Deafhood is a theory… So?
Some people have dismissed Deafhood because it is a “theory”, and have suggested that a new idea be created. This is my response to this notion.
For YouTube version: Click Here
Some people have dismissed Deafhood because it is a “theory”, and have suggested that a new idea be created. This is my response to this notion.
For YouTube version: Click Here
MM said,
October 31, 2009 @ 10:40 am
Mr Ladd attempts to use numerous ideas based, on ‘struggle’, acceptances, (Fear let’s get to it), and it has struck a chord with deaf people (especially those from or still within what was the ‘deaf community), which I believe no longer exists in that form. I think they are buckling under the onslaught of ‘progress’, and even access has been a double-edged sword for them, let’s not delve into ‘unity’ and ‘diversity’ and dissapear to an endless argument of what that really means.
A man with the right message at the right time for some deaf, but he left no guide as to how they can pursue ‘deafhood’ without re-isolating themselves again from everyone else. I Understand the deaf.read thing has done it for online unity, The ‘search’ for self awareness begins as it always does with you, I don’t think anyone needs a guide to what is best for them, because then it sounds like ‘teaching’ you to be something you are not.
We live in the 21stc, not the 19th (1881), where a number of deaf seem determined to stay rooted, it is novel using the internet to do that, but is it relevant, is your ‘journey’ really neccessary ? Don you sound as though you already are happy where you are. You have to temper this with the fact one man’s idealogy or ‘theory’ is another man’s dillemma or oppression. Mr Ladd tells you to go, but he says not where, I think the bible, is based on the same concept, a bit too spooky for me personally…. The danger is deaf people adopting a spiritual attitude to deafhood, then it becomes something entirely different, and very contentious.
What was a dusty book intended for dustier university shelving is a red flag to many and is divisive, maybe not because Mr Ladd intended that, but he has no control over what readers will ASSUME. American Deafhood is already vastly different from what was intended.
DrDonG said,
October 31, 2009 @ 11:55 am
MM –Sigh…. you and I can go back and forth on this one…. we already have…. I don’t have anything to add here that I think will get through to you….