Deaf vs. hearing

[name]

interesting survey:

1. What differences do you see in the Deaf world and the hearing world?

2. Do you feel there are any differences in the way the Deaf and the hearing think? Do they come from different backgrounds in the way they think, or are they the same?

3. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the Deaf world?

4. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the hearing world?

5. What would you say is the single biggest barrier that makes these worlds distinctive/separate?

6. In your opinion, why is it that some Deaf people seemingly dislike those belonging to the hearing world (they can be deaf or hearing)?

7. For those who are Deaf: When did you first realize that you were Deaf and that the majority of people in this world were not? How did that make you feel?

8. For those who are hearing: when did you first realize that there were people who could not hear? What was your reaction?

9. When and how were you introduced to Sign Language?

10. Have you ever felt exploited by the other world (the Deaf exploited by the hearing; the hearing exploited by the Deaf)? Or do you feel that there is now equal treatment on both sides?

 

[shel90]

interesting survey:

1. What differences do you see in the Deaf world and the hearing world?

Differences I see is that more people seem to stay in touch with each other or more close ties in the Deaf world than the Hearing World. The Hearing world tend to respect people's privacy better.

2. Do you feel there are any differences in the way the Deaf and the hearing think? Do they come from different backgrounds in the way they think, or are they the same?

I have no idea...everyone is really different in each worlds so really no difference.

3. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the Deaf world?

What I find frustrating is so many deaf people are discouraged and have given up on improving themselves even though they are intelligent people. What I find intriguing is how small the world is! People knowing each other from all over the world. It is amazing!

4. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the hearing world?

Frustrating about the Hearing world would be lack of tolerance for Deaf people or thinking they are better than us. What do I find intriguing about it is that there is more and more Hearing people interested in learning ASL without having any deaf connections.

5. What would you say is the single biggest barrier that makes these worlds distinctive/separate?

Communication and intolerance

6. In your opinion, why is it that some Deaf people seemingly dislike those belonging to the hearing world (they can be deaf or hearing)?

Feelings of rejection, especially those who are deaf. Like they arent good enough for them.

7. For those who are Deaf: When did you first realize that you were Deaf and that the majority of people in this world were not? How did that make you feel?

I grew up mainstreamed as the only deaf person. It made me feel inferior cuz I was the kind of person who didnt want to stand out.

8. For those who are hearing: when did you first realize that there were people who could not hear? What was your reaction?

9. When and how were you introduced to Sign Language?

When I was 25 years old when I took ASL I at ASU for foreign language requirement. Changed my life!

10. Have you ever felt exploited by the other world (the Deaf exploited by the hearing; the hearing exploited by the Deaf)? Or do you feel that there is now equal treatment on both sides?

Growing up, I felt exploited by the Hearing world especially peers because I had no self esteem and let them walk all over me so they took full advantage of that getting me to do things for them that I wouldnt do. Yes, partly my fault for not believing in myself.

Right now, I dont see a lot of exploitment from both worlds personally but I have heard stories..

 

[Dixie]

interesting survey:

1. What differences do you see in the Deaf world and the hearing world?
The deafies by far are more close knit than the hearing. The hearing are afraid to ask certain questions about each other whereas the Deaf want to know this info on the first meet up. Very interesting really.

2. Do you feel there are any differences in the way the Deaf and the hearing think? Do they come from different backgrounds in the way they think, or are they the same?
Deafies tend to be much more direct in their thoughts. They dont go through a whole litany of things, they just get directly to the point, but at the same time if you ask them how their day has been, they will tell you what they had for lunch and everything else in between. Not a bad thing at all. The Hearing are more likely to go through more detail about things but if you ask a hearing person how their day has been and you'll only get "Fine." and they're gone.

3. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the Deaf world? That sometimes the deaf are very clique-ish and that sometimes you are not deaf enough to join, but at the same time there are groups out there that welcome the hearing who are able to sign fluently. What I like about the deaf world is that once you are in that club you have a whole band of friends that will be there for you at the drop of a hat and they will be there to defend you for the most part. The Deaf know how to stick together.

4. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the hearing world? The most frustrating thing about the hearing world is that they are not very open or tolerant of those with disabilites or they have that 'deaf and dumb' stereptype stuck in their heads and refuse to believe otherwise. And they often do treat the deaf as a second class citizen of sorts by talking to you like a small child. It was very frustrating for me to be 14 years old and my mom still insisted she order my food for me at restaurants, finally I had to go off on her in the middle of The Cracker Barrel for her to get the point that I did not need her ordering my food for me like I was a retard. It also hurt that they did not want me playing high school sports for a long time because I could not hear.

5. What would you say is the single biggest barrier that makes these worlds distinctive/separate?
The fact that one world can hear and is not accepting of those who cannot hear and the other world is silent and sometimes wants nothing to do with the hearing world, and add to that the attitudes on both sides and even sometimes the communication barrier between the two.
6. In your opinion, why is it that some Deaf people seemingly dislike those belonging to the hearing world (they can be deaf or hearing)?

7. For those who are Deaf: When did you first realize that you were Deaf and that the majority of people in this world were not? How did that make you feel? I first realized I could not hear very well when I was about 4 or 5 and I was just like OMG I am not able to hear things that the other kids can and it was quite frustrating. but there was nothing I could do about it so after sulking for 2 or 3 months I finally got out of it and moved on about my life.

8. For those who are hearing: when did you first realize that there were people who could not hear? What was your reaction? Since I was the only kid my family with hearing problems I really did not know about the Deaf until I was in 4th or 5th grade when the GT clubs (god I hated those kids) were learning about sign language and I was not because I was not gifted nor talented enough to be a part of their club. When I saw the GT kids signing back and forth in class I pulled one off to the side once and asked - what are you doing and the girl said "sign language and its something you wouldnt understand" and this was from the mouth of a fully hearing kid. I was extremely pizzed after that. So what did I do? I went to the library and checked out books on sign language and realized there are other people in this world like me that use this as their primary language. But I was afraid my parents would not like me signing so I never learned plus I wasnt at the age where I could really self-teach myself anything and be able to keep the knowledge for long. I already had enough of a struggle learning multiplication tables.

9. When and how were you introduced to Sign Language?]
My first introduction to sign was in 4th grade, read my answer above for the details, then again in the ninth grade when my English teacher showed us a video on sign language in class one day when she needed a day off to get some paperwork done before spring break. Thats where I learned a few signs such as "day", "mom" "dad" "boy" "girl" really basic stuff. The signs just stuck in my head for all these years. Then in 2001 I started learning the signs to one song for the youth group and the youth pastor said I signed so well that I had to start going up there and sign the song, thats where I learned a few more signs such as "name" "jesus" "savior" "love" "power" "strength" etc. And now I am here many years later and taking the ASL much more seriously.

10. Have you ever felt exploited by the other world (the Deaf exploited by the hearing; the hearing exploited by the Deaf)? Or do you feel that there is now equal treatment on both sides? Absolutely. There have been times I was called deaf and dumb, retard, and people that have used my lack of hearing to take advantage of me. During those bad experiences there were so many times I wished I were fully hearing and not deaf because there were times I actually believed my deafness caused me to be dumb. but now it is not so bad since Ive found people who are more accepting of me and my little quirks, its not perfect but its better.

And so there are my answers.

 

[Hwy99]

interesting survey:

1. What differences do you see in the Deaf world and the hearing world?

Deaf world is more visual, and very quiet compare to hearing world.

2. Do you feel there are any differences in the way the Deaf and the hearing think? Do they come from different backgrounds in the way they think, or are they the same?

They are just the same. Everyone thinks about different things, and that's what people are.

3. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the Deaf world?

I never frustrated with deaf world

4. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the hearing world?

Only the frustrating about hearing world to me is they think too much about money and are impatient compare to deaf world.

5. What would you say is the single biggest barrier that makes these worlds distinctive/separate?

I don't understand this questions, I am sorry.

6. In your opinion, why is it that some Deaf people seemingly dislike those belonging to the hearing world (they can be deaf or hearing)?

Well there is many reason why some of Deafies dislike hearing people, main reason is discrimination. Some of their parents treat them like shit because of their deafness, some people making fun of them because of their deafness, there is many reason for that.

7. For those who are Deaf: When did you first realize that you were Deaf and that the majority of people in this world were not? How did that make you feel?

I can't answer that because I am a born profounded deaf, I didn't know that I am as a "deaf" when I was baby, just knowing I don't hear, till I was probably 2 years old or something I understand the word of "Deaf". My parents first found out that I was deaf when I was 1 year old.

8. For those who are hearing: when did you first realize that there were people who could not hear? What was your reaction?

Sorry I am deaf I can't answer this

9. When and how were you introduced to Sign Language?

When my parents brought me to doctor and the doctor found out I was deaf, the doctor offer my parents the sign language courses for me so my parents took it along while I was learning during my preschool. I raised with the sign language whole my life and the sign language is my first language before English.

10. Have you ever felt exploited by the other world (the Deaf exploited by the hearing; the hearing exploited by the Deaf)? Or do you feel that there is now equal treatment on both sides?

Well it depends on how people social. Some people prefer to stay prejudge against each other, some people prefer being equal.

There you go, and welcome to All Deaf

 

[Berry]

interesting survey:

1. What differences do you see in the Deaf world and the hearing world?

Hearing people take their hearing for granted and never think about it until they meet a deaf person. Then they find out one of their primary assumptions is not true ... And they are totally lost. How they handle this sudden epiphany tells a lot about their character.

Deaf people are always aware there are both deaf and hearing people in the world.

2. Do you feel there are any differences in the way the Deaf and the hearing think? Do they come from different backgrounds in the way they think, or are they the same?

Yes.

The majority of hearing people go through life beliving in their certainty, believing they are right and believing they know what is going on all the time. The truth is they are wrong -- science has shown we miss 90% or more of what is going on at any given time -- But most hearing people do not realize that. Most hearing people don't realize just how limited their senses actually are and that they are missing a few that would be very useful. (Some creatures can sense wave lenghts we are not even aware exist. Now wouldn't that be fun?)

Deaf people are always aware there is, or may be, something they are missing. They realize their senses are not all encompassing. It may appear to be a disadvantage physically, but psychologically it brings them much closer to the truth of reality.

3. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the Deaf world?

I love ASL but my skills have slid past painful to watch. While most of my family signs they are all hearing and it is just easier to speak to me than to sign to me. I will not inflict myself on people who are not already my friends and I have not had a deaf friend in years. Somehow I am in a limbo here and not sure what to do about it. One solution might be to delibrately seek out deaf friends, but I don't have the time to properly tend to the friends and family I already have -- How will I make time for new friends?

4. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the hearing world?

Hearing people as a rule do not listen to anyone -- Including themselves. If they listened to what they themselves say they would realize a good part of it makes no sense at all -- And when you point this out to them they get very angry.

5. What would you say is the single biggest barrier that makes these worlds distinctive/separate?

Fear. Fear that everything people think they know, fear that everything they believe, fear that the assumptions they have lived by -- Are wrong.

6. In your opinion, why is it that some Deaf people seemingly dislike those belonging to the hearing world (they can be deaf or hearing)?

Hearing people belittle each other over minor differences in speach patterns. People with a lisp or an accent are considered somehow "inferior". It does not take many instences like this to reach the conclusion the next hearing person you meet is just one more jerk to be dealt with.

Hearing people are not all jerks, but enough of them are to at least appear to be a majority.

7. For those who are Deaf: When did you first realize that you were Deaf and that the majority of people in this world were not? How did that make you feel?

8. For those who are hearing: when did you first realize that there were people who could not hear? What was your reaction?

My mother told me while we discussed language. My reaction was curiosity.

9. When and how were you introduced to Sign Language?

My mother told me there were deaf people who could talk with their hands. One day I met a CODA. He was treated poorly because his parents were deaf. I asked if he could talk with his hands and if he would teach me. At that time signing in school was punished by suspension. We were suspended a lot.

10. Have you ever felt exploited by the other world (the Deaf exploited by the hearing; the hearing exploited by the Deaf)? Or do you feel that there is now equal treatment on both sides?

When I was a kid there was no ADA and no one had yet heard of deaf interpreters: Signing was not considered a language and authorities saw no need to make accomadations for deaf -- Or any need to even be polite. My friend and I were often called upon to act as intermediary between the hearing authorities and deaf people. It was not a pleasent chore.

 

[Capmeister]

1. What differences do you see in the Deaf world and the hearing world?
Probably the same as others have said. Deaf culture seems to be more blunt, but also more cliquish

2. Do you feel there are any differences in the way the Deaf and the hearing think? Do they come from different backgrounds in the way they think, or are they the same?
In the physiological manner in which they form concepts? No difference, other than there is one less perceptive input (hearing) in the deaf. In the way they think about things? No--just depends on the person. In the manner in which they think TO themselves? I sort of think in my own voice. I've asked some deaf people who they think to themselves, and often am told that it's in pictures, or sometimes signs (in a way) and maybe even words on a "page."

3. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the Deaf world?
I'm frustrated when someone who is deaf assigns a quality to ALL hearing people. I find it fascinating how different people cope with (or ignore) their lack of one sensory input.

4. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the hearing world?
From a deaf-world perspective (or from one related to it) I find the ignorance about the deaf frustrating, as well as the hearing person tendancy to think they know what is best for a deaf person. Speaking generally, of course.

5. What would you say is the single biggest barrier that makes these worlds distinctive/separate?
Communication. It's why, with computers and such, the barriers are beginning to narrow.

6. In your opinion, why is it that some Deaf people seemingly dislike those belonging to the hearing world (they can be deaf or hearing)?
Uninformed paranoia, sometimes? Personal negative experience other times.

7. For those who are Deaf: When did you first realize that you were Deaf and that the majority of people in this world were not? How did that make you feel?
N/A

8. For those who are hearing: when did you first realize that there were people who could not hear? What was your reaction?
There was a kid in elementry school who wore hearing aids. My reaction was something like, "ah, okay. That's cool." Later on, I was very interested any time I saw sign language. I thought it was cool. When I was about 10 I met a man--friend of my dad's cousin--who was deaf and he taught me a few signs. I thought it was very cool.

9. When and how were you introduced to Sign Language?
Saw it at a young age and was interested. Later learned to fingerspell, then when I had a reason to learn to communicate with someone who has become a little brother to me, I learned in earnest. Took me about 9 months to become fluent.

10. Have you ever felt exploited by the other world (the Deaf exploited by the hearing; the hearing exploited by the Deaf)? Or do you feel that there is now equal treatment on both sides?
There will never be full "equal" treatment--however you could even quantify it. Life isn't fair, but you cope with the hand dealt you. I've met deaf people who take advantage of their deafness to get money, or sympathy. I've met hearing people who take advantage of their problems the same way. I wouldn't say I've ever felt exploited by the deaf--but I've felt exploited by people who happened to be deaf. Some people just exploit others--deaf, hearing, blind, whatever.

 

[Capmeister]

The majority of hearing people go through life beliving in their certainty, believing they are right and believing they know what is going on all the time. The truth is they are wrong -- science has shown we miss 90% or more of what is going on at any given time -- But most hearing people do not realize that. Most hearing people don't realize just how limited their senses actually are and that they are missing a few that would be very useful. (Some creatures can sense wave lenghts we are not even aware exist. Now wouldn't that be fun?)

Deaf people are always aware there is, or may be, something they are missing. They realize their senses are not all encompassing. It may appear to be a disadvantage physically, but psychologically it brings them much closer to the truth of reality.

A very astute observation.

 

[ASLGAL]

1. What differences do you see in the Deaf world and the hearing world?

I find that Deaf are far more open and express their opinions whether the person they are talking with likes it or not. The hearing are much more guarded and care more about perceptions than reality.

2. Do you feel there are any differences in the way the Deaf and the hearing think? Do they come from different backgrounds in the way they think, or are they the same?

I do not think Deaf and hearing think all that much differently. Deaf and hearing come from all kinds of backgrounds.

3. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the Deaf world?

Frustrating - Being too slow at expressing myself sometimes when the conversations get going.
Intriguing - The strong bonds that form between people and the ability to overcome stupid people.

4. What do you find frustrating, and what do you find intriguing about the hearing world?

Frustrating - Lack of ability or lack of desire to adapt , not all obviously, but the inability to use talents and skills in positive ways has to be right up there on the list.

5. What would you say is the single biggest barrier that makes these worlds distinctive/separate?

I have to agree that lack of good communication is the biggest single barrier.

6. In your opinion, why is it that some Deaf people seemingly dislike those belonging to the hearing world (they can be deaf or hearing)?

I feel it has to come from the way a person is raised and their own bad experiences with the hearing world.

7. For those who are Deaf: When did you first realize that you were Deaf and that the majority of people in this world were not? How did that make you feel?

N/A

8. For those who are hearing: when did you first realize that there were people who could not hear? What was your reaction?

When I was very young. I just knew that I had to make sure my deaf friends were looking at me when we communicated. They were great kids and great friends, I don't remember thinking much about it really.

9. When and how were you introduced to Sign Language?

Introduced at different times during life to varying degrees. Seriously began studying ASL for job, and now totally immersed because my DH is very HH and losing his hearing.

10. Have you ever felt exploited by the other world (the Deaf exploited by the hearing; the hearing exploited by the Deaf)? Or do you feel that there is now equal treatment on both sides?

Sometimes certain Deaf have played games to get special treatment (acting dumb when you know they are not), Sometimes certain hearing people are mean and hateful (but these types are usually mean and hatefull to everyone)
No. I still do not feel there is equal treatment on both sides, but I think it has gotten much better over the years and will continue to get better.

Very Interesting Survey!!

 

[Berry]

A very astute observation.

*Blush* Thank you.