James.Womack@f14.n300.z1.fidonet.org (James Womack) (03/28/91)
Index Number: 14514
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Deaf Apartheid (spelled Apartheit by the creators of the term)
seems to fit in the realm of sarcasm that some of you are riled
about. Very well, then, let us all acknowledge that none of us are
innocent regarding this sin of sarcasm. That being done, let us
lay aside and try to behave ourselves as decent folks this time
around. Perhaps in the process, we might even manage to truly
listen to each other. I feel, of course, that I have listened. No
doubt, those of who stand opposite of me feel you have as well.
That may well be so, but I wonder what did you listen to? Did you
note that I have stated more than once how I myself am not
irrevocably opposed to mainstreaming? Did you notice that I even
mentioned, that SEE and other MCE's have a place in education? Did
you notice that I made such statements as these and that it shows
flexibility? I do not recall seeing such flexibility regarding
residential schools or ASL (except I think a brief reference from
Anne Stalkner).
Anne, you asked if what I had to say was limited to my region. I
say thee nay. Tis not. I am a teacher. I go to conferences,
conventions, I subscribe to magazines in my field. I subscribe to
newsletters. Moreover, the people whom I spoke of in my posts,
most are not native Arizonans. They moved here from many places.
Many of the older, formerly oral, formerly mainstreamed people,
come here to get away from people who insist that they remain
conditioned mockeries of hearing people. They don't want to be
that anymore because they have discovered the truth about
themselves. They are deaf and ASL provides them with an medium and
comfortable communication with others like unto themselves. They
have discovered that they are "home." If you truly wish to
understand more of what I have tried gamely to communicate on the
echo, subscribe to The Biculture center (TBC), 5505 Kenilworth
Avenue, Suite 105, Lower Level, Riverdale, Maryland 20737-3106.
No, Anne, my knowledge is not restricted to my region. I cannot
afford to permit it to be. Out of curiosity, what about you?
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