Why??

Gallaudet is kinda funny -

If you didn't come from a deaf family, or you didn't come from a deaf school you were pretty much considered an outsider. There was a group of people at Gallaudet during my time there who thought of themselves as the elite ones. But I would be laughing all the time because they would think of themselves as so good but when they were no better or superior than any of us. But it was sad, and I know it still rings true to this day I keep an open mind with deaf people from all backgrounds because not everyone shares the same experiences. I spent 4 years at Gallaudet and gained alot of exposure from it, but on the other hand - it is interesting to see how the world revolves and its also interesting to see how some of them still carry that attitude OUTSIDE of Gallaudet - even years after they graduated from Gallaudet.

Point is being, it is not just Gallaudet it is just the way the culture is within the culture.
 
Do people feel that this sort of elitism is more prevelant in the deaf community than outside of it?

I agree with the others that it is part of human nature and probably similar to what happens in all cultures hearing or not. I grew up in the UK where the way you talked was a big thing to be judged on in the hearing world. If you had a working class accent then people would look down on you. I'm not sure if it's as acute as the situations that have been described here in relation to the deaf community but it happens.

I must admit I have deaf friends who I love but have no desire to be part of the culture. The norms and values are just too strong for me. I just like to be my own person. However I can see why it is such a strong culture - deaf people have had it hard over history and if you are happy with those values and norms it can be a very nurturing place to be.
 
I went to New York to to see if I like RTID (i forget name). I hated it so much because noone welcome me to join. Most deaf students were not from RTID because all of us just visited to see if we like or not. I tried be join and chat with them but they ingored me. I thought it is not worth for me to go there so I would go hearing college. I always had an interpeters. My best friend who went to Gally for few years. He didn't give up and ingored deaf people who were not welcome him. My other old friend went to Gally. She didnt give up and graduted Gally. My male friend and female friend said at first it was so hard to fit in then it took long time to fit in. They said Educations were important than friends.
You referring to NTID at RIT?

NTID is one of the 8 colleges at RIT.
 
Do people feel that this sort of elitism is more prevelant in the deaf community than outside of it?

I agree with the others that it is part of human nature and probably similar to what happens in all cultures hearing or not. I grew up in the UK where the way you talked was a big thing to be judged on in the hearing world. If you had a working class accent then people would look down on you. I'm not sure if it's as acute as the situations that have been described here in relation to the deaf community but it happens.

I must admit I have deaf friends who I love but have no desire to be part of the culture. The norms and values are just too strong for me. I just like to be my own person. However I can see why it is such a strong culture - deaf people have had it hard over history and if you are happy with those values and norms it can be a very nurturing place to be.

Absolutely, R2D2. A need for belongingness and safety are very fundamental human needs. We will do what we have to do and go where we have to go to get those needs fulfilled. It is unfortunate that, at least in the U.S., many Deaf could only have those needs met within the Deaf community. Even family could not provide a sense of belonging and safety for them. Sad, isn't it?
 
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