to wake up and start back to square one, to help parents of deaf babies.
August 13th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Hi Ella,
Your said it all clearly. Process is for everyone. That is part of life to help us understand ourselves better. Perfect concept!
Hi Brance,
Your welcome about posting your comment in my vlog. I just want to make sure I did not call you loco. I do not believe I insult you but if you feel I insult you, can you tell me what it is. If so it may be misinterpreted. Just let me know. Yes I am very much aware of deafvideo.tv but I am not interested in participating because of some people that I am very uncomfortable with and I have no desire to be involved in. I mean a few people that I cannot accept based on their destructive behaviours toward others. I hope you understand what I mean.
Hi Shirley
Yes I agree with you. You and I were already there and some people who were not there accusing DBC and Deafhood of anything falsely. That really upsets me. I want to thank you for sharing your experiences with us all.
Deafchip
August 13th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Brance,
I haven’t read or gone to deafhood workshop.
I am sorry that I insulted you by calling you loco.
We just need to work together for deaf babies and leave out the ego personality like dr hocockan have.
August 13th, 2008 at 1:17 am
I find your arguement might be interested about Deafhood. Well, I have read the book called “Understanding Deaf Culture” myself. I find an interestd question about what is the Deafhood I must understand first before I can go farther into self examined. I must understand four things first: metaphysics, epistomology, politics, and ethics and also asethic can be included. What way is process could be very broad in the defination of what Deafhood is all about! Four those books are tool to help me to understand what Deafhood is throught process first as an individual not include collective. Thanks
August 13th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Don’t forget the Deaf/HH babies out there. Not worth to argue and blah blah.
Diane
August 13th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Deafchip
Interesting point of view. Signing Circle is to develop plan on how to educate hearing parents that signing benefits babies. That is the goal we are doing. People in this circle are always welcome to express their thoughts and experience does not mean label “deafhood” Paddy Ladd’s sole intention in his book is about individualism experience.
Here in America, we hijack deafhood into workshop and applies everyone the same which is not because everyone have different experience. Paddy Ladd did not ask Americans to proceed with workshop. He was surprised here in America we took that into workshop and make us into “one” deafhood.
I encourage you come to Signing Circle and hear all point of view as everyone is welcome. I am not asking you to change your mind, I am asking to open your eyes and you can make your own decision that is all.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:19 am
I am disappointed in you, allowing some of the commenters to say some negative things about people who leave comments on Barry’s vlog. What happened to Taylor’s request for respect? Minions, etc.?
We all have our own opinions and perspectivs. We don’t bash people on Barry’s vlog…if you check out the comments, you’d notice that we don’t bash people, like some of you do on DeafChipmunk’s vlog.
Deaf Chipmunk, you’d need to moderate the comments more, asking for more dignity and respecting in leaving the comments.
Wow, what negative comments from some of the commenters and also from you, since you don’t know some of us… sadly, you don’t know me either.
The words are very limiting and are easily interpreted/misinterpreted in many ways… leading to wild judgments on our characters :o(
August 13th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Hi Platonic’s Eye
Thanks for your response. Your discussion is very interesting. Yes each person is in process individually. Each person learn and discuss with other people and then the person alone is making decision on himself or herself alone.
Hi Diane,
You are right. It is important to remember about Deaf and hard of hearing children out there.
Hi Harleygirl248
Your view is interesting and I do not argue with that. In my view signing circle is part of Deafhood. I did not make any negative toward that but I find that very interesting. I have decided to opt out from signing circle not beacuse of you or many good people involved in taht but there are a very few people who are destructive for the past more than one month is the reason I opt out. I do not agree that DBC was hijacked by Deafhood because I was there. I am not blind or anything. I saw clearly. Nothing more nothing less.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for sharing your view. Yes you and anyone have opinions. I am surprised you said that. Actually there are so many negative attacks on DBC and some people. I do not make negative attack I am making points of information and argument. I said some of people are not very good or even very destructive. I know many people in siging circle are good. Only a very few people are destructive that I want no part of.
I have read Deafhood book several times and I am still learning. It is a very dry book but I will learn more about it and myself as well.
Thanks
Deafchip
August 13th, 2008 at 7:06 am
I read your blog with little sad. But I must understand that is YOUR perspective. Like Ella says it is PROCESS, I concur, too. Individual in Signing Circle makes their decision whether their actions are part of DH or not. None of us make decision for others. That choice SHOULD not be forced upon them-”LABELING”. That’s where you came in the picture. American is known for and LOVE to label everything and everyone. Sad.
I recall watching Ben Vess’s Vlog with a guy that studied Paddy’s DH version in UK (me terrible with names!) He said discus among the deaf people is part of DH processing. Is this where you got the idea from? I have NOT see DH workshop myself but I trust my family’s words, I still want to attend it and I believe some of the process applies to me.
Anyway I see your blog as a veil of negative remark toward not only to Signing Circle, but directly to Barry and I and others as an individual. Again that’s Sad.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Hi LS,
Thanks for your response. I am surprised that you feel I made negative comment against you. I am not against you and even some of my good friends at siging circle. I am against a very few people who have made very destructive and false comments against DBC and other people. Why, because I was there at the Milwaukee. Do you know that there were several worse and negative comments that I refused to post in my vlog for mostly against us. Yes you have strong passion for Deaf babies. That is great and in my view that signing circle is part of deafhood. I do not see any negative about that. I do not agree that I make negative comment against signing circle. I know there are many good people in siging circle. I want no part of that because of a very few destructive people that I have no wish to associate with. I even refuse to post comments from destructive people at all. Take care.
Thanks,
Deafchip
August 13th, 2008 at 7:55 am
I have two Deafhood books. I read them once a while and I sometime chatted with people. I am no expert but I can make a point of view that siging circle is part of Deafhood. That is my simple argument. Not one person on earth is same. It is individual process through various ways. It is very complex and I am learning and I am more than happy to be criticized. People who make assumption that I did not read book are completely wrong.
Deafchip
August 13th, 2008 at 8:12 am
I have read Paddy’s book last year and it was dry, yup. I learned many things about the history of deaf in Europe, which I appreciate.
When I mentioned my disappointment, I was referring to your allowing a few comments bashing us to show up, especially Tom’s (#1)… it was pretty negative, also drmzz, etc. I was not talking about your vlog. I understand it is their point of view, but using your blog to throw snide comments at us… when we all don’t need it.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Look at what Barry wrote in his blog: “Deafhood 1 and Deafhood 2, not the same thing”:
“In short, every deaf people in California are now labeled as deafhood by California Association of the Deaf even though most of them have never heard of the term.”
Really, this is really wrong for him to write that. The CAD is a private non-profit organization which has a specific mission. All private non-profit organizations have specific missions that reflect the views of their members. That’s why private non-profits exist in the first place.
August 13th, 2008 at 9:15 am
My personal opinion as to why DBC and Deafhood are affiliated with each other is because of several core leaders such as Ella, David Eberwein, David Reynolds, and Gina Gertz…maybe BarbDiGi. Those people are the leaders of Deafhood, and now they are also core leaders of DBC. So of course when the deaf community sees those names with DBC and Deafhood, they figure that DBC and Deafhood are mixed. That’s why I strongly believe the Deafhood leaders should disassociate themselves from DBC, and DBC chooses different neutral leaders. That way DBC and Deafhood remain separate from each other, and each can continue with their missions — DBC to help deaf and hard of hearing infants and young children, and Deafhood to help the deaf community with their personal journeys.
August 13th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Hi there,
Some of you who made comments and I did not post them becasue of not responding directly to my vlog. Hope some of you who are already affected by my decision understand. Others already emailed and agreed to my decision. Thank you.
Hi Karen,
I now understand your point. Thank you for your input. I have continued reading it and sometime I realize I do not understand it at all and sometime I understand it clearly. It means that it is actually process!!! Very interesting.
Hi Shirley,
Yes you are right. CAD is private non profit organization that is made decision by its own members. I respect their decision and their goal. Nothing more nothing less.
Hi Margaret,
I understand it is your personal opinion. That is your right. But I would like to make some corrections in your comment. Barb DiGi is not Deafhood person. Gina Gertz is not DBC core member. You believe that people have no right to get involved in DBC because of their beliefs. In that area, I strongly disagree with your argument. DBC welcomes everyone as well as leaders, nothing more nothing less. They all fight for the same belief of Bilingualism. I must tell you that I fail to understand your comment. Did you go to Milwaukee? I was there and your view is not what I saw at the convention. I chat with some of them whom I have known in the past. It is not my personal opinion but it is fact. If audiologist has a strong belief in DBC and has decided to becomes a core member. I do not have a problem with that. There is no such an affiliation between DBC and Deafhood. DBC is focusing on Bilingualism, nothing more nothing less.
Thanks
Deafchip
August 13th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Karen Mayes,
I wonder if you also were disappointed when formerly DBC members let Barry use their blog to tell some lies about DBC and divided/confused the Deaf community?
I think that Deafchip himself is trying to clarify the truth of all this reality of DBC, Deafhood, Signing Circle.
But a couple of formerly DBC members was different. They told the public that they were kicked out of DBC and someone said that it is not true and the only person that was kicked out of DBC was Aidan Mack by the demand of one of formerly DBC members! And formerly DBC members used Barry to try to divide the Deaf Community…Why?
August 13th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Barry wrote “Floridagirl… I will not respond to your linear comment.” It sounds like to me that I was not validating my feelings/opinions when I felt like I was being thrown out of the circle by Barry.
http://lenois.com/?p=117#comments
Deafchip, you have made a good point about viewing Signing circle meeting is part of Deafhood and Deaf culture. We can obviously see and clearly think both inside and outside environment without the wall and illusion.
Brance, who had told you that DBC had betrayed you?
I have to do research about the fact that Hocoka is the correct spelling, not hocokan.
PS. I studied Mayan (Indian) people’s culture, which is different from Native American’s culture.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:49 am
You said, “You cant escape deafhood”, I do understand your point. It is just the same way as you cannot escape algebra. Everyone has to go through algebra at one point of their lives, but do we see anyone teaching babies algebra?
Of course not, the same applies to deafhood and deaf babies. They should not be mixed together either, the point is to bring bilingualism to deaf babies by exposing bilingualism to hearing parents.
With hearing parents, it is just the same way as teaching the people the concept of simple math, before you throw algebra at them. We need to teach them the simple basics of bilingualism and wait several years or so when the deaf child gets older, then you can teach them about the deafhood concept.
August 13th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Let me clarify a couple of things for a few of commenters….(sorry this is long!)
Karen Mayes,
Have you also read other books such as “Signs of Resistence” and “A Place of Their Own”? These are books on history of US Deaf people and much of the information there overlap with Paddy Ladd’s historical parts in his book.
Ladd did a year at Gallaudet University with the Dr. Doctor Chair (not sure of right name) utilizing Gallaudet resources on US Deaf history as well as other people like Marie Philip’s experiences with US Deaf clubs, etc.
Also, Ladd refers to other countries’ Deaf history such as Italy, France, Turkey, etc. And he hopes that many more countries start exploring how the Deafhood concept applies to them. So please do not say he only refers to England Deaf history.
He also made a point that ALL Deaf people share Deafhood as they increase their consciousness that it is perfectly OK to be Deaf and using Sign Language…the community and language feels just right, so human, so fully accessible, etc. Ladd does call for us in different countries to explore how alike we are to each other as well as how we are different, especially because of the “hearing” majority culture’s influence on us.
Ladd calls upon us all to dialogue deeper. What I have personally experienced with dialoguing about Deaf issues with the Deafhood dimension, is the emergence of a healthy way to bring on Deaf UNITY. That is when we embrace our Deaf identities and natural sign languages positively. Having experienced being embraced positively for who we are (Deaf) and what we have (Sign Language), we for sure will expand ourselves to think about bigger things like our roles in the bigger world, how we can best work with hearing parents as well as Deaf parents of Deaf babies to provide an environment that embraces the child as a Whole Person (Deaf, male or female, curly, wavy or straight hair, tall or short, thin or plump, dark or light, etc). We will communicate to the Child that s/he is a gift to their parents AND the world AND the Deaf world…so they need to explore what they can grow up to be…and give back to the world, etc.
Margaret,
You are not the first one to say this so this is a message to others of you who made the same claim….that DE and I and others are “leaders of Deafhood”. That is perplexing to me. How can we be “leaders of Deafhood”???
Only one person created this word “Deafhood” and that is Dr. Paddy Ladd. He documented his many years of research and philosophizing about issues affecting the Deaf world (severe unemployment or underemployment, 3rd/4th grade reading level, passivity in political issues, fatalism, obsessing on small details rather than seeing the bigger picture, the backlash of Oralism on the Deaf Resurgence of the 70’s-90’s in forms of cochlear implants, mainstreaming, and removal of Deaf management unless they embrace “Oralism”, etc.)
He also documented different ways Deaf people have responded to Oralism’s colonialism–
1) becoming elites putting down monolingual subatlerns (those who use signing most of the time) without realizing that the elites themselves do not have real power in the world,
2) fighting back in small ways (1001 Victories),
3) finding the easy way by advocating for things like ADA, captioning, interpreters, etc. because these are what we can get best cooperation from “all” Deaf people (especially those who do not sign) and from hearing people….but we restricted ourselves from looking at the bigger picture and that is the economical profits that go to hearing corporations.
I believe after studying Ladd’s book, as well as other books, discussing Deafhood ideas with others, and experiencing some applications to Deaf issues…that it is very very important and urgent that we ALL look at the bigger picture of Deaf world and what’s really happening to it (for starters, go reseach the profits of CI and hearing aid companies which focuses on “deafness” and compare that with companies that have the Deafhood dimension (positive view and exploring wonderful POSSIBILITIES).. and go research the tax reports of AGBell and compare them to NAD and other Deaf organizations’). Then, rather than blaming Deaf people for the “failures”, RE-VISIT our history and realize how much influence AGBell (as person and as organization) really have on ALL aspects of Deaf lives.
Look at the big picture and continue to dialogue on what is POSSIBLE…and that includes healthy families with Deaf people…..families that embrace the Deaf children AS THEY ARE and really LISTEN to their honest feelings as well as Deaf adults who were once Deaf children. Those are people who “speak” the truth, not AGB, not the CI corporations… AGB and CI corporations understand only the $$$.
Back to the point about “leaders”….DE, Genie, I and MANY others, are simply sharing the concept of Deafhood with others, both Deaf and hearing, but especially Deaf people for now, BECAUSE THEY WANT A FRESH PERSPECTIVE on ourselves AND what they can do to mobilize the community!
We hope that with increased consciousness and dialogue, the Deaf community everywhere (and for us in USA) are able to UNITE in making sure all Deaf babies have the access to their natural language and identity INTACT, with minimal or no effects of Oralism colonialism.
We are not “Deafhood leaders”. We are simply doing what we are supposed to do and expecting others to do the same. For me, increasing my Deafhood consciousness have brought changes in how I use my talents, time and money, and making it feel right to GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND BABIES. Giving many hours and dollars to DBC is one way.
I expect the same of you and others. I expect the same of all people involved in DBC. I expect the same of ALL Deaf organizations.
Again, I said “my EXPECTATIONS”, but I do not have the power to CHANGE them. It’s up to them. I ask that they open up to this fresh and IMO best perspective named Deafhood by Ladd and reflect on it for themselves, for their organizations, for their thinking, etc.
Please try not to obsess on small details but “keep eye on the prize” and continue to visualize what “the prize” looks like and not be burdened by the sad 128 years of colonialism on ALL of us in terms of saying “well, so and so are here to stay! so we gotta accept that and do what we can” etc. Please let go of that thinking. Think of possbilities and the possibilities will come into picture. That have happened to other groups in the past. We have seen evidences. So why not it happen to us, Deaf people, too?
That is my hope. Let it be ALL of our hope, too.
August 13th, 2008 at 11:41 am
I don’t think the signing circle is a deafhood. No, it’s not a deafhood. What Ella say is the deafhood in her comment. By the way, they have so many different themes and discussions in the signing circle which isn’t a deafhood. I’m not Barry’s fan, but I just learn some different things through them in the signing circle.
August 13th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Hi FloridaGirl,
I agree with your comment. Yes that is why it is no point for me to discuss with that person. One day more people will realize what he has done to Deaf community and screwed everything up for NO reason at all. It is very sad. Signing Circle is fine and It is my view that Signing Circle is part of Deafhood. I know there are many good people there and they are enjoying it very much. That is great.
Hi Valhallian,
Thanks for your response. You said it all. DBC’s mission is to promote Bilingaulism for all parents, nothing more nothing less. Deafhood has nothing to do with that. If parents want to learn more about Deaf Culture, Deafhood, History, education, Deaf Community, sports, etc., let them do that. DBC believes in empowering them. Thanks
Deafchip
August 13th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Chris, I just don’t think about it. I don’t make judgements, rationalizations, etc. about DBC, etc…. I stopped it a while ago when I realized it was a waste of energy. Instead, just listen. I only commented about the commenters’ trying to put some of us into the box, making negative comments about us, etc…that is where I draw a line. I don’t leave comments about DBC anymore since I don’t know what is going on with DBC and it is not my concern anymore. If some want to focus on DBC, more power to them. We could discuss the DH, DBC, etc. until the earth passes away… ;o)
I am happy with who I am, I enjoy do crafts, my walks, my family, my books, my friends, etc.
Have a great day ;o)
August 13th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Hi David,
It is amazing to read those above comments in regarding of different perspectives on the issue of Deafhood.
From my own perspective, it is great difficult to get together into the harmony of our unity to strength our deafhood spirit. I knew it is not easy to pull together for all of us. With your positive remarks about recent DBC Conference, I received the great impression in my mind.
Like I said in somewhere blogsphere, Deafhood is an individual conceptual to focus and to process naturally on each person’s identity and reflects of the colonized history of our people. DBC is focusing to promote the bilingualism for deaf and hard of hearing babies. They both are separate ideas.
I wish to see our unity to build the strength group and promote our language to perserve for the future generations and save our deaf schools, culture, and community in harmony.
Yet, I have not read the book of Deafhood, who authored by Paddy Ladd, and have attended the workshop at Gallaudet University during the Unity for Gallaudet including the 48th Biennial NAD Conference (2006) blogs from three presenters. I gave this book to my hearing mother and I will borrow it from her to read myself eventually. The most important is to work together and share our concepts of DBC and Deafhood. Perhaps, one day, WFD or special convention for deaf history, culture, language can happen in United States with our invitation for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing foreigners from Europe, Canada, Asia, Pacific Islanders, South America, Africa, and Australia to share our table discussion and to understand the different culture rituals with deafhood. It will definitely help us to understand this concept and become our unity on earth.
Everyone has no perfect overtime and overnight. There will be more work to do and to process in understand of the different between DBC and Deafhood concepts in long run. May we remain the peaceful and health discussion to educate ourselves strengthly.
Nick
P.S. In fact, I loathed Algebra and it required me to take those classes at Gallaudet University to pass successfully. In same manner, we have to learn tolerance of different issues to resolve over the years as the parallel as every leaders in their countries such as United States, Canada, France, U.K, and more have their different goals and opinion for their own countries to control which we disliked or liked their ideas. That’s life!
August 13th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Exactly –SigningCirlce itself is a Deafhood! We are all come from our own upbringings!!
Similiar to the African American and the others. I will have to make some artworks to make a better idea and concept. I am no Deafhood expert but It is irony we are Deafhood (without realizing this) I love you all!
Ella quotes:
Ladd calls upon us all to dialogue deeper. What I have personally experienced with dialoguing about Deaf issues with the Deafhood dimension, is the emergence of a healthy way to bring on Deaf UNITY. That is when we embrace our Deaf identities and natural sign languages positively. Having experienced being embraced positively for who we are (Deaf) and what we have (Sign Language), we for sure will expand ourselves to think about bigger things like our roles in the bigger world, how we can best work with hearing parents as well as Deaf parents of Deaf babies to provide an environment that embraces the child as a Whole Person (Deaf, male or female, curly, wavy or straight hair, tall or short, thin or plump, dark or light, etc). We will communicate to the Child that s/he is a gift to their parents AND the world AND the Deaf world…so they need to explore what they can grow up to be…and give back to the world, etc.
August 13th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Hi Secret Name,
You talk about different many different things in Signing Circle, but why even get together? Why is it good that people who use sign, people who NEED sign get together to talk about many things?
You are forming a deaf community! A big part of individual human growth is getting together with like-minded individuals to help one another grow.
When this happens to deaf individuals and communities, like it or not, that can be called a deafhood process!
August 13th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Hi all readers / receptive & commenter persons
I have not read Paddy Ladd’s book nor take Deafhood workshop, but what Ella has typed is very simple, uncomplicated goal of all the same - unity of diversity with such similar experience without realize it, really.
Regardless whose will spread its information, it is always interesting to check out whole information; because it concerns my AND your identity whether I am / you are deaf, Deaf, H0H, C.I. or any kind of loss of hearing yet still involve in deaf community - small or big.
I look forward to taking Deafhood workshop, by then I can finally know what it is all about and why those made such a fuss over that word.
Keep your mind / eyes open and good things will come in our way. How? I believe that it is senseless for us to bash without taking all in and really understand without look at merely word itself. What do you think?
Peace,
Kathryn
August 13th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Valhallian
Exactly! Thank you!
August 13th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Hi,
First of all, I haven’t attended Deafhood workshops nor read the book. From what I had gathered, I have to say that I understood what Deafhood means. Deafhood is a process of growing up and struggles as deaf person as individual or within community.
So, I am saying that I understood most of commenter’s opinions whether if it is part of deafhood or not. I have to say that Signingcircle is a part of deafhood.
One thing that I find funny and dislike is that most of us think we have to label what or who we are.
I was born deaf from a deaf family and I really don’t embrace the word “deafhood”. I just consider myself a person who are a deaf in hearing world.
you can correct me if I am wrong.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
oh hmm… its good to hear ella’s and Karen’s input… hmm…
gives me a lot to think about.
have a great day!
August 13th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Hi, David,
I was strucken when I saw the number of video comment. I went and counted the number of video… it is fifteen total, including three video of each of my kids.
I was there because a new perspective of signing circle. It was developed because of drumming with people around the drum. Yes, I was curious.. New experience for me, and I enjoyed it.
Thank you.. Friends still??
deafk
August 14th, 2008 at 3:53 am
I concur with Margaret (#25) and Valhallian’s last paragraph on her #29 comment.
Deafchip, you said that you clearly agreed that the deafhood, as defined by Ladd, belongs to the deaf individuals/community… okay, that we do agree the same. but really, it has some conflicts with the approaching itself toward the hearing parents just like what Valhallian (#29) said. I even stated that it shouldn’t be mixed with deafhood which won’t work well.
After involving with the businesses I have seen so many people failing to understand how market approach works because many of them never involve with the marketing before so naturally, they ended up failing… not their faults. It is something like mere a ball game, I’m telling you… some experienced marketers and I know what it’s like. Just hope that DBC leaders and core members start listen and learn how to use better marketing methods for the deaf babies’ sake! It’s unavoidable, and even worse AGB is winning still cuz thy know how marketing works.
I’m sure some of you read one of valhallian’s blogs that explained plenty about it. I really think that it was a bigger problems that DBC core members failed to understand how to use proper marketing approach to use. Hope that they learn something from it to improve their next approaches. It’s THAT important in order to be more effective outreaching hearing parents… let’s say simpler, which ones to use and which ones to avoid whenever to approach is pretty much necessary to win the hearing parents to learn ASL and teach their deaf babies ASL.
At last, please be gentle toward others no matter whoever agree or disagree… never involve any emotions or such like some continue doing that.. that’s awful low of them! That divides even farther more which we all don’t need that. lol Yes, it’s best to work together, than dividing two groups after all, the more power.
Thanks for listening and sharing, friends.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Hi Ella,
No I have not read the books you asked me about… I only read Paddy’s book. I planned on re-reading it this past spring, but never got around to it. I will check out the books that you suggested when I am good and ready.
To be honest, I have no problem with Deafhood or people’s being fascinated with it. As I have said several times, the workshop Deafhood was good and empowering, but it left me with several questions, especially with the historical part. We don’t know about the history of deaf Africans, deaf Asians, deaf Native Americans, etc… I am not speaking of 19th and 20th centuries… but many centuries before these centuries. Also, I felt (and still feel to some degree) uncomfortable with the way the concept of Deafhood is preached (mostly on DeafRead… I don’t see it in real life)… it strikes me as a kind of mindset. We were told that we were colonized, etc. It is just my perception, nothing more, and it should not reflect some part of the deaf community… just my perception only. Yes, about DrDon, I could read his blogs (I do once a while nowadays… even though I disagree with him) to get more from the philosophy of Deafhood. If I speak out saying I am not comfortable or against Deafhood, I’d be quickly labeled as minion, etc. So I’d rather stay true to my intuitions, even it means it makes me look negative in some deaf people’s eyes.
Well, thanks for addressing me. Have a good day…:o)
August 14th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Thomas,
Are you sure that DBC will continue on spreading the awareness about how AGBell have been doing about misleading parents that sign language degrades speaking skills and English language?
From my perspective, it seems that DBC is waking up the world and then working on the truth about deaf babies and children in schools that they need cognitive language to learn how to learn in schools.
I think that DBC strategy seems to be on the right direction. They are right about the wall that AGBell build to prevent parents to know the whole truth how a deaf baby or child can reach its full potential with sign language at start.
The big problem about sign language with AGBell is that the parents will realize that visual communication skills is so important than the ability to have auditory speaking skills after learning bilingual skills, ASL and English(writing and reading).
AGBell knows that! But it is the money factor being involved. There is more money trying to teach deaf children the hearing way of communication….only. Not with sign language….ever.
August 14th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Anyone of you can deny that you have been through a babyhood, childhood, parenthood, manhood? Deafhood?
Let’s take a look at the definition of –hood by Dictionary.com:
a native English suffix denoting state, condition, character, nature, etc., or a body of persons of a particular character or class, formerly used in the formation of nouns:
childhood
likelihood
knighthood
priesthood
In the case of deafhood, it’s a process that apply to all deaf or hard of hearing people, no matter what type of communication code or language one may choose to use. So it would be plain silly to say I do not subscribe to Deafhood. It would be like denying that you are deaf or hard of hearing – as silly as denying that you have ever been through a childhood.
I hope you get it. Definitely, you do not necessarily need to attend deafhood workshops in order to realize that deafhood is just a definition for each individual undergoing his/her journey from babyhood to adulthood.
I am not opposed anyone who wants to attend Deafhood workshops. In fact, I do encourage everyone (myself included) who wants to understand better what has been happening during the journey and would do well to learn and understand the history behind it all. I would love to know the history about oralism and other things and what is happening to the Deaf community before I can understand myself
I really do not understand why some comments made a big deal about Deafhood. Everyone is in Deafhood no matter what.
August 14th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Hey DeafChip!
They, SigningCircle, are not Deafhood. Why the hell did you say that they are Deafhood? I think that you are damn idiot to make your own decision to tell everyone that they are deafhood in your blog and vlog. You are WRONG! You are MISUNDERSTAND!! They don’t accept to be deafhood. They are just the deaf community, NOT deafhood! So, Ella is a deafhood FREAK! So, Barry is NOT a real con artist. Barry is a real honest man. Of course, someone of them are jealous of him, anyway. PEROID!!
August 15th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Ella,
Thanks so much for making great comment. Your comment makes sense. It is all about process of Deafhood. Nothing more nothing less. Great one.
Diane,
It is great to see you and thanks for sharing your experince with us. Yes the individual is part of the process of Deafhood in Signing Circle. I have never labelled them Deafhood. There is no such a thing. Deafhood is not a person or anything. It is CONCEPT.
Nick,
It is good to read yours. Thanks so much. Yes there are so many challenges and struggles among us to find the true meaning of Deafhood. It challenges us to think. I want to tell you is that we are all part of process of Deafhood IN DeafRead (vlogs/blogs/comments). We all learn and share ideas and many other issues with no limits.
Anon (12:26),
You got it right!
Kathryn,
Yes it is great to keep our mind open and be willing to go through to learn something new!
MBL,
I want to emphasize is taht there is no label in Deafhood. Deafhood is not a person or anything but the concept. People can discuss and debate anything as part of process. The only real label is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafened and so on. No person on earth is Deafness or Deafhood beecause it does not make any sense. You are not the concept because you are a person. Deafhood is the concept because it is not a person.
Hi Deafk,
Good to have you here. I know you are surprised about that. I know what I am talking about and I will try to explain more because things just got out of proportation due to misinformation that was created by one person. Oh no, you are still my friend and I know you. Smile…
Thomas,
Yes that is what DBC is all about. DBC just recognizes Deafhood. It does not mean that DBC will preach parents about Deafhood and Bilingualism. That is misconception. What DBC means is that if parents want to know what the heck is Deafhood, then DBC can refer them to appropriate Deafhood specialists or consultants. DBC’s mission is Bilingualism. That s it. I was there and I understand clearly.
Hi George,
You got it right. DBC will do market Bilingualism and will approach AGBell and its allies aggressively to make sure AGBell will not get away with anything that would harm Deaf babies and their parents. That is what AGBell has done to many schools for the Deaf and mainstream schools. Should we let them do bad thing. No way. You are right!
Hi Dean,
You explained clearly. Thanks for doing that for us! Yeah people who do not understand tend to resist until they understand. Some attack without any understanding are very unfortunate. Thanks again.
Kraut1944,
It is too bad that you made your comment. I have NEVER said,” They, SigningCircle, are Deafhood”. You put your word in my mouth. I REJECT IT. I am disappointed in you. One day, you will understand. I am sure. Thank you.
Deafchip
August 15th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Hi all,
I just wanted say that I came in realization of deafhood word’s true meaning. So therefore I have to apologize for my first comment up above.
I understand that it is just a concept, not who or what person is. From what I have seen others who isn’t completely aware of true meaning of deafhood are quick to reject it or label it to others. All of us who have a hearing loss, no matter which method of communication we use, we cannot deny that we went through deafhood in past or present time.
I do wish that all of them who did that would research the meaning of it. I was one of guilty party. But if they even done that but they may misinterpret it. We all should be just be patient and eventually most of them will quietly accept the concept of the word.
thanks,
MBL
August 15th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Let’s refrain from namecalling… Ella is NOT a freak. She just strongly believes in what she is doing and that is fine. I strongly believe in learning about many things and some people resist me making “generalizing” comments, thinking that I completely miss the bigger picture. *shrug* Really, hearing Barry being called a con man, etc. is tiresome. Also hearing some of us being called deficit thinkers, minions, etc. is not positive. Same goes for calling people who are active in the Deafhood movement as prophets and prophetesses, etc. is not helping either.
We are all on journeys… as mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, whites, blacks, etc. I always see myself as a person. Deafness is just one of the defining factors of who I am, nothing more. I see the problem that some of us see Deafhood as collective journey or others see it as individual journey.
Deafhood is just a relative word. I am NOT dismissing it, or anything like that. It is how we approach it and as I have said often, when one’s perception does not mesh with other’s perception, disagreements occur… sometimes with emotions.
August 16th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
David, Hi!
I agree with your statement, but allow me to clarify and paraphrase a bit. You’re correct in that the signing circle (I haven’t looked there yet as I’ve been away a while) is experiencing a process of Deafhood, which is basically rooted in engaging in discourse. (I haven’t read the DRY book yet, but will do as soon as I can
)
I brought up the word discourse because Joseph defined deafhood as a process of discourse in one of Ben Vess’ guest vlogs.
Deafhood isn’t a label of person, but it is a process. At least that is what I understand. People should stop becoming hysterical and focusing on labelling people different names under the sky.
Shel