Vixen.*@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen *) (01/05/90)
Index Number: 6044
Hi Pat person,
Well, I can't speak for others here, hearing or non hearing, only
for myself. My experience has been, that "yes" some deaf people are
extremely rude to people who do not sign well and the reasons for
this may be varied and even understandable, but, in my opinion, it
is still mean-hearted, thoughtless and childish behaviour.
As I recently said in another post, being hearing impaired does not
automatically instill any "class" in a person. Deaf people can be
just as stinky as hearing people.
However, that is not "all" deaf people, only some, as I am sure you
realize. As I have continued along with my signing education, my
experience has been that most deaf people are very open to me (if
they are not put off by my visual limitations and optical
devices).
Although, I must be honest and say that a number of the hearing
impaired "I" meet or know, seem to be the more tolerant of my ASL
boos boos and blunders when they know that I am also hearing
impaired.
On the other hand, I know "hearing people" that approach signing to
someone as though it were a sort of game or seemed to want impress
others by "signing" (no matter how badly). Though I think ASL is a
beautiful langauge in and of itself, to me, it is means to
communicate with other human beings above and beyond all else.
The are a lot of social complexieties invovled in all of this, and
what I know about the "deaf culture" would fit in a thimble, but
like all else, it seems to me that it calls for tolerance,
understanding and education on both sides of the fence. (Also,
taking down those damn dividing lines!)
Yes, I have experienced being "brusehd aside" and treated rudely by
deaf people and I have expereinced the same with hearing people.
But, for the most part, I have found deaf people more willing to
embrace me than reject me. Maybe moreso than many hearing people!
Anyway, that's my experience for what it's worth!
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
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Internet: Vixen.*@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.orgPat.Goltz@f3.n300.z1.fidonet.org (Pat Goltz) (01/05/90)
Index Number: 6085
Hi.
I have to agree with you in your lengthy message about how deaf people
treat you. My personal experience has been that if I meet a deafie under
less than casual circumstances, they always treat me right, eventually. I
don't know if you'd call meeting my deafie's relatives casual
circumstances or not, but if they ARE casual, then I have always been
treated right by deafies immediately when I meet them in less than casual
circumstances. To tell the truth, now that I think about it, there is a
certain tendency on the part of hearing folks to not want intrusion in a
public place, and I have been treated rudely.
My complaint is primarily against any deafie who is rude to me solely
because my sign is not proficient, and for no other reason. Since I have
been told this can happen, I believe it, and plead for a change in
attitude.
I suspect the fact that you are hard of hearing does make people more
tolerant of you, but I try to make up for that in charm. <grin>
Keepin' the faith.
Pat
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Internet: Pat.Goltz@f3.n300.z1.fidonet.orgVixen.*@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen *) (01/05/90)
Index Number: 6106
Hi,
Well, as I said, all I could really speak from was my own personal
experience. But, you know how it is, anyone can be a jerk, hearing
or deaf, abled bodied or disABLED.
It takes no talent to be rude and insensitive, anyone can do it.
Although, it is sad.
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
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