Introduction to Deafhood: What could have been, Part 2
I am beginning a series of vlogs explaining the theory of Deafhood, as presented in Paddy Ladd’s book, “Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood”. In these vlogs, I will summarize the points raised by Dr. Ladd, with some expansion as necessary. This is an approach I used in the “Deafhood Forums” I led in Sacramento for a year and a half two years ago. After I presented my summary (and sometimes during…) the group members discussed the points. You may use these vlogs to form your own Deafhood discussion groups, or to have an online discussion group here. This is part 1 of a 2-part vlog discussing our Deaf history, focusing on the positive aspects of our history. I am starting with this because this is part of what inspired me about Deafhood while reading Dr. Ladd’s book.
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- I will be posting more, on the theory of Deafhood, as time permits. For those of you who may entering the discussion late, you will be able to find the whole set of vlogs on the theory of Deafhood in the category “Deafhood Explained” within my site. Looking forward to discussing and sharing Deafhood with you all!
- I ask that comments be restricted to discussion about the points raised in the vlogs. Please do not bother sending comments that you “hate Deafhood” … I have already heard this multiple times, on my vlogs or elsewhere. If you feel you do not want to bother with Deafhood, that is your right. I am doing this for those of you who are curious what Deafhood is about or want to learn more (or just can’t get through Paddy’s book, which I admit was one of the toughest books to read, EVER — and I’m one of the biggest bookworms of them all!
Ella said,
August 13, 2008 @ 11:11 pm
Bless you, Dr.DonG, for bringing a fresh “refresher” on Deafhood for me. People have asked me if there’s some “summaries” of what’s discussed in Paddy Ladd’s book. It’s something I know we need to create. Your dedication to volunteering this kind of work for the vlogging community is precious! Now, I can refer people to your vlogs to get “warmed up” to read the book if they so desire. Even if not ready to read the book, the information you shared is indeed interesting and important. Thank you!
Barb DiGi said,
August 14, 2008 @ 10:59 am
As a Deaf history buff, I tremendously enjoyed watching your vlog on part I and II focusing on the “before and after” effects but at the same time felt sad about the harsh realities on the decline of academic/social performance among Deaf people today.
It is evident that the interference from the Darwinism theory that existed in the late 1800’s during the Age of Imperialism influenced the change in the Deaf education system that the concept of bilingual instruction had been brushed under the carpet thanks to the infamous decision during the Congress of Milan 1880. It is just an obsession to mold Deaf children to be like hearing people that they are being poked in their ears as part of experimental process especially in the old days, puppeted in mimicking speech, drilled with repetition on speech, etc. thus, taking away invaluable time in learning enriched natural signed language during the window of opportunity making it too late for them to achieve literacy.
As for today, people assume that advanced listening devices mean the use of sign language is no longer relevant which is a dangerous assumption to make.
I would like to forward your videos to social studies teachers in where I work seeing the value of how it can be shown when incorporating Deaf History when teaching World History if that is ok with you! I look forward to more of your vlogs! Thanks!!
Shelley said,
August 16, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
Don,
As a history buff, I echo what Barb said. I would most definitely share your vlogs with my colleagues, and show them to my children (at least the older ones until the younger ones are old enough).
I agree with Barb that this is definitely Social Studies material, and I would say this is material for Deaf Studies.
I cannot add much to what the other commenters have said, except that I really enjoyed your vlogs!
Shel
DrDonG said,
August 16, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
Hi Shelley,
Sure, use the vlogs to share with your colleagues! Educational use is definitely “fair use”!