Since you are well learned regarding the Symbolic Interaction Theory, you understand that the intent behind the word, and the connotative or contextual meaning is far more important than the word itself. The word "audism" arose out of a history of oppression of the Deaf byt he hearing and the numerous attempts to force Deaf, as individuals and groups, to conform to hearing values and norms. Therefore, an opinion being expressed by a hearing person that is derogatory toward Deaf cultural values and norms is perceived as audist and based on a internally held belief that the hearing way is preferable and superior to the Deaf way. When a deaf person expresses the same opinion, it is not always perceived audist simply because by virtue of sharing the characteristic of deafness, and having experienced it in every day life, their perspective is more closely related to the Deaf perspective than the hearing.
