Last post Sun, Apr 20 2008 2:31 AM by Becky. 3 replies.
It seems so many view the deaf as less then. Lately some think it's cool to make fun of me being deaf. It's a low blow and shows no class. Believe me being deaf does not mean we're dumb. We can do anything we want just like hearing people, we are just unable to hear. People who are deaf can have great careers, graduate from college, get married and have kids etc. I'm a big advocate, and I run a meeting for the deaf, and those who are in our community. Some need help dealing with public or employers etc. It's just getting your foot in the door that can be rough. If I just became deaf and sat on my ass, never went outside, never learned signing or ways to communicate I'd be a victim but I'm not. I don't see myself disabled due to being deaf. I know people are different but I'm speaking for me. I remember what it was like to hear, and I know what its like not hearing. I think it's so easy for most to say losing your hearing is not all that extreme. I don't hear an alarm clock going off, or my husband snoring, I don't use a regular telephone, I don't hear birds churping in the morning. I don't hear the door bell ring etc. But it's not the end of the world. I'm alive, I found I had to get tough and care about myself and have confidence I could still be something as a deaf woman. So remember deaf people may not hear but there is nothing wrong with us other wise. It's possible to be happy. I think to myself I've seen the ignorance of people at its best, and some one new proves that wrong. Instead of judging us focus on your own life. It may just be some deaf person one day who steals your job or one ups you. Wonders how other dead members on here can relate and if they experience a lot of judgemental pricks out in the world. What have you accomplished even though your deaf? Are you happy despite being deaf? Did I make any sense? It just bothers me when those have nothing else to go at some one with, so they pick being deaf. It's not like I can say I'm sorry you don't like me deaf let me hear for you... that's unrealistic.
I know my mom says people can be very cruel (she's not deaf, just on her way there). People tend to get huffy and treat her like a childn when she doesn't hear them. Ugh. I wonder if this hearkens back to the days when we called people "deaf and dumb." Whatever it is, it chaps my hide and I can only imagine how frustrating it is for you.
"People who think rape is about sex confuse the weapon with the motivation."Alice Vachss
Totally unbelievable I mean unless those people are no older than 12. That has got to anger you or it would anger me if I were in your shoes.
You are living proof that someone who is deaf can also be an awesome, successful individual. That's my view.
Sherry
Shelley,
I do not have a hearing loss, but I grew up next door to a woman who had otosclerosis. She had four children and became progressively deafer (more deaf?) with each pregnancy. Sorry, I didn't know exactly how to word that. Finally the disease progressed till she was totally deaf. She was a delightful, strong and loving woman. I spent a lot of time at her house, as a child and an adult, talking to her and her husband. She could read lips. She died a few years ago and I miss her a lot.
I am on a discrimination run here tonight. I am sorry people treat you so cruely. I am angry about how people can be so mean. You are also a strong woman and should be proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations on your pregnancy. I hope all goes well with you and your baby.
