Deaf Community cont.
What does the creation of the Deaf community suggest to those outside of the community about, for example, deaf people's abilities, desires or interests?
- To hearing people, the creation of a Deaf community suggested that Deaf people are just like hearing people. They enjoy doing the same things that hearing people do. They play sports, participate in theatre and socialize with friends. A strong Deaf community brought out a better understanding and acceptance of deafness for deaf and hearing people alike. Deaf people finally felt like they belonged
What challenges and/or divisions exist within this community?
- In the Deaf community a common division arises with the use of ASL. Just like in English there is variations of words and different regions use different words. Aside from the use of different words expression can also be different. In the black Deaf community they are considered to be more expressive than in a white Deaf community.
How is this community different from and/or similar to the notion of a community in general?
- A community is defined as a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists. According to this definition the Deaf have formed their own community just as everyone else has. They are a group of people who share a common characteristic (being Deaf) and because of this characteristic they are distinct from others in the society. Also the Deaf community is very collectivist. This is another distinct characteristic. In the United States, we are very individualistic, we look out for ourselves and immediate family first and foremost. In a Deaf community they put the good of the whole community before anything else.
Deaf Community
Based on the film and the excerpted quotes below, how would you describe the Deaf community?
- Just like in hearing communities, deaf are attracted to each other because they are like-minded, or have similar interests. Throughout the history of the Deaf community, people have also helped each other in many ways. In schools, students would teach each other signs that they weren’t allowed to learn in school, and they would support each other in working on their signing.
Would you describe the Deaf community as an ethnic community?
- Yes, the deaf community is sort of like an ethnic community. They have their own schools, newspapers, language, and even culture. This would make them considered somewhat of an ethnic group. One aspect of an ethnic group that the Deaf community does not fit into is “ancestry.” In fact, deafness is usually only one generation deep. Usually, if a child is deaf, his parents are not. Therefore, the Deaf “ethnic” community cannot trace its ancestry, but has a lot of culture like an ethnic group would.
How was/is the Deaf community formed?
- The deaf culture that was formed in schools for deaf children started coming up all across the country in deaf clubs for adults. Deaf schools is a big way that the deaf community can be formed. There are also sports teams, theatrical societies, and travel groups for the Deaf community to take part in.
Reflection
What did you think of the film?
- I think the film was a huge eye opener. I will have to admit, I used to be one of those people who often questioned the ways of deaf people and how they operate, but I have learned they're no different than us. They interact the same way, believe the same things we believe, they are just at the disadvantage of not being able to hear. This film taught me all about the positive sides of being deaf and how their lives aren't much different than ours.
What stood out for you?
- The one thing that stood out for me was how they used to think that being deaf was a giant sin. It's something that they can't help, yet people highly frowned upon anyone who couldn't hear. I can understand being confused about not having the ability to hear, but to think it's a huge problem with someone and to look down upon them? I think it's rude! Not being able to hear is the norm for them.
What did you learn about deaf culture, community, and history?
- I learned a lot from this movie about how deaf people came to be how they are today and how they operate in today's society. Deaf people communicate easily and fluently amongst one another. People often think of deaf people as "different" because hearing people are "the norm," but any deaf person could argue that we are the ones at the disadvantage. They've grown up like this. This is what they know. They are a very supportive community towards each other, just as hearing people are to each other.
Reflection cont.
Did the film reinforce something you already knew about the Deaf community?
- Yes, the deaf are very proud people. They are not ashamed of the fact that they are Deaf and they don’t think different of themselves. We’ve been learning in class about Deaf Culture and how the deaf feel they are normal, and don’t need to be “fixed” and I think that was emphasized in this film as well.
Is there something of your own experiences that was reflected in the film?
- In the film, it talks a lot about how if Deaf people only verbally speak to hearing people, the hearing people tend to assume that they can hear them if they just talk back, without any interpretation or hand signs. This causes miscommunication and a barrier between the two people. This relates to an experience I’ve had because my uncle is deaf, but he can speak fairly well. For years when I would see him, I would always be confused as to why he would talk to me, but then when I would respond he would just shake or nod his head. Or when I would be in the other room and yell his name, and he wouldn’t come into the room, but if I came to him and tapped him on the shoulder, he would turn around right away. Once I got older, I understood that even though I can hear him, he can’t hear me.
Did you feel that there was there anything left unsaid in the film?
- The film doesn’t really cover the Deaf people’s opinion of hearing parents who have their deaf children learn through the oral method, and vice versa, or of other deaf people who have cochlear implants. There is no right or wrong way to raise a child and there’s no right or wrong way to be deaf, but it would have been interesting to find out how those who are deaf think about things like this.
Through Deaf Eyes
& The Deaf Community
Alison Bagli, Lindsey Hayko, Tyler Huckstep, Rachel Murphy