society's_child
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As someone up in years, I, too, used to think as your Dad does and I am hearing im......deaf.
Hmmmm, perhaps it's a generational thing? My dad is in his late 60's.
As someone up in years, I, too, used to think as your Dad does and I am hearing im......deaf.
Hmmmm, perhaps it's a generational thing? My dad is in his late 60's.
Yeah, maybe it is as I'm 68(but going on 38).....I think it WAS a political correctness thing one time....
Ok <deep breath>, I am about to ask a question that I am sure has be asked before by others but I cannot find a thread about it. So, I will ask here (as the subject has been brought up in previous posts) and perhaps someone can point me in the right direction to find the opinions and answers. Please don't jump on me, I am asking with the intent to learn .
Why do some of you find the term "hearing-impaired" to be offensive? Impaired refers to a diminished capacity - drinking causes our judgement to be diminished/impaired; aging causes our sight to become diminished/impaired which is why many wear glasses; when it comes to finding my way through a new city I often refer to myself as directionally impaired; and, when one is deaf or HoH, their hearing is diminished/impaired. Yes, the word "impaired" describes a weakness or loss in a certain area but ONLY to that particular area. Everyone I have spoken to, in person, who is deaf or HoH finds the term "hearing-impaired" acceptable. Although they prefer "deaf or HoH", they are not offended by hearing-impaired just as the sight-impaired people are not offended by that term to describe their blindness. Is it that some of the deaf community feel that the word impaired has become bastardized to carry negative connotations now rather than simply mean a loss or diminishment?
I welcome all helpful and constructive opinions/feedback
Ok <deep breath>, I am about to ask a question that I am sure has be asked before by others but I cannot find a thread about it. So, I will ask here (as the subject has been brought up in previous posts) and perhaps someone can point me in the right direction to find the opinions and answers. Please don't jump on me, I am asking with the intent to learn .
Why do some of you find the term "hearing-impaired" to be offensive? Impaired refers to a diminished capacity - drinking causes our judgement to be diminished/impaired; aging causes our sight to become diminished/impaired which is why many wear glasses; when it comes to finding my way through a new city I often refer to myself as directionally impaired; and, when one is deaf or HoH, their hearing is diminished/impaired. Yes, the word "impaired" describes a weakness or loss in a certain area but ONLY to that particular area. Everyone I have spoken to, in person, who is deaf or HoH finds the term "hearing-impaired" acceptable. Although they prefer "deaf or HoH", they are not offended by hearing-impaired just as the sight-impaired people are not offended by that term to describe their blindness. Is it that some of the deaf community feel that the word impaired has become bastardized to carry negative connotations now rather than simply mean a loss or diminishment?
I welcome all helpful and constructive opinions/feedback
Kristina, does that apply also to people who have become deaf or HoH later in life? They are not broken but their hearing has broken down, no? <not arguing your point, just looking for an expansion of your thoughts >
Thanks for your opinion/experience Bottesini . I know two people who prefer sight-impaired rather than blind, perhaps they are the exception.
Thanks Kristina, now if I am understanding you correctly, what it comes down to is that you do not differentiate between 'being impaired as a person' and 'being a person who's hearing is impaired (diminished)'. You feel that the word itself tends to apply to both together. Am I close? ... at all?
Yeah, maybe it is as I'm 68(but going on 38).....I think it WAS a political correctness thing one time....
jillio said:Because they are socialized to believe they are.
We (I) don't. Why would we? Hearing is just the opposite of not hearing. No difference really.
We (I) don't. Why would we? Hearing is just the opposite of not hearing. No difference really.