- Joined
- Aug 7, 2008
- Messages
- 4,335
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I wanted to share my observations and realizations after being on AD for several days. I've been looking over the controversial threads such as ASL/SEE/Oralism/etc. and views on CI. I see a lot of judgment or personal views of which is best, which is perfectly fine (as long it's diplomatic). However, it made me realize one thing about my life. I strongly believe that how I was raised/taught brought me to my full potential, but maybe I'm wrong. I was born deaf, raised oral only, mainstreamed since kindergarten, got myself a group of wonderful friends, got a Master's, and got myself a nice little nifty job that I really enjoy. To most people, this would be considered “successful”. If I was raised in both ASL and oral, it's possible that I would be totally different, at least in terms of personality. Maybe I would more social due to being able to understand more of what's going on around me, maybe I wouldn't focus as much in my studies or my little projects, maybe I would be “popular” in high school, having popular friends who are totally different from my own current circle of weird hearing friends, who are very much a part of who I am. Maybe I wouldn't get this job for indirect reasons (different colleges, etc.)
HOWEVER, it is ALSO possible that my life could be better or at least end up be the same except school may have been easier, I would have more friends (both hearing and deaf), I would be bilingual, I would have the experience of being in BOTH worlds. Maybe I would get a better job. Maybe I just don't know better.
This is my point. We ALL don't know better (unless you're ominous, like the Oracle in the Matrix or imdeafsowhat). To me, I think we shouldn't focus on “success”, “being normal as possible”, “being natural as possible”, “being who you should be”, “rate of development”, etc. I think the number one thing we should focus is “Are you happy?” (or for the parents of the deaf “Is your child happy?”). If not, then ask around, collect opinions/research/experiences and choose what you think will to make yourself or your child happy. I think that should be one of the reasons for AD!
HOWEVER, it is ALSO possible that my life could be better or at least end up be the same except school may have been easier, I would have more friends (both hearing and deaf), I would be bilingual, I would have the experience of being in BOTH worlds. Maybe I would get a better job. Maybe I just don't know better.
This is my point. We ALL don't know better (unless you're ominous, like the Oracle in the Matrix or imdeafsowhat). To me, I think we shouldn't focus on “success”, “being normal as possible”, “being natural as possible”, “being who you should be”, “rate of development”, etc. I think the number one thing we should focus is “Are you happy?” (or for the parents of the deaf “Is your child happy?”). If not, then ask around, collect opinions/research/experiences and choose what you think will to make yourself or your child happy. I think that should be one of the reasons for AD!