Introduction to American Deaf Culture Chapters 1-3

Who are the "outsiders"?

Hearing people

Who are the "insiders"?

Deaf people

How do outsiders view deaf people?

"...see the glass half-empty, the traditional view of deaf people focuses only on what is not there - the missing ability to hear."

According to the medical view of deafness, what kind of lives do Deaf people lead?

"...picture painted is of deaf people leading lonely, depressing, isolated lives, with minimal educational achievement and low rates of employment."

With the medical view of deafness in mind, what is the goal?

1. "...the obvious goal of overcoming the disability."
2. "The ultimate goal is for deaf children to conquer their deafness, so that they can become fully integrated adults who will avoid being ghettoized into the world of those poor unfortunates who are destined to rely on crude gestures to communicate."

3c. What is the professional advice from these "outsiders" who look at deafness through a medical perspective?

"Professionals' advice usually involves extreme medical procedures such as surgery, early intervention in the form of intensive auditory verbal therapy, and grief counseling."

How do insiders view Deaf people?

"...view their glass half-full or even brimming over with the positive feelings and a wide range of opportunities afforded them by a close-knit, intimate society."

How do most deaf people feel about themselves?

"...most Deaf people are proud to be deaf, would not change their hearing status if they could,..."

4b. How would they feel about having a deaf child? (many but not all feel this way)

"...they would happily welcome a Deaf child into their family."

4c. What kind of positive things do deaf people see in their lives?

"Rich social lives based on a beloved sign language underpin a network of social, artistic, athletic, and educational opportunities."

What year is considered, "the birth of American Deaf Culture?"

1815

6. Who co-founded the first residential school for the deaf?

Laurent Clerc

7. What is the name of the first residential school for the deaf?

American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut

What are the 5 Hallmarks of a Culture in order?

Language, Heritage, Customs, Art and Cultural Players.

What type of culture are Americans known for?

Individualistic

What type of culture are Deaf people known for?

Collectivist

What does "deaf" with a lowercase "d" refer to, and what does "Deaf" with a capital "D" refer to?

lowercase d: the physiological condition of not hearing regardless of whether or not they choose to identify with the deaf community.
Capital D: deaf individuals who use sign language as their primary mode of communication, identify with deaf culture, and participate in the Deaf community

What does the 90% formula state? List some examples of this formula.

That more than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents. What's 4 more?

What is the biggest challenge CODA's face?

They are often negotiators between two cultures for their whole lives.

What are the four domains the Deaf people must satisfy in order to achieve a comfortable place in the Deaf community?

Audiological, linguistic, social, and political

In the Deaf Community, what does the term "HEARING-BUT" refer to?

A label designated for hearing people who have exhibited an extraordinarily positive attitude toward Deaf people and a deep respect for Deaf culture in general.

Why are three things deaf people typically want to know when they meet a hearing person?

Their attitude (do they say, OH I'M SORRY!?), do they know ASL? Why are they learning?

What things are deaf people typically curious about when meeting a deaf person?

Full name, where they went to school, whether they have deaf family members.

4. Language

Effective Communication system(most important)

→Deaf schools established.

1. Arts

Reflect Soul of the culture 

→Oppression and ignorance of hearing 

→beauty of ASL and pride

→Poetry, storytelling

5. Cultural Players

Transmit values to the next generation. 

→Most hearing parents are not considered cultural players… This applies to Generations of deaf families.

→Best place for children to be influenced is at deaf schools 

2. Heritage

1. Historical perspective as to WHY people subscribe to belief systems/behaviors or reasons for the solutions that were created by people 

→Heritage is not history 

→ Deaf jokes, storytelling, deaf theater groups, deaf expo, ways to waking up in the morning, statues of famous deaf people 

3. Customs

3. Dictate the rules to behavior

→ EX: Long-leave takings

1. Language

How they communicate-ASL

2.(Not) Speaking(not speaking, opposite of speaking)

mostly using sign, try not to use their voice

3. Social Relations

always looking for socialization opportunities, want to be involved 

4.Stories and Literature of the culture

Story telling of deaf children/people

Political

one should cherish and be involved with the deaf community and know that they can make their own decisions and they don’t need to fit in the norms of hearing people

Audiological

Possess a hearing level that is substantially different from a typically hearing person

Linguistic

need to know asl

 Social

interactions, have deaf friends, are involved with the deaf community