Greetings, my friend!
In my previous post, I delved into a topic that's close to my heart: "What Does It Really Mean To Be Deaf?" I took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing my personal perspective on Deafness.
Being Deaf is like living in a distinct world.
Every day, I navigate a society that primarily values hearing as the primary mode of communication and interaction. Unfortunately, this often leads to the exclusion and disadvantages faced by Deaf individuals. I'm confident that I'm not alone in these sentiments—many Deaf people share similar experiences.
Let me emphasize that Deaf individuals are just as socially adept as those with hearing. However, our life experiences and our way of navigating the world are distinctive and challenging.
My dear friends, I invite you to step into my world as a Deaf person and gain insights into life in a predominantly hearing society. I'll explain why existing in the hearing world can be both demanding and exceptional. But, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's delve into some history. The Deaf community boasts a rich and captivating narrative.
Here's an intriguing fact: Sign language was prohibited in many communities for an extended period, with children being instructed to read lips and speak. Can you fathom that?This misguided practice aimed to assimilate Deaf individuals into the broader hearing community. In other words, hearing individuals wanted Deaf people to be just like them—to think, act, speak, write, and read like those with hearing. It's enough to boggle the mind!
So, why did hearing individuals try to change us? Well, they genuinely believed that their approach was the most effective. Regrettably, this denied us the opportunity to recognize and cherish our unique culture.
Fast-forward to today, where Deaf individuals have made tremendous strides in preserving our language and culture. However, there is still much work to be done. Despite the challenges faced in a hearing world, it's crucial to highlight that Deaf individuals are just as socially competent and mature as their hearing counterparts. We're not so different. Yes, we may acquire certain skills differently, but the end result is the same. Let me illustrate this with an example.
For me, the journey of language acquisition has been unique, involving extensive effort with the support of my parents, tutors, workbooks, and books. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, though it demanded a significant amount of time and energy. It required dedication and perseverance. I had to work diligently, perhaps twice as hard as those with hearing who can effortlessly learn language through auditory means. During my learning years, I often felt envious of those who could learn quickly and easily.
Years later, in adulthood, I came to realize that this distinction is not a disadvantage but rather a unique facet of our culture. The learning experiences have molded me into the Deaf person I am today. Many Deaf individuals may relate to my experiences of learning and acquiring language. However, the Deaf community utilizes sign languages to communicate and express themselves. These sign languages are not mere alternative forms of communication; they are distinct languages with their own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. These languages are integral to our culture and identity. Through them, Deaf individuals convey their rich cultural heritage, centered around the experience of deafness.
Here's an intriguing tidbit: I didn't fully grasp Deaf culture, including American Sign Language, until I turned 30! From infancy through my senior year of high school, I relied on my voice, lip-reading, and the help of friends, books, notes, and tutors. I never had an interpreter, and I missed out on a wealth of information. I was perpetually exhausted by day's end, and I often felt left out of various events, outings, performances, and announcements. This made me lose touch with my identity and prevented me from embracing my Deaf identity because I aspired to be like those with hearing.
As a Deaf individual, I still feel like an outsider in the hearing world. Even when I excel at speaking and lip-reading, I still experience a sense of exclusion from the hearing community. It can be challenging for those with hearing to fully grasp my experiences. I've never experienced sound without my trusty hearing aids, and this reality can be difficult for those with hearing to comprehend. This disconnect can create barriers and isolation that are not easily overcome.
Nevertheless, I take immense pride in my upbringing, language, and culture.
Living in a hearing world as a Deaf person can be challenging, but it's not without its rewards. Remember, being Deaf doesn't equate to being disadvantaged or incapable.
Today, I stand as a proud, diverse, and thriving individual with a wealth of knowledge to share. This sentiment holds true for many Deaf individuals who yearn to be recognized, heard, and respected. I now wholeheartedly embrace my culture, language, and identity as a Deaf person, no longer striving to fit into the hearing mold.
Thank you, dear friends, for embarking on this journey into my world.
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