Have Boots, Will Travel. Why? Part 2
In The Rebuttal’s post Have Boots Will Travel, the author lists some people who have sought opportunities overseas, and one in particular who he claims cannot return to Australia, because there are no opportunities.
It’s true.
There aren’t many opportunities for Deaf people in Australia. Especially, if you want to kick out against the welfare-charity model of existence. It’s pointless holding your breath waiting for opportunities to be created, because the welfare-charity model holds us back. If only because the hearing world has trouble dealing with Deaf [indeed disability] outside this model. But also, it suits the status quo, that is the maintenance of the welfare-charity model.
However, all that is an argument for another time.
The isue at hand is the author’s, of Have Boots Will Travel, comment that one person cannot return to australia because there are no opportunities for him That prompted me to ask a rather pertinent question. One simple question. A question directed at everybody out there who is Deaf or involved in Deafness.
My point is not to trivialise where and why people seek opportunities. But the question has to be asked.
“Why aren’t any of these so called pioneers creating opportunities?”
Indeed, “Why aren’t any Deafies here in Australia creating opportunities?” It’s not enough that people leave our shores to seek further advancement. It’s great that Deafies are going out there and doing things, but if nothing is fed back into the culture that nutured them?
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