Terps

[AquaBlue]

I don't see what you mean Reba. I can't see it. My comments in those entries seem perfectly fine to me. I do not understand the controversy. Truly. Since so many are not standing behind me then I must be mistaken because I would not translate my words as harmful. I am learning as I go.

 

[Etoile]

Etoile: I am not excluding anyone. All Terps are welcome to join in the discussion and answer my questions. Where (what post) exists where I said otherwise? What I meant is that ASL should be universal? How do I step on toes Etoile? Please tell me.

You are excluding everybody who isn't an interpreter! Honestly there are not that many terps on AllDeaf. There's a lot more deaf people than there are interpreters. Anybody who is fluent in ASL could have answered whether your "list of rules" from your book was right or not, but you only wanted replies from terps. See what I mean? That's disrespectful right there. You are choosing to ignore the vast wealth of knowledge we have on this forum...better to learn about ASL from deaf people, than from terps! Why did you pick only terps in the first place?

You are declaring that ASL should be universal, but ASL is not your language. It is the language of deaf people. It is insensitive to say that it is "crazy" that there are regional signs. (As I mentioned in that thread, English has regionalisms too!)

As for stepping on toes...what I mean is that you don't know a lot about Deaf culture right now. As a result, you're making assumptions about things that you don't know anything about. Oftentimes your assumptions have turned out to be wrong. Sometimes you acknowledge this, and sometimes you ignore it completely.

My biggest tip for you is: Respect what deaf people have to say. You'll do much better on AllDeaf and in general that way.

 

[Etoile]

I don't see what you mean Reba. I can't see it. My comments in those entries seem perfectly fine to me. I do not understand the controversy. Truly. Since so many are not standing behind me then I must be mistaken because I would not translate my words as harmful. I am learning as I go.

Ah! See this is a perfect example of what I just said. You don't understand why your words come across as insensitive, because you don't know about deaf culture. I totally get that you don't see what's wrong with your words, but like people have been saying...you need to learn more before you can make blanket statements.

I really think you're okay, AquaBlue, I just think you need to settle down and listen instead of being so gung-ho and ignoring things that don't fit with what you already believe.

 

[AquaBlue]

I see what you are saying Etoile. An innocent mistake on my part. I was not expecting that I was getting under your skin and those answering my replies now.

 

[AquaBlue]

Yes I must definitely have to learn about Deaf culture. That will set me straight.

 

[AquaBlue]

Let me do that first and then I will comment correctly.

 

[jillio]

jillio: If I have been culturally insensitive then, again, I am sorry for that. I honestly never meant it. I mean what do I have to gain by doing so? Since everyone is on my back, then I will surrender my actions (maybe) and proclaim that I am in the wrong. How I am wrong is still a mystery to me. And once I grow to mature, to that mindset of the Deaf culture, then I can leave my old thinking behind and develop a healthier (fair) one. I will learn about the Deaf culture soon and I would my study will (I hope) reflect my errors and give me the much needed insights. Please recognize that I am new to all this so blunders will happen...it's a normal part of learning. I will also listen to the Deaf for more learning and adjustment.

Now what got me steamed was the statement that I am not respectful to the Deaf folks. Boy that statement got me hot under the collar.

I understand. You are new to the culture, and are still seeing things from a hearing perspective. I went through the same thing many years ago. Learning to take the perspective of another group is a process, and one that takes time to become automatic. Studying deaf history will give you a foundation for understanding why some things are considered offensive within Deaf Culture, and will also allow you to understand certain attitudes. Deaf Culture, is in part, the product of years of oppression by the hearing majority culture, and once you understand how that oppression occurred, and the negative impact on deaf as a group, you will become more sensitive to the feelings and reactions of the deaf as a group. Just be patient, and try not to take corrections as criticism. I really don't think they are intended as such. The most valuable input you can receive will come from the Deaf community. They are taking the time to correct you now in order to make it easier for you in the future.

Also, try to keep criticism of a behavior, or a phrase used separate from a personal criticism. I don't think anyone meant to imply that you, as a person, were disrespectful or insensitive. They were simply saying that the way you had phrased certain things were perceived that way. Correcting the action and being critical of the person are two different things. If the deaf posters here were judging you, they would not continue to have dialogue with you in order tohelp you learn some of the nuances of interacting with them.

 

[AquaBlue]

Thank you jillio.

 

[AquaBlue]

I do not know (I forgot) if I mention the title of the book I requested from the library- For hearing people only by Moore.

 

[Etoile]

*chuckles*

It was suggested to you by many people in this thread! So yes, we remember you said you requested it.

That's the old edition but I doubt a whole lot has changed in the new edition.

 

[AquaBlue]

I simply misunderstood you Etoile. The only thing that upset me was that you said I didn't respect the Deaf people. That did not sit well with me.

 

[Anij]

I simply misunderstood you Etoile. The only thing that upset me was that you said I didn't respect the Deaf people. That did not sit well with me.

AquaBlue - you haven't been exactly respectful of me ...or it certainly hasn't come across as respectful

 

[AquaBlue]

AquaBlue - you haven't been exactly respectful of me ...or it certainly hasn't come across as respectful

I didn't mean to be disrespectful. It was only a reaction to your accusation that I was disrespectful toward the deaf on this forum.

 

[Anij]

I didn't mean to be disrespectful. It was only a reaction to your accusation that I was disrespectful toward the deaf on this forum.

Umm ... you DO know that I'm hh/Deaf right ?????

 

[jillio]

Thank you jillio.

YW.

 

[AquaBlue]

Umm ... you DO know that I'm hh/Deaf right ?????

You are deaf and HH?? That's why you came through so harshly. I did not know that Anij. You never told me that. Now I see why you took it so personally. So your viewpoint is now much more valuable to me Anij. But don't be mad at me Anij. Remember I am in the learning stage.

 

[ASLGAL]

I tried to comment very generally and politely in one of Aqua-Blues earlier posts but apparently tact does not and has not gotten through...


Aqua-Blue,
It is admirable that you have decided to learn ASL and think you have found your calling in life -- however --

D/deaf and HOH is not cute or quaint or funny or anything else you may think and they are not here for you to pick their brains or lord over or be condescending to.....

as the hearing spouse of a D/deaf/HOH person - I am and have been offended by your posts and assume that the D/deaf/HOH individuals are more appalled by your behavior

some advice --
learn some humility or you will never be a successful interpreter.

Just my 2cents

 

[AquaBlue]

I tried to comment very generally and politely in one of Aqua-Blues earlier posts but apparently tact does not and has not gotten through...


Aqua-Blue,
It is admirable that you have decided to learn ASL and think you have found your calling in life -- however --

D/deaf and HOH is not cute or quaint or funny or anything else you may think and they are not here for you to pick their brains or lord over or be condescending to.....

as the hearing spouse of a D/deaf/HOH person - I am and have been offended by your posts and assume that the D/deaf/HOH individuals are more appalled by your behavior

some advice --
learn some humility or you will never be a successful interpreter.

Just my 2cents

Please, for goodness sakes, show me (posts) where I have done such things. Offended, appalled? Boy those are two words that never entered my thinking in regards to my postings. If I EVER offended you ASLGAL or any other member in this forum I am (absolutely) sorry. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that my words were being translated as such.

Please believe me. One thing is for certain, when I have books that explain the Deaf culture (and I see the errors of my ways) then I will become aware as to the validity of these replies. You must believe me ASLGAL when I say: I was NEVER my intension to offend anyone- deaf or HH or anyone else. I am shocked!

 

[ASLGAL]

Please, for goodness sakes, show me (posts) where I have done such things. Offended, appalled? Boy those are two words that never entered my thinking in regards to my postings. If I EVER offended you ASLGAL or any other member in this forum I am (absolutely) sorry. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that my words were being translated as such.

Please believe me. One thing is for certain, when I have books that explain the Deaf culture (and I see the errors of my ways) then I will become aware as to the validity of these replies. You must believe me ASLGAL when I say: I was NEVER my intension to offend anyone- deaf or HH or anyone else. I am shocked!

you can be a shocked as you want, and I am not surprised that you are, but... go back and read... the members have been politely stating this to you in many a post and in many a thread.

You have much to learn, but learn you can..if you possess the true desire to become an exceptional interpreter.

 

[Reba]

You are deaf and HH?? That's why you came through so harshly. I did not know that Anij. You never told me that. Now I see why you took it so personally. So your viewpoint is now much more valuable to me Anij. But don't be mad at me Anij. Remember I am in the learning stage.

Aack! You still don't get it. Turning the offense back on the offended is no way to mend fences.

I'm hoping that most of your attitude is due to your youth, and that maturity and life experience will mellow that attitude.