"Someone told me that Deaf people and hearing people aren't that different; we all want the same thing, nice friendly service, just like you get at McDonald's. Others feel that Deaf people are lucky to be living in the enlightened 21st century, where the Americans with Disablilties Act (ADA) guarantees them the right to have an interpreter who will translate English into sign and vice versa." mindness pg 14
What do you think of this statement? Is this an appropriate perspective of recognizing cultural differences? How is this statement harmful? Support your responses. I look forward to reading your comments!
I agree with the first part of the statement about all people wanting to be treated the same but I still don't think it happens all the time. No matter what, people judge others and aren't respectful to those considered to be different. I am glad that there is the ADA but I feel like people don't follow it fully. Take Scholastica for example, when there are theater performances they do not provide a translator unless it is requested. I think one should be provided no matter what. It would make the shows accessible to everyone and it could eliminate a "middle man" problem with communication.
ReplyDeleteI also do not think the quote is accurately describing cultural differences. No one person can ever know what someone else's life and culture is like. That is the beauty of being different, we can all just accept and love each other even though we all have diverse life and cultural experiences.
Hopefully my response makes sense but for the most part I disagree with the statement. Everyone does want to be treated fairly and the ADA is a good thing but it will take more than someone wishing everyone was treated equally. Everyone needs accept others and not let differences get in the way.
I think that Deaf individuals are often misunderstood so a lot of close-minded hearing people would agree with the second part of this statement. However, having taken ASL courses and learned about the culture I would agree with the first part of this statement. That hearing and Deaf want the same things in life. We're all human no matter what race, sexuality we are, or type of communication we use. Why should Deaf people be looked down upon? I heard when I was little that in every country there is one universal symbol that is recognized by everyone and carries the same exact meaning no matter what form of communication they use: that symbol is a smile. A smile means happiness no matter where you are or what form of communication you use, a smile means happiness. That's something that doesn't need translation. Whenever I find myself beginning to make judgements about a group of people or culture, I remember this statement because it brings all cultures together. Everyone wants the same thing in life, to be happy, to smile. Deaf people are no different.
ReplyDeleteI love your point about the smile being universal! I have never really thought about it. I also agree with your post, it is insightful and pretty much spot on. Everyone being treated fairy is a basic human right and everyone deserves a chance. I will definitely remember what you said about a smile! Thanks for sharing.
DeleteLynsey, I agree that that all people should be treated equally, but in reality they aren't. I also agree that no matter how hard one tries to truly understand what it is like to be from a different culture, they won't be able to. Monica brought up a good point in class saying that she will never know what it like to be her daughter because she herself is not black. We can continue to study Deaf culture, but we will never understand what it is like to be Deaf, because we ourselves are not deaf. The best we can do is become allies with the community and help break the communication barrier.
ReplyDeleteAs everyone else said I agree that everyone wants to be treated equally in the sense of having the same rights, making sure everyone has a chance at a good education, and just how people treat us. However I feel that when it comes down to it most people would agree that we also need to celebrate that we are different, and that each of us can bring something different and new to the table. So trying to find that balance of being fair yet embracing our natural differences is what I think would be the ideal situation.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you worded your response. Especially when you said "embracing our natural differences". I agree that everyone needs to be respectful to each other but also they need to ask questions about different cultures. Everyone is different and they great thing is that we get to learn about them! Thanks for your post!
DeleteI agree completely, however I feel that because of our differences we obviously would have different skills so if we could embrace them and use them to the societies benefit I think that would be the best thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we can't all be the same. And I also agree that we need to embrace our differences. But I think that the statement given separates and discriminates one culture from another. And I think that is the wrong way to embrace differences. I think unity and understanding cultures with an open mind would be a more effective way to embrace our differences.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with this statement. Expecting friendly service doesn't mean these two cultures are similar. Yes, they have a few similarities, but stating that they aren't that different would be incorrect. Even thought the ADA ensures rights to the Deaf Community such as interpreters and job equality, they are still at a disadvantage because there are hearing people that feel they are superior to the Deaf. To round off my opinion, Deaf people shouldn't have to feel "lucky" to live in today's society because they should have had the same rights from the start instead of having to fight for them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on that one. The language barrier that has been established is difficult to break because there are a very select few people that are willing to study and practice ASL with means to help solve this problem.
ReplyDeleteI partially agree with this statement, I agree we are similar in the sense that we want to be treated the same as everyone else – we want to be treated in a nice, friendly manner and not be differentiated or judged . However I believe we share a whole different culture, which makes us completely different from one another. We share different beliefs, attitudes and behaviors which is strongly determined by our culture. What makes us different from one another is the culture we belong in. This is what makes us unique individuals, thus i feel statement does not recognize cultural difference.
ReplyDeleteTo a certain degree I would agree that Yes deaf people are lucky to be living in the 21st century, especially with development in aid, technology and policies, However, keeping in mind our unique culture, can the interpreters understand and get a true feel of the deaf culture? No! As we read in the book, we can study deaf culture and get a sense of what it is, however we will never understand what is to be deaf.