AquaBlue
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- May 1, 2003
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Sound and Fury helped me adjust my erroneous views regarding the Deaf. The documentary raised the questions:
How can a deaf person refuse an implant that promised the wonder of sound?
Wouldn't life be easier if a deaf person was able to hear?
I was lost for words and totally furious at the statements presented in the presentation. I felt disappointed, confused and very angry. Like most hearing people I was unable to understand the viewpoint to remain deaf, to stay in a deaf culture, and to cast away the grand opportunity to experience a world with sound. I was perplexed.
The issue dampened my zeal for study and so I ceased my learning of ASL as my emotions lingered.
After a few weeks I returned to my studies; and as I proceeded in my lessons, I pondered the hearing person's angle: The pathological (handicap) perspective of the Deaf by the hearing world.
Did I truly believe that a deaf person was indeed handicapped?
In part I answered that question this way:
Some deaf persons would choose never to hear sound even if technology allowed for it. Sound is a mystery to the deaf person. The Deaf do not value sound because they have no need for it. This fact does not mean they are incomplete (handicap) human beings, as most hearing people conclude. They are not suffering because they are unable to hear sounds. Sounds have no meaning and no value since the Deaf culture provides a stable and rich tradition to the deaf individual. What is there to fix when nothing is broken. Deafness is not a problem but a way of life, a heritage that deserves the hearing world's respect and honor. In that world sound has no value and pride stems from deafness itself, it's culture, history and unity.
The Deaf are whole, even in their silent world: As complete as any hearing person can be, if not more. Handicapped? They are not at all handicapped. The real handicap is in the view point held by the hearing world. I no longer, as a hearing man, hold to that senseless perspective. For those who say to heck with implants, I say bravo! You surely don't need to hear sounds at all.
In fact, a deaf person knows what music is without ever hearing sound!
For example, a musical instrument is a tool that helps musicians express the music that's inside of themselves. Sound (music) is inside all of us- the Deaf and hearing alike.
When an experienced signer signs, he/she is doing so in tempo, in rhythm- a dance of sorts that conveys meanings, ideas and emotions as completely and as melodically as voice or song to the hearing person.
The deaf person does not communicate with simple gestures, they employ their entire body in their language- a dynamic and complex language, rich and filled with all the emotion and power contained in verbal languages.
The Deaf are complete! Not handicapped. Thanks to Sound and Fury I now view the Deaf world with a bit more understanding and clarity. The documentary, in my personal view, is critical in helping to bridge the gap between the two worlds. To all those hearing folks venturing into the Deaf world (as I am), please keep an open mind and heart. The treasure you'll gain is priceless. The Deaf culture is wonderful!
How can a deaf person refuse an implant that promised the wonder of sound?
Wouldn't life be easier if a deaf person was able to hear?
I was lost for words and totally furious at the statements presented in the presentation. I felt disappointed, confused and very angry. Like most hearing people I was unable to understand the viewpoint to remain deaf, to stay in a deaf culture, and to cast away the grand opportunity to experience a world with sound. I was perplexed.
The issue dampened my zeal for study and so I ceased my learning of ASL as my emotions lingered.
After a few weeks I returned to my studies; and as I proceeded in my lessons, I pondered the hearing person's angle: The pathological (handicap) perspective of the Deaf by the hearing world.
Did I truly believe that a deaf person was indeed handicapped?
In part I answered that question this way:
Some deaf persons would choose never to hear sound even if technology allowed for it. Sound is a mystery to the deaf person. The Deaf do not value sound because they have no need for it. This fact does not mean they are incomplete (handicap) human beings, as most hearing people conclude. They are not suffering because they are unable to hear sounds. Sounds have no meaning and no value since the Deaf culture provides a stable and rich tradition to the deaf individual. What is there to fix when nothing is broken. Deafness is not a problem but a way of life, a heritage that deserves the hearing world's respect and honor. In that world sound has no value and pride stems from deafness itself, it's culture, history and unity.
The Deaf are whole, even in their silent world: As complete as any hearing person can be, if not more. Handicapped? They are not at all handicapped. The real handicap is in the view point held by the hearing world. I no longer, as a hearing man, hold to that senseless perspective. For those who say to heck with implants, I say bravo! You surely don't need to hear sounds at all.
In fact, a deaf person knows what music is without ever hearing sound!
For example, a musical instrument is a tool that helps musicians express the music that's inside of themselves. Sound (music) is inside all of us- the Deaf and hearing alike.
When an experienced signer signs, he/she is doing so in tempo, in rhythm- a dance of sorts that conveys meanings, ideas and emotions as completely and as melodically as voice or song to the hearing person.
The deaf person does not communicate with simple gestures, they employ their entire body in their language- a dynamic and complex language, rich and filled with all the emotion and power contained in verbal languages.
The Deaf are complete! Not handicapped. Thanks to Sound and Fury I now view the Deaf world with a bit more understanding and clarity. The documentary, in my personal view, is critical in helping to bridge the gap between the two worlds. To all those hearing folks venturing into the Deaf world (as I am), please keep an open mind and heart. The treasure you'll gain is priceless. The Deaf culture is wonderful!