Are you a “free thinker”?
Some people have been saying that they are “free thinkers” and others who support Deafhood and Deaf culture are not being “free thinkers”. Here, I take a look at society to explore whether people are truly “free” in their thinking.
George said,
August 18, 2008 @ 3:14 pm
Dr. Don
The first thing I thought when that picture of the cabin in the woods reminded me was Theodore John Kaczynski, the Unabomber but it was my mistake.
But a thought to think about… Was Theodore John Kaczynski, a Free Thinker….?
Let’s not go there, please.
Trying Hard to Understand said,
August 18, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
I am a free thinker at hearing parties… Nothing but time to think, as I can’t understand a thing!
Thinking, freely or otherwise, requires language. True free thinking only comes from the ability to communicate thoughts to our fellows, try our arguments in CONVERSATION, to find out which point of view we will ultimately come to choose. I have sometimes been surprised as to what I ultimately learned after starting with an entirely different point of view.
Much of what passes for “free thinking” is unexamined thinking. No way TO examine our thoughts if we cannot share them and have others’ thoughts shared back so that we sometimes reexamine our thinking and actually CHANGE our minds. But this trying on of others thoughts is uncomfortable. The loss of certainty is uncomfortable. Easiest to stick with whatever thoughts we originally heald!
Both pure oralism, and the more recent rants against anyone who supports deafhood are intended to stifle dissent. This PREVENTS any possibility of choosing for ourselves, which is the very essence of free thinking.
DrDonG said,
August 18, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
George,
Actually, that picture was of Kaczinski’s cabin (before they moved it to that museum). Was he a free thinker? Well, being all alone out there with no influence from the internet, other people, etc., he certainly was free to think what he wanted….. But of course what he was thinking about… well, nothing that we want people to be thinking about….
THU –
Thanks for your (as always) insightful perspectives.
Candy said,
August 18, 2008 @ 4:37 pm
ahh playing games again are you?
Free thinkers base their thoughts on science or facts, not on emotions, tradition or dogmas.
Group think tend not to consider all alternatives and tend to be under pressure to conform to an ideology, etc.
Free thinkers are not under ANY pressure to conform to anything.
Whereas Group think tend to.
Famous free thinkers are: Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Isaac Asimov, Carl Sagan, etc.
Sonny said,
August 18, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
For clarification sake:
“FREE THINKER - Someone who, along with a moral compass, can investigate, analyze and reflect on a subject without being swayed by all of the propaganda. Often impersonated by people whose latest position is based on whoever is in power at the moment or on the results of the latest poll. A Free Thinker is able to make his own decisions based on all of the data available and not worry about what the “mainstream” may be reportedly saying this week.” - a sensible definition from the website “The Truth and Sense Network, Analysis for Critical Thinkers” http://www.truthandsense.com/Forum/?page_id=6
I think this definition of a what a “free thinker”is will pinpoint exactly HOW a “free thinker” operates.
Notice the keywords: “swayed by the propaganda”. This propaganda pertains to both(all) sides.
Regards,
Sonny
Misha said,
August 18, 2008 @ 6:28 pm
Dr. Dong….
Um….are you comparing the free thinkers to Unabomber?!? Gee, why do you think or assume free thinker is a bad word? That’s something to ponder….
Hmm….
Misha, one of free thinkers who doesn’t even live in a cabin nor a loner and whatnot.
Shel said,
August 18, 2008 @ 6:46 pm
Don G,
That was a very diplomatic response to some people’s assertion that THEY were free thinkers, while implying that those who supported Deafhood were not free thinkers.
Had I vlogged on that topic, I might not have been as diplomatic. So, well-said!
Shel
DrDonG said,
August 18, 2008 @ 7:54 pm
No games here, Candy –
What you’re not realizing is that we also have science and facts on our side. Nobody’s being pressured to conform — we happen to like our way of life and we think the way we do because we realize that this fits our way of life.
Sonny — I have weighed data and alternatives, and for me my conclusions are based on those. Did you weigh the “data” (i.e., read the book)?
Misha — No, I’m not comparing the “freethinkers” to the Unabomber. If you had watched all the way through, you would have seen me say “Unless you’re living all by yourself in a 12 X 12 cabin in the backwoods of Wyoming (a reference to Unabomber), NOBODY’s a truly “free” thinker.” In other words, there is an aspect to groupthink for all of us who live in a particular society. Otherwise there could be no society.
Shel — I do try to be diplomatic, even though it’s hard sometimes….
Penny said,
August 18, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
Hi Don-
Good vlog. I feel offended when someone labeled us that we are not free thinkers. I can’t understand how they can judge us like that because we have our own custom, upbringing, education and etc. An example here…I am a bible believer (not a church goer) and my friend who is Jewish and when she shared that she does not believe the New Testament then does it give me the right to tell her that she is not a free thinker? Of course not. We need to be careful how we label other people including myself too. Good vlog as always!
P.S. Hope you do not mind me including comment here about hearing aids. You are funny and thanks for making me smile. I went to Longs Drugs one night several months ago and there was a guy who talked very loud and he was looked straightly to where all cereals were…and I thought he was talking to me and I asked him what what? He laughed and pointed to his blue tooth phone. Then for some reasons we laughed hard for few minutes. It was funny!
Penny said,
August 18, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
Oops…I mean he was looking directly where all cereals were on the shelf…sorry can’t think in English clearly today.
Penny said,
August 18, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
I want to add one more thing here…hope you would not mind…I have a friend who is oralist and is active member of AGB. We discussed about many subjects..ASL…culture…oppression and Deafhood (superfacial because I am still waiting for the book to arrive) and other subjects. She and I have different perspective about many things. We are completely different night and day, serious. Yet we never argued or either of us tried to force one another to follow what we believe in. She knows that I disapprove AGB system very much. We still keep in touch and we always respect each other so I am glad we are able to agree to disagree. I have no right to change her and she has no right to change me either. I am glad neither of us calling each other not being a free thinker.
Nancy M. Carroll said,
August 18, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
Thank you Don for posting interesting topics to get us thinking about issues that impact our lives. Sonny, I appreciate your referral to this ‘Truth and Sense’ website. I consider myself a ‘free thinker’. I go by what my heart tells me is right, not by popular vote. I have also read Paddy’s book and am a fan of his. However, I continue to listen to opposing views as well to try and understand the ‘fear’ that is out there.
Unity does not mean uniformity. We just need to figure out how we can coexist peacefully without pulling anyone down.
Nancy
dog food said,
August 18, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
aww, the funny thing about “Free thinkers” is that we’re all free thinkers… after all, there’s a discussion going on. I think its more a question of how much we are influenced by all the thinking flying around.
DrDonG said,
August 19, 2008 @ 12:03 am
Dog Food –
You’re right, we are all “free thinkers”. Wish more people were seeing it that way. But nothing wrong with a lot of thinking (but nothing stinking, please) flying around. That’s why we throw these thoughts out there — we are trying to convince the other on how we are thinking. And that’s fine. Let’s just do it respectfully.
Personally, I know I’m probably not going to change many of the minds of those who don’t already think similarly to me. It is something that has to happen to the person that they start to see things differently. But I’m sure that when the person is ready, they are going to remember my words and that is when the effect takes hold. (and before some of you start objecting, the same COULD hold true the other way [but I wouldn't start holding my breath if I were you])
dog food said,
August 19, 2008 @ 12:45 am
oh hmm… that gives a lot to think about.
EricJindra said,
August 19, 2008 @ 5:03 am
To be honest with you. I don’t see any good point or statement to support with your explaining “free thinker.” It’s terrible example and unstructured explained. I would recommend you to make second version to improve it.
To me, free thinker is a person who looks at several sides before he jumps the conclusion. On other hand, free thinker is a person who are willing to explore every information and to choose whatever he think it is best for him. For example people said I am closed mind or not free thinker because I strongly opposed to homosexual activities, lifestyle, their political motives, etc. I told them that I do understand what they are doing and all the “whys” they are doing but I don’t support them because I don’t see any justify for them to do that way. If I don’t try to understand their life, motives, etc and yet I still against them then you can call me non-free thinker.
I think that would explain better for “free thinker” term. I believe “free thinker” is very similar with “open minded” definition. You can’t be free thinker if you are close minded person.
RLM said,
August 19, 2008 @ 9:05 am
I do consider myself “free thinker”, but I do not know about the scientific proof if anyone human
could be really a free thinker or not.
I have to watch out for any emotional manipulators. I usually being a non-conformist myself.
Some people are really good at swaying others’ emotional shields and thinking process.
For example, the two Mormon missionaries tried to recruit me into their church. I told them that I
am totally an atheist myself. I let them into thinking that I would be their easy target. I pretended to be
the fair-minded person. If anyone emotionally manipulate me, I would play their games and make them
feel sh**ty in the end.
The Unbomber himself is full of crap and plagarist.
RLM
FloridaGirl said,
August 19, 2008 @ 10:20 am
Ericjindra
Yes, of course, AGB is a free-thinker who is in favor of contrasting to Deaf community and ASL as a language. AGB would get rid of Deaf culture and then AGB becomes more and more powerful to pay attention about oral and auditory programs for Deaf babies and children.
Am I closed minded because I refused to discuss oral and auditory improvement in the future?
PS. I have to respect people who have disagreement with the other church and they have the right to choice free different churches, restaurants and political discussion. That means, free- thinkers
—————————————————————————————————
I don’t see any discussion about how to think of possibility during the vloggers and bloggers.
Trina said,
August 19, 2008 @ 10:28 am
Some of you do not understand the official meaning of the term “free thinker”
Not everyone is a free thinker. I see many erroneous definition or attempts to describe it above.
Dianrez said,
August 19, 2008 @ 10:56 am
Seems that people mean “independent thinker” when they use the expression “free thinker”. An independent thinker is someone who is not easily influenced by other thoughts, and can often be stubborn. Independent thinkers are more disciplined than what is implied by free thinkers.
Free as a word is highly regarded, but one needs to be careful by what one means by it…does it mean wild, or simply uninfluenced?
Sonny said,
August 19, 2008 @ 11:03 am
EricJindra said: “I believe “free thinker” is very similar with “open minded” definition.”
Actually, it’s the ability to be a ‘critical thinker’ and not be swayed by anybody’s point of
view or belief. Being open minded is more akin to being non-judgmental.
I appreciate what Don is trying to say. I have read the book and I’m very much in support
of anyone’s decision to embrace or discard it’s message. As long as they have looked at all
of the information (data) available to them and to do so critically. This means entertaining
the opposite view of what they ‘feel’ to be right. It’s also means to be flexible in our mindset.
My only question is: Is the Deaf community as a ‘whole’ able to have access to this information in a truly unbiased way if Paddy Ladd’s book is not accessible to them (meaning either they can’t they can’t get their hands on it or literacy issues).
The ability to think geometrically, critically and practically can be difficult if there are gaps
in information. Which is why I think the path to Deafhood is a lengthy one for many individuals. For some, not so much because of access to resources they fortunately have.
I’ve seen both positive and negative results as a result of some individuals embracing Deafhood. My opinion (I repeat, my opinion) is that the adverse reactions on the part of some are a direct result of relying on someone else to do the ‘interpreting’ of Deafhood for them because these individuals cannot access the book due to\ literacy challenges. They only get bits and pieces of the whole picture. It’s analogous to giving a small child a box of legos the size of a stadium and telling them to put those pieces together and make something of it. The problem? It’s ambiguous and overwhelming and entirely new.
Only respectful discourse over time will be able to sort things out.
Regards,
Sonny
FloridaGirl said,
August 19, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
“freethinker n. One who has rejected authority and dogma, especially in his religious thinking, in favor of rational inquiry and speculation.
-The American Heritage Dictionary”
“American social reformer who, along with Susan B. Anthony, led the struggle for the rights of women. She fought against slavery and helped form the National Woman’s Loyal League in 1863. She opposed the Christian Church and the Bible because she realized that it served as a stumbling block in the way of woman’s emancipation.”
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, woman’s rights
“For example people said I am closed mind or not a free thinker because I am strongly opposed to homosexual activities, lifestyle, their political motives, etc”
Good question but it’s not easy to answer.
Trina and Ericjindra are right.
I realize that I see Deaf community seems to have supported to fight ASL accessible as a language for Deaf babies and children, opposing AGB and oral and auditory religiously.
How would you philosophically define the above statement?
It bothers me that anyone who is a free-thinker would oppose DBC and Deafhood being together because he/she wanted DBC members to reject commonly held belief (or several of them) in favor of rational thinking, for example, DBC focuses on ASL accessible Deaf education system for Deaf babies and Children and also Deaf people themselves are progressing and should be examined as a Deafhood.
Can you delete the post with my second comment because it is a mistaken concept? (Fla. Girl — Done!)
Ann_C said,
August 19, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
I suppose we should all be thankful that we live in a country where as individuals we can choose our own religion, our careers and lifestyles, and can vote for who we believe will best represent us in the government. I suppose that in general, choices in life make Americans free thinkers in that sense.
Those in China and other countries with dictator regimes can’t think freely or don’t have much in the way of choices in their lives.
Free thinker to me is someone who can think for himself, without undue influence by another person or group. I don’t believe “free thinking” is an unexamined type of thinking. I try to look at all sides and do my research before expressing my thoughts in an online discussion.
So, to #2 commenter, I’ll word my reply this way:
As for preventing possibility of choosing for ourselves, which is the very essence of free thinking, both pure DEAFHOOD, and the more recent rants (take “colonialized” and “deficit thinker”for examples) against anyone who believe otherwise are intended to stifle dissent.
Dissent is a two-way street, dude, and it’s a healthy indication of the free thinking allowed in this country.
George said,
August 19, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Trina,
Care to enter your “free thinker” mind to explain the definition of the word, free thinker? And what was the commenter’s erroneous definition or attempts to describe “free thinker” concept.
Thank you
EricJindra said,
August 19, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
FloridaGirl,
I am sorry to say this to you. I don’t actually believe that AGB’s motive is to destory deaf culture. I believe they are trying to take advantage of opportunity philosophy for our children. Which that we reaction as destructive of deaf culture… We need to educate them that philosophy isn’t very effective and it depends on very few people. We must be partnership with AGB to push for Bi-Bi beside of oral communication mode. What I mean? We should accept that oral is part of our “back-up” communication and but it shouldn’t be used as primary communication mode for deaf people. I doubt that anyone never spoke without using oral communication in their life. Anyway, we should push for signing language and write/read in English so that they will have best opportunity to communicate with anyone in this society. If they wish to use their oral as their communication mode and we should allow it without any objection as long they knows how to sign a signing language. I strongly believe that is very best definition of strategy to win hearing society.
Many of us don’t like this idea because they are afriad that would take deaf culture down but as for free thinkers and this would be best strategy for deaf world. Maybe crab theory is still effective in our lives. Be aware of it!
I want to challenge you to think harder and analysis about why I am opposed to homosexual’s lifestyle. Bible is a reason, and I don’t see any justify in them. I want to remind you that. I did researched and interacted homo people and yet I still stand with my prospective. DO you calls me as closed minded person or I am open minded and I don’t approves their lifestyle?
_____________
Sonny,
Oh thank you! I was thinking for right definition and there you go. “Critical Thinkers!” Yuppie to your comment. I just wish Dr.DonG could do better than what he vlogged it. He is professor and has Ph.D…
_____________
Some people mentioned religious relate with free thinker. FYI to public, I was atheist and I actually converted many Christians to atheist and I regrets for that. IMO, atheist people are very poor, fool, unwise, and they don’t know their path goes to. They seems wise to themselves but at end they are most wicked and ignorance. I was one of them.
(religious statement deleted — Sorry, Eric, but I’m Jewish, and I don’t want to be religiously proselytized to, and I’m not going to have others putting a proselytizing statement on my site. Stating what you believe is one thing, but I personally don’t like when people put bible quotes and the like anywhere. If we’re interested, we’ll ask you for it….)
EricJindra said,
August 19, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
Dr.DonG,
Gotcha about religious statement deleted. It’s very understandable and thank you for explaining your action.
I couldn’t wait to find permanent place so that I could vlog then you could get idea who I am and what’s my character is like.
See ya around,
Eric
DrDonG said,
August 19, 2008 @ 7:10 pm
Thanks for understanding, Eric.
Will look forward to seeing a vlog from you someday.
Sonny said,
August 19, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
To EricJindra,
Free-thinkers do not make comments such as the ones you made above.
“wicked”, “ignorant”, etc etc.
Freethinking involves refraining from denigrating any group that may not be up to our liking such as other religions or atheists or like myself an agnostic (weak atheist). This also applies to those who embrace deafhood or discard it. Just be respectful.
But hey, that’s your worldview and you are definitely most welcomed to it. I myself recognize the differences between other people and myself without having an ancient book dictate my morals as any reasonable, logical and compassionate person have morality and a sense of morals without the aid of ancient books, intercessors, group-think and the like.
Regards,
Sonny
Regards,
Sonny
EricJindra said,
August 20, 2008 @ 4:29 am
Sonny,
Cool!