I went to the store with my Deaf friend. First time in that setting. He was vocal like he normal is with me in the car, all the way up to the store. Then some people were walking in our direction and he turned off his voice. First time he has done that around me. I was surprised because he always uses his voice with me while signing. When it happened i felt a little sad. Sad that he feels uncomfortable around strange hearing people that he feels the need to do that. Sad at the thought that he may have expirenced something in his life where he has been made fun of because of his deaf voice. And sad that Deaf feel the need to do that because of stupid hearing people that would make some one feel bad about themselves. I also thought what would i do if i saw or heard some one make fun of him...... That would hurt me, and make me very angry. I know there are idiots out there no matter the situation that will have issue with something. We never like to see our friends hurt. And for me physical pain is one thing and can heal although it's bad. Emotional pain, for me, is worse. I hate my friend felt he needed to do that. I hate the thought that some ignorant hearing person has possibly made fun of him. My biggest hope though..... I hope he didn't do that for me, worried that he would embarass me because that is not the case.
