UPDATE: I was asked to copy/paste what was written on the flyer:
Ella Mae Lentz from California giving an Educational * Exciting * Fun * Workshop... Refreshments provided, Please come and grow with us... **FREE ADMISSION**
Ella Mae Lentz * People of the eye...Community of Vision
George Veditz, a Deaf Sign Language activist in early 1900's said "Deaf people are first and foremost people of the eye...,"not people of deficit (hearing loss). The 21st century is bringing giant leaps in science and technology bringing the Deaf community better quality of life as well as potential for extinction. The Book of Proverbs says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." What should the vision be for the people of the eye that will sustain our existence? This presentation emphasizes the need to move away from the deficit model of "deafness" and "hearing loss" towards the Deafhood model that celebrates our gifts and contributions to create our vision. A possible vision that originated in a letter by California Association of the Deaf will be broken down and elaborated. This vision includes an ideal view of "deaf" the use of American Sign Language for academic excellence, dealing with Deaf-related concerns, divisions, diversity and consideration for future generations.
TOPIC: "DEAFHOOD: PEOPLE OF THE EYE-COMMUNITY OF VISION"
WHEN: MAY 17, SATURDAY 2008 **FREE ADMISSION**
WHERE: KALAMAZOO VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, #1520, DALE LAKE AUDITORIUM, 6767 WEST O AVENUE, KALAMAZOO, 49009
TIME: 1-4 PM
GIVEN BY: KALAMAZOO CHAPTER MICHIGAN DEAF ASSOCIATION AND KVCC
104 comments:
Way to go - in typing the words from the flyer onto your blog. Fabulous!
Hearing and deaf Wisc. area people reading and viewing this post, do go to the workshop where Ella is conducting ALONE (as based on the words on the flyer).
And I must comment on your post title. Is Deafhood Biblical? The answer is a big NO. You coupled deafhood with the judeo-christian bible. While they are compatible, deafhood goes beyond just the judeo-christians. But the discourse on deafhood will be biblical, at least in my epic-myth.
Deafhood applies to every hard of hearing and deaf people on the planet. I am astounded to view how deafhood is perceived by deaf people - so much confusion and misunderstanding. Ella has IT - and people demand more from her. Don't worry as she will soldier onward.
There is a spiritual (psychological) resurgence of deaf people in America, and the world. My website on deafhood and spirituality was perceived as cultish. Look at the second word - Deaf CULTure. Of course.
Deafhood is a new multi-colored glasses the collective Deaf people put up in front of their eyes!
For more searching into your own deafhood, you can use the white Ladd book, go to Ella's workshop, or go to this website (sorry no vlogs yet)
http://blog.deafread.com/visma/
Thank you, iammine. Go well -
Well, it is not new... it has been going on for centuries. I am not talking about deafhood... but I am talking about Zionsim, Black Culture, etc.
As for Zionism, my understanding is that it was the movement by the Jews who desired to have a home (Israel.) Shortly after WWII, with the painful truth of cencentration camps coming out, it was a driving force for certain groups of Jews to set up a committee which led to the rebirth of Israel. Zionism was the movement... and it was spiritual in many ways for the Jews.
Black culture... with Africans being forced from their homeland, to America as slaves. With civil uprising in 1960's, we witnessed the rebirth of black pride, Black Panthers, etc... as well as a few new black churches and Kwanzaii (I am not sure how to spell this holiday, but it is very similiar to Hanukah, especially in the lighting of the candles.)
Cnkatz, I don't think there is confusion among many deaf people when it comes to Deafhood. It is a spiritual, identical movement or concept as some of you would insist. I see many parallels between Deafhood and other movements.
I am not trying to put it down... I am just pointing out that it is not radical... many people have done it before, not only Deafhood, but other movements.
Is deafhood biblical ? Gooooood !(whatever he is to you), I hope this is a wind up...... I so hoped you could all prove me wrong on this :(
I enjoyed your recreation of a church spiritual event. Made me laugh.
But, you are right. People can take from the concept of Deafhood what they will. If they want to dig deep into it, hat's fine. If they want to learn about it and take from it what they want, that's fine. And if they want to have nothing to do with it, that's fine. Just like the Bible. As long as they are living good, moral lives, and can get along with others and respect each other, that is what all of us want from each other.
Since the Deafhood priestesses and priests know more than we do, we bow to them deferentially. They are wise, having studied the bible of deafhood. They work to deprogram the mindset of colonialized deficit thinkers
I still think allying deafhood to a religion is dubious ground, there are deaf people very isolated and feeling up against it, who could seize on the connection no matter how tentative, you only have to add Mr Ladd and his beard, looks like.... let's not go there. I've done satire on this aspect myself, but it's made clear of NO real connection, because I fear it would take root, my staires are as a WARNING.
cnkatz hi, thanks for your input!
I will check out your website when I have more time and I did attend Deafhood workshop in 2006 and found it very interesting.
Thanks and your welcome for typing out the flyer - someone said it was hurtful to watch me signing English and so I put it down so you can fastfoward it.
Karen - thanks for pointing out other similarities with other cultures/religions, appreciate it!
MM - well, it seems like some do see it that way while others don't. You take it what you want it to be. :)
Don G. - thanks, glad I made you laugh. ;)
I know I was overdoing it...but some priests I've had were...phew. And I admit, I fell for it at times. :D
Yes, some take it beyond the book while others don't, just like they do with Bible.
Anonymous - Well, they got a heck of a job, don't they?
Good luck working on me! ;)
I'm fine with the way I am and I will respect others as they respect me.
It's a two way street.
Thanks for the comments! Gonna make a delicious dinner that will take me a couple of hours!
Have a wonderful day, people!
Why people like you and others are angry at Ella for wanting to share history about our language, culture, oppression and colonialism? Why? There are many well known speakers (Hearies) travel all over the world even today to share some spirituality, hope, awareness etc. Name it. Oh yes! They ask for money money and money. You bunch of people are making Ella look like a criminal or outcast. One thing...Ella has no ego in her. There will be someone else providing Deafhood 1 class next month. Ella allowed her to take over. My goodness. If I do not agree or interested in Deafhood...I know for sure and without a single doubt that Ella and I will remain good friends. Why? We know how to respect each others.
MM
Deafhood means different things to every deaf, hard of hearing (and maybe hearing signing) person. It is clear where you stand from the comments you made here and there in the cyberspace.
Those with hearing loss, not signing, or associating with other signing deaf would look at their own deafhood differently than those of deaf parents, attended Gallaudet, and feel strongly about their visi-centrality. Deafhood is just the way it is, extremely myriad and multi-colored like our mother nature's rainbows.
You said, "lets not go there' I am sorry to say that we are ALREADY HERE.
Don't get me wrong as I treasure your words and viewpoint - which do help forge and hone my (and other) thinking, words, signs, and presentations.
To close, i would love to learn more about the beef you have about the white book's author. Someday someday . . .
shalom to all. y en fin here.
Penny... I have NOTHING against Ella. I sense that Mel has NOTHING against her either. As for me, I was pointing out the parallels to other movements, nothing more.
The comments are interesting, paving way for constructive dialogue. Sure some would disagree and others would agree.
real quick before I get into dinner!
Penny - Karen is right. I have nothing against Ella and I see great dialogue going on here. :)
I had issues with Ella especially after the AIM meeting and knowing some things...but I got past that point, realizing it is how she feels. She has every right to express her feelings as much as anyone else does.
She is a spiritual person who wants to share with as many deaf people as possible and I do recognize that. I know she has no ego - I've seen that in person. She made me feel comfortable at the workshop in 2006. I really enjoyed talking with her in the bathroom where I bumped into her in the line.
I do not subscribe to deafhood anymore, but I do have friends who embrace and want to study deafhood. I don't try to stop them at all.
People have different degrees of desire within deafhood - if that makes sense?
I respect them and they respect me.
I gotta get back to dinner!
Karen-
Parallels with other movements? Iammine was comparing with ONE movement and Deafhood...Preacher and Ella. Preacher normally does not allow group discussion, suggesting ideas and etc. Preacher normally wants to have his say and what the bible interpretations means...this and that…Preacher hollered…Jumped…etc. Ella? Completely opposite. She is a huge supporter of group discussions, feedbacks, ideas, sharing experiences so they can discover who they are and what the society had misled them to be and etc. Deafhood is about empowerment and awareness. It has nothing to do about worshipping Ella. For my heaven’s sake. Huge different. Parallel? Not even that close!
Iammine-
Thanks for your comment. And thanks for accepting my comments too. I understand what you mean about AIM conversation. I saved that and when Ella and I finally had time to chat on VP...in wee hours! Poor her! I brought it up and she told me the story why it was mentioned and etc. I thought it was funny. Many people including myself misinterpreted wrong. Why not e-mail to Ella and see if you both could can set up the time to talk on VP...discuss your concerns with her. Rest assure you that she will listen and give you answers best to her ability.
Wait, Penny... you misunderstood me. I was pointing out to other parallels to other cultural movements, nothing more.
Have a good day.
Biblical? Sure, I do feel like ranting verses and lighting candles from time to time. Not! :)
Religion and spirituality or existentialism can be of different forms. Apparently some people think Deafhood as the new Deaf religion or a cult or support group or fill in blank. It's just a suggested life process. To be honest with you, I'm bored with this Deafhood hype but I think it is still an important part of Deaf literature.
I agree with Penny. Some people have a pessimistic habit to discount or distort or misinterpret things to go against an individual or group that feel inspired from Deafhood.
You are hilarious! I like your sense of humor.
Viewers-
If you go to Barnes and Noble bookstore this afternoon you will find rows of books about Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Muslim, New Age, Self Help guide books, History etc etc and etc…and you will not see a long row of books about our culture, language, oppression, and colonialism. There are FEW books that have been written about our culture and one of the best books that incorporated information is Search of Deafhood. Now some Deaf people are making mockery of this book, group, individual and etc. It is only few books that we have in this precious world…yet you do not feel blessed that Paddy Ladd who spent countless hours of research to collect data, information, facts, truth and awareness? The book presents the information about what has been done to the deaf population centuries and encouraged readers to understand our history SO we can make the betterment of our community.
Yeah, so many churches want the money to cover up the preacher's fancy clothes and preacher's wife's clothes! Duh!!!
It does appear to be somewhat biblical or cult-ish. It has the properties of such.
Problem with deafhood is that it seems to relate more towards those who are not DOD. Many DOD tend to have no issues with being deaf, it is a given, to them. I know there are some DOD in deafhood and I see them jumping in that opportunity to spearhead this movement.
Many DOH tend to have many issues which makes deafhood very attractive to them. Several DOH have said that to me and many interpreters sees it that way too.
If deafhood promotes individual journey without labels of "colonialism" and "deficit" among others, perhaps it would not have faced so much scrutiny as it does now.
Deafhood seems to promote among their followers a distrust towards the rest of the society as a whole which is NOT going to help any of the deaf people that has to live and work within the hearing world.
There is definitely a motive behind these people that run deafhood. I see it very clearly and I find it interesting that some do not. Brainwashing is very deceptive and before some people know it, they are hooked line, sinker and all. Ouch.
Perhaps some deaf people might want to consider starting up a deprogramming clinic for "former" deafhood followers.
;)
As DOD, I find it all ridiculous. But, if there are people that feels that deafhood gives them a meaning to their life as a deaf person, so be it.
Candy~
Good to see you again.
You can read some snippets of "Understanding Deaf Culture" by Paddy Ladd at Google's Book Search. This may save you some money if you find that you don’t like it.
I know that you are a cochlear implant user. I fully respect you as a person (quoting from Batman movie, "it is what you do that defines you"). I just want to forewarn you that the book contains few statements that may be found objectionable by some cochlear implant users. I am quoting some statements from the book through Google's Book Search:
On page 165, cochlear implant is grouped under scientific/medical/educational oppression.
On page 269, it said, "This urgency is increased by the resurgence of Oralism through the cochlear implant ideology, ...."
On page 454, it said, "... much of the good work would be undone if the present cochlear implantation (CI) experiments were allowed to continue."
This is one of several reasons why I don't like Deafhood but I do recognize that others may like or love Deafhood. That's their decision.
Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com
Joseph Pietro Riolo,
Are you fully bilingual, ASL and English?
I will be willing to listen to anyone if they know or feel both fully fluency in ASL and English(writing and reading).
Thank you
doing 100s of vlogs going against dbc and deafhood sounds like a biblical mission. barry sewell is maniac with his vlogs -- very scary how he tried to preach and brainwash people with his so-called facts. people who support dbc and deafhood are pretty laid back and quiet. quiet people are smarter. we need to watch out amy cohen efron, anne marie baer, and others. they are rejected people who are desperately seeking for attention.
Question for you anonymous:
What do you call those 100 posts that supports DBC and DH?
Just wondering....
Candy~
Joseph Riolo, thanks for quoting some passages from Paddy's book. He's definitely anti-CI and anti-Oralism. I'm glad I didn't buy his book!
Joseph Riolo, thanks for quoting some passages from Paddy's book. He's definitely anti-CI and anti-Oralism. I'm glad I didn't buy his book!
"they are rejected people who are desperately seeking for attention."
Nodding sagely: They are deficit thinkers. They are colonialized, brainwashed by the audism of the hearing society
at 4:49 anonymous wrote somehting
that's not true.
Barry didn't do over 100 vlogs. It
was almsot 750 people answering to him in video.
Anonymous: 4:46pm
750 comments, not 750 people!
And all done by only 20 or so people.
Good try to support Barry's feeble Vlogs
If Barry's so feeble, then why is he being so viciously attacked?
Clearly the DH folks feel threatened by him, or their followers wouldn't be mocking the Signing Circle and so on.
Perhaps it's time for me to halt my blogging break... after all, I *am* an attention whore too. :P
Deaf Pundit,
I think it is more of a concern of the followers of Barry being brainwashed rather than your statement that DH feeling threatened themselves.
lol
Doesn't matter. You have TONS of people posting about deafhood both supporting it and NOT supporting it, they are allowed. If someone says something about the non-supporter, then they'll have to take into account what the supporters do.
Freedom of speech gives them all the right to say what they want. It does not mean anything except to the viewers who choose to be free thinkers and decide for themselves.
Those that are afraid of opposing messages are the ones that has a real reason to be afraid of it in the first place, and that should make you wonder why.
Let the people read it all and decide for themselves.
Candy~
I just got back from dinner and have to run out of the house...but I am going to try to respond to the best of my ability tonight - tomorrow morning the earliest. I was informed there are also comments over at DVTV so I'll answer those tomorrow as well.
I wish people would be nicer without resorting to labels such as deficit thinkers, etc. Sigh.
If Barry is feeble, don't bother. He's doing fine.
That's what his beliefs (Spirituality in Native American culture) have taught him in many ways. It's the way it is.....
Is Deafhood Biblical? :-/ If it's a big yes, I will laugh.
White Ghost
One has a HIGH chance of being brainwashed via a workshop (gathering of people in person) than via blogs/vlogs.
What happened to respect? What happened to the constructive dialogue? Why the snide comments? I see the snide comments come from annonymous who believe in Deafhood, so annonymous, you'd need to stop attacking and running... it speaks of cowardice in my book.
Karen Mayes
Good point!
We should go back and start at the beginning, let's ask that to Barry, Amy and Mishkazena. They started it all first.
And how did Barry, MZ, Amy and the rest of us start it, pray tell? For constructive criticism to happen, it also requires pointing out things that people will NOT like!
Deaf Pundit,
You said,
"it also requires pointing out things that people will NOT like!"
it is more like this;
it also requires pointing out things that "WE" will NOT like!
YOU DON'T SPEAK FOR THE PEOPLE!
only yourselves.
That's right Chris, I speak for myself.
Where did I say that me and my friends speak for the people? I said that we are telling people things that they might not like.
Think about it. :P
It's no avail to try to reason with these deficit thinkers. As free thinkers, they will never understand the true purpose of Deafhood like we do. We saw the light which liberates us. They are the lost souls.
Deaf Pundit
saying;
"I said that we are telling people things that they might not like."
EXACTLY!, it's you and your cronies are doing the brainwashing! And are you saying that the h/deaf people are not smart enough to know themselves?
Telling the truth is now considered brainwashing?
Interesting
Responding to the anonymous person's comment dated August 14, 2008 at 4:18pm (21st comment way up there):
It is very tempting to answer your question whether I am bilingual or not. I think that it is a little unfortunate that if I were not bilingual, my comment would be dismissed pronto. I think that you should reconsider your position and focus on the merits (and demerits) of my comment, rather than my personal characteristics.
Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com
Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this post in the public domain.
Mishkazena,
you said that former DBC members were rejected. Is that the truth?
Someone said that only one was rejected and that was by one of your cronies, Amy Cohen Efron, is that true?
You said that DBC members are cults. Is that true?
Joseph Pietro Riolo,
Should a white naive person be dismissed about his philosophy of a black person?
Don't upgrade yourself as a philosopher about genuine deaf reality.
Yes, others were rejected, not just one.
No, I didn't say the DBC members felt like a cult. I emphasized repeatedly it was the INNER DBC core team stressing on ONE GROUPTHINK (cultish) Those who retained their diverse thinking were eliminated if they haven't quit first. In other words, the moderates who can think for themselves weren't accepted. Like one anonymous commenter here said, we, the free thinkers, were labeled as deficit thinkers.
These are the facts that not only I but also the other former DBC core members have.
Now you are claiming that we are brainwashing people by telling the truth. I find that a very revealing comment.
Please do share with us how telling the truth is now considered 'brainwashing'.
Iammine, Mack did a vlog, mocking you.
She didn't mention that Deafhood Foundation charges a lot of money for its workshops. These workshops ain't cheap
We the Deaf people ain't stupid!
Brainwashing people by telling them things they don't want to be told? *laughs*
Clearly you need to take some psychology courses that explain about brainwashing and how cults function.
Where did I deny that the DBC inner core team isn't a cult?
Let's not get sidetracked.
Please do tell us how telling the truth is considered brainwashing :D
Deaf Pundit,
said;
"Clearly you need to take some psychology courses that explain about brainwashing and how cults function."
Who said that I haven't taken psychology courses?
Another slick evasive remarks of yourself.
Stop playing games
Mishkazena,
said;
"Where did I deny that the DBC inner core team isn't a cult?"
Another slick question.
It is not the deny, you did say it that the "DBC inner core team" is a cult.
Go back to your past blogs and see if for yourself. By the way, I am sure you know it anyway but continue to be evasive.
tsk.
Chris,
I have seen your comments ALL over the place and have always ignored you because you never make any sense. NO LOGIC.
Now, I feel the need to let you know.
Lots of things you say isn't logical.
Everyone has a right to say and express how they feel about any views. YOU need to accept that there are people out there that do not agree with you. Just because they do not agree with you does NOT mean they are brainwashed. And just because there are people that do not agree with deafhood does not mean that there's something wrong with them. There isn't!
Did you expect ALL deaf people to agree to deafhood? That will NEVER happen.
Even all democrats disgree on different issues. Same goes for republicans. Even all Blacks don't agree. Likewise, all deaf do not agree on deafhood.
Take some logic pill will you?
Candy~
If you keep up with the blogs/vlogs including yours, you can see how Deafhood fans try to destroy the reputations of former DBC members. They refuse to accept the diversity of free thinkers. Why do you think the former members are attacked so viciously?
Remember how many deaf people were labeled deficit thinkers last winter? How DBC leaders called for the censorship of these people along with oral deaf and c.i. users?
They do not accept people who think outside of one groupthink.
I m so thrilled to see you on the playing field. Unfortunately, those that do not subscribed to deafhood are playing hardball. Chris, go play teeball, otherwise take a shower!
Good golly, Molly!
Telling the truth is "brainwashing"?
"Free thinkers" are brainwashed?
What next?
How interesting. I do remmy back in November last year with John Egbert's blogs that some bloggers and commenters called "free thinkers", uh...deficit thinkers and colonialized. Also psychopaths and sickos, minions and groupies as well. What else, have I left out any other mudslingin'?
As for the biblical route thingie, well, I think some people are taking Deafhood a bit to the extreme. Reminds me too much of the crowd willing to stone a prostitute without seeing their own failings or not seeing the log lodged in their own eyes while criticizing their own brother.
It's a lack of acceptance of all kinds of people, i.e., the prostitute, the tax man, the rich man...duh, the "rejected". Same here with big D and little d deaf. Same crap.
Ann_C
MZ already answered. Tom is illogical, too.
See see how Chris is evasive
He have yet answer how telling the truth is brainwashed LOL!
Is this the second coming?
Okay. Take some psychology courses AND pass them. By your comments, you clearly demonstrate a lack of understanding of what brainwashing and cult behavior really means.
Tom,
Refrain from demeaning a person's outlook. Please provide US the link to MZ's blog where she made the 'CULT' claim. I know you have the time to find the link because you had the time to do the math on 88% of the comments made in the SigningCircle. Since you agree with Chris, MZ is challenging you to answer MZ's question: "Please do tell us how telling the truth is considered brainwashing". If you cannot answer this, get off the playing field and show Chris where the shower is! A true mirror reflects the real you.
Cesspool?
Crikey!
Ann_C
gazelem,
I found that MZ deleted that part you wanted to know but I got the comment from another commeter about MZ's statement calling DBC core members, cult.
gazelem said...
Tom,
Refrain from demeaning a person's outlook. Please provide US the link to MZ's blog where she made the 'CULT' claim. I know you have the time to find the link because you had the time to do the math on 88% of the comments made in the SigningCircle. Since you agree with Chris, MZ is challenging you to answer MZ's question: "Please do tell us how telling the truth is considered brainwashing". If you cannot answer this, get off the playing field and show Chris where the shower is! A true mirror reflects the real you.
gazelem, here is what Kathryn said;
August 14, 2008 7:46 PM
#25. Kathryn Says:
July 16th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Hi Mishka Zena -
This is my first comment on your blog.
You know, you were one of a few bloggers that I looked up to.
I am saddened by your word choice, ‘cult’.
After I looked up the definition on Internet and found them.
_________________________
Definitions of cult on the Web:
* followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
* fad: an interest followed with exaggerated zeal; “he always follows the latest fads”; “it was all the rage that season”
* followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader
* a religion or sect that is generally considered to be unorthodox, extremist, or false; “it was a satanic cult”
* a system of religious beliefs and rituals; “devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin”
________________________
I found the word ‘cult’ too offensive for you to call it on DBC core members and even to people including me who share same belief as those core members. Do you realize that? I am afraid that it is not acceptable.
I feel that you need to re-consider what you had said all along to those DBC core members AND us people - unless you had meant it. Sorry I waste my time.
Please choose your words more carefully. I appreciate it.
By the way, it would be a nice change if you’d vlog once a while instead of blog every time.
Thank you kindly,
Kathryn
So, now you believe me, even tho Mishkazena had already deleted her comments but I know someone do have a copy of it and will post it soon as I get it.
galezem,
your quote,
" If you cannot answer this, get off the playing field and show Chris where the shower is! A true mirror reflects the real you."
A true mirror reflects the real Mishkazena,
You know where the shower is now.
hilarious!!! thanks for the humor, iammine!
Hey
Good one! As you should know, bible says (not literally) but concept, donate 10% of your earnings to your religion... Imagine... Your annual earnings is 100k means 10,000 dollars to church, if everyone follows this, god knows those church would be rich.
Maybe you should form a church and try this method and be rich (laughing), just being silly...
But what you said rang true. It is completely up to us if we want to dig into it or just be informative of it.
I came, I saw but I did not need to acquire anything.... I made headlines every where, thanks to Don G, DRMZZ, Chris, Tom, Aidan, Penny and other (whiners) who for some peculiar reason made me the King. The honor is yours.
IamMine, this is a very interesting vlog / blog, much of what I had envisioned after hearing so many stories coming from different participants and observers.
As a student of Holism, long before Paddy Ladd invented deafhood, I've had almost no trouble discrediting and dwarfing what little these deafhood converts learned.
ha ha ha ha....Deafhood is a big joke! pfftt...Whoever created "Deafhood" is an idiot!?!?!
pfffttt....
Oh and by the way, religion is NOT fact!!!! Use your head! Religion is an opinion. No ONE is right or wrong about religion. Get it? The bible is just A BOOK just like any other books.
Meooooow
Good morning ya'all... I see that the dialogue is not happening here.
Anyway, on DeafVIDEO.TV, there was a video comment from virgingordo2, talking about collectivism vs individualism. The snide comments, I interpret, come from "collective" group in favor of Deafhood. My understanding, with Ella, GG, and DE often claiming, is that Deafhood should be a PROCESS for EACH individiaul... not a group.
It is one of the reasons why Deafhood turns me off... due to the collective groups popping up, telling us what to do, what not to think, labelling us, calling us deficit thinkers, etc. Of course some of us are not helping either.
I am SURE that Ella, DE, and GG have noticed it. We really need to stop this bickering... I saw the potential for good discussion when I saw Mel's vlog, but I guess it is not happening... it is more of hijacking by some commenters who insists on knowing about Deafhood.
Well, have a good weekend.
Responding to Chris's comment dated August 14, 2008 at 6:30pm (somewhere up there):
I wonder what a person needs to do in order to qualify as a philosopher on the subject of deaf reality. A degree in philosophy? Reading 1,002 books on deafness? Born or become deaf? All of them?
My point remains the same. It is better to focus on the merits and demerits of my comment, rather than judging it on the basis of who I am. Focusing on who I am can lead to ad hominem. There are exceptions but in my case of quoting from Dr. Paddy Ladd's book, my background has nothing to do with it.
Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com
Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this post in the public domain.
Good morning... sigh.
I did not think I would have gotten this many comments and having people being nasty to each other.
I'm just sitting here wondering about drmzz's "Bring Light Back to DR" and it's not working.
Clearly there are issues that need to be resolved on both sides.
There are clearly different views on Deafhood.
Karen, I am disappointed too. I also hate it that people were labeled and warned to "watch out" for them. Granted there are some comments I do not like from some people, but going as far as calling them names.... everyone is an individual with his/her own mind.
I need to wake up and try my best to respond to some folks...I'd like to respond to all but it's rather time-consuming.
This is just sad!
Penny - Hello there again!
I can imagine how difficult it was for her as well as for everyone else.
As for the question on why not I email her – I think it’s safe to say the damages have been done and she has so many people to talk with. My issues are “old” now and I am not on the priority list as compared as others. There are more people who really need her attention.
When there was a big disagreement about the deficit thinkers and the proposition of removing them from DeafRead, I had commented on her blog where she offered to VP with me.
I didn't VP with her for two reasons: I didn't and still don't have a working VP. I wanted her to respond on her blog because others had similar concerns as I did.
I don't think she believed that my VP was not working. The only thing that was working was the webcam and it had bad quality. I explained that it worked well with the relay operators.
Since my Sorenson VP died at the end of July 2007, I have only been able to talk with friends through my webcam less then TEN times. It's that bad. I have been using emails to communicate with them since then. I also have Ojo but it is not good either. I only use it to make phone calls with hearing people, but not with friends. The quality is also horrible!
But I can understand why she didn’t believe it because some folks were saying the same thing. "Hey can we VP??" "Sorry...umm...my VP is broken..." Ah well.
I wish she’d explain that in her personal vlog but that is totally up to her.
drmzz - Well, it's pretty cool to light the candles with a lot of people at night! It's a pretty sight! No, I’ve never done that... but it is a pretty sight! :D
Yes, it is a process and some people have taken different meanings on it. I understand how it can be tiring...but it clearly has strong effects on some people. That's why it's still going on and on and on and on... But yes, it's important part of Deaf literature.
One of my regrets is that the negative aspect of it has more impact such as deficit thinkers and so on. I don't think it's healthy in an effort to aim for unity. Just take a look at the words thrown around at some individuals with some of the terms from DH. That is sad. It's bad enough that we have to deal with discrimination, miscommunication, and so forth...
Candy - Yeah, I have some DOD friends who said the same thing. They enjoy some of the concepts they are already familiar with...but do not subscribe to the negative parts that encourage anger or negative attitudes towards other people. They do acknowledge that people have different thinking than they do but they would not go as far as calling them deficit thinkers and avoiding them – especially denouncing them.
I also find it interesting that it attracts more of those who do not come from generations of Deaf families. Those who are interested in Deafhood just apply as individuals, but not as group.
It does make sense though...because many like myself were outcasts, unfortunately. I continue to be an outcast, though. I am fine with that myself but wish to see unity despite the background and communication modes.
I also wish more focus would be of individualism rather than colonialism and such. In a nutshell – at least my nutshell – nearly every human being on this planet is colonialized. Things are so different now than they were half a century ago.
joesph pietro riolo - thanks for your time to provide some information and some quotes from Paddy’s book.
Ah…well...I still will purchase the book. :) I probably would not be able to read it until after I complete my education this fall. It might be at least around January of 2009 or so.
That is interesting…and I am unsure of how to respond to that. I can see from their point of view, yet at the same time wondering how we can look for ways to promote the beautiful culture and ASL without focusing on "destroying" the system. I know many do not like this system and do not wish to see this continuing.
Whether we like it or not, it lies with the parents' decisions.
It is a big conflict and a huge challenge.
But it is possible though.
anonymous at August 14, 2008 6:44 PM - I didn't know that Aidan Mack was mocking me...but that's okay. :)
I have a very busy weekend (our 15th anniversary this Sunday! :D) and I need to get over to DVTV and watch the comments there before zooming for the weekend.
Sorry I couldn't respond to all of you...and sorry to see that "shit has hit the fan".
Happy anniversary!!!! Brian and I are about one year behind ya...we will celebrate 14th anniversary in December...
I guess the subject Deafhood is sensitive still, due to the history which is filled with painful memories (oppression, oral deaf schools, etc.)
Dr Hocokan,
...."As a student of Holism, long before Paddy Ladd invented deafhood, I've had almost no trouble discrediting and dwarfing what little these deafhood converts learned."
You knew about DBC before you became a mole with encouragement from Mike McConnell to enter DBC, so you really never had a heart for deaf babies in the first place!
Your ego comes before deaf babies, shame on you!
Anonymous (whiner) August, 15 7:40am.
SHAME ON YOU YOURSELF! Remember the true mirror reflects the real you! Read DBC Facts #1-5 before you say anything.
LONG LIVE THE SIGNITES (AKA) ASLAN. Its time now to have an ASLAN resurgence!
Anonymous,
I came, I saw and I conquered, not. I didn't need to need to lift my finger because my name made headlines every where, thanks to DRMZZ, Penny, Chris, Aidan, Don G, and few others who made me the King. Evidently the credit belongs to you but fortunately the honor is mine to treasure.
Great Vlog / Blog IamMine.
Anonymous,
You are one who cowered behind no name because you represent the mole. Remember, words are like mirrors, a reflection of self.
My ego didn't come before deaf babies. How do I know? I was a deaf baby myself after my parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles were deaf babies themselves and before my two boys were deaf babies. How many deaf babies do you represent? Speak for yourself.
Barry's a mole? I didn't realize DBC was a covert operation. Wow! We have a Deaf CIA!
And I didn't even know that I was part of the Deaf CIA! Gee whiz!
*shaking my head*... funny quip about moles. Reminds me of Julia Child who CIA finally admitted was a spy in France... must have been fun or boring? So boring that she turned to cooking? Who knows... I am sure there'd be a new biography coming out soon now with the evidences that she was the spy.
Huh, we need to refrain from namecalling and fingerpointing... not going anywhere.
Mishkazena,
“DBC inner core team does NOT accept Deaf free thinkers.”
“The term Free-Thinker emerged toward the end of the 17th century in England to describe those who stood in opposition to the institution of the Church, and of literal belief in the Bible.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freethought
Main Entry:
free•think•er
Function: noun
Date: 1692
: one who forms opinions on the basis of reason independently of authority; especially : one who doubts or denies religious dogma
You have to proof that you accept blame DBC core.
Anonymous - you sure you really want MZ and the rest of us to release all of the core DBC emails that shows the suppression and oppression of free thinkers?
Thus far, we have been much more restrained... but keep it up, and we just might not be so restrained.
Main Entry:
free•think•er
Function: noun
Date: 1692
: one who forms opinions on the basis of reason independently of authority; especially : one who doubts or denies religious dogma
"basis of reason independently of authority"
"doubts or denies religious dogma"
Authority: DBC functioned without bylaws, due proceses, and elections. DBC leaders are self-appionted, making decisoins for everybody.
Religious Dogma: Deafhood Book, Deficit Thinkers, Colonialized, Audism
It's very clear. DBC don't accepts free thinkers!
You won't believe that DrDonG is school psychologist. Look! I rec'd email from my friend about DrDonG. He encourages Ridor to fix a gossip. Here's a copy of DrDongG's comment from http://www.deafhooddiscourses.com/?p=48
"39DrDonG said...
August 11, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
"when I want a gossip fix, you’re the man to go to! And you do make for “interesting” conversations…"
DR Hocokan? who? Hold on... Oh that is Berries...Now I remember...yeah he has been involving in Deafhood lately with some group in his vlog...Glad he finally got it and realized that what Deafhood means...it does not mean church thing but to come together to discuss whole picture of what is being Deaf is all about. :-) Oh he said I made him a king? I was not even talking about him...but this comment may make him feel good. Welcome to Deafhood, Berries!!!
Barry, hmm, spoken like a pure narcissist. The people who posted in your blog and video comments promoted you. I have no role in that. Interest zero. Nothingman.
*shakes head* Barry's a nothingman? Then why are you all giving him so much attention? If he doesn't speak the truth, if MZ, Amy, Anne Marie and I do not speak the truth, then why are we being attacked on such a vicious, personal level?
I'll tell you why. Because we are NOT nothing, and the best defense is the truth... and you all know that we speak the truth, and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. So you all resort to petty means, in an attempt to break us, to force us into silence.
Well, I'll tell you all something. WE WILL NOT BE FORCED INTO SILENCE.
A Deaf Pundit, you speak out in defense of Barry. I know you are some dishonesty because you don’t understand Deafhood concept.
So you are saying not understanding equals lying? Wow. You all have very interesting definitions of common vocabulary.... :P
This is really disheartening... I do NOT like to moderate my blog as it is everyone's freedom of expression/speech.
But this bickering? Jeez.
It is clear people are getting upset and this was not the intention at all.
Please don't force me to moderate my blog.
I have to step out for the day.
Please try to be considerate and carrying constructive dialogue.
It's clear that it hasn't been that way.
deafpundit,I don’t understand that you accept label is deafness, not Deafhood. You are bilingual- ASL and English.
Anonymous to Deafpundit:
You're not going to win converts to Deafhood by questioning Deafpundit's right to think for herself.
Ann_C
Yeah, I'm bilingual in English and ASL. I consider myself Deaf, but I completely and utterly reject Ella, DE and GG's definition of Deafhood. It is nothing more but veiled bigoted fear and rage against hearing people, and I will never succumb to that, because ultimately, doing that only wounds myself. I've gotten enough wounds from the hearing AND the deaf to inflict any more on myself.
Too bad it's not something that very many of you will understand.