Myth Number 10: All Deaf People Wish They Could Hear
Introduction
Addresses the myth that all deaf people wish they could hear, exploring common misconceptions.
Challenges the assumption that deafness is a condition everyone would want to be cured of, questioning the premise that hearing is always preferable.
Background
Briefly introduces the context of the discussion, setting the stage for exploring different perspectives on deafness.
Challenging the Myth
Presents the idea that it's impossible to miss something you've never experienced, emphasizing the subjective nature of perception.
Counters the notion that all deaf individuals desire to hear, especially those who identify as culturally Deaf (capital D), explaining the significance of cultural identity within the Deaf community.
Culturally Deaf individuals value their culture, community, and shared language, and do not necessarily wish to be hearing, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation.
Community and Identity
They have established networks and a rich language (sign language) that provide social opportunities, underscoring the vibrancy and interconnectedness of Deaf communities.
Deaf Culture and Community
Mentions the existence of Deaf clubs, Deaf Olympics, and the National Association of the Deaf as examples of Deaf community activities, illustrating the diversity and range of Deaf cultural events.
Highlights that Deaf individuals participate in various activities within their community, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Points out the common reaction of hearing people who are not satisfied with a person being deaf, addressing societal biases and misconceptions.
Hearing people often try to impose hearing upon deaf individuals, pushing for them to speak, use hearing aids, etc., reflecting a lack of understanding and acceptance of Deaf identity.
The presenter empathizes with the deaf perspective, wishing to be left alone and accepted as they are, advocating for respect and autonomy.
Two Views of Deafness
Introduces two contrasting views of deafness: pathological and cultural, framing the discussion around these distinct perspectives.
Defines "pathological" in this context as relating to a physical disease or defect, clarifying the medical model's perspective on deafness.
The pathological view sees deafness as a physical disease, defect, or handicap that needs to be cured, emphasizing intervention and remediation.
The cultural view sees deafness as a difference, a characteristic, and a linguistic and cultural minority, highlighting the value and richness of Deaf culture.
Pathological vs. Cultural Views
Pathological View:
Seeks a cure for deafness, reflecting a desire to normalize and eliminate perceived impairment.
Focuses on ameliorating the effects of auditory impairment through hearing aids, surgery, and speech therapy, emphasizing technological and medical interventions.
Cultural View:
Emphasizes the abilities of deaf individuals, such as learning sign language and developing heightened visual attention, celebrating Deaf capabilities and strengths.
Recognizes the brain's ability to compensate for lack of auditory input by using the auditory cortex for vision, highlighting neuroplasticity and adaptation.
Values sign language as a mode of communication and cultural expression, underscoring its linguistic validity and cultural significance.
Visual Communication and Language
Highlights the beauty and importance of sign language as a means of communication, emphasizing its aesthetic and functional value.
It is not just a thing to be beautiful for hearing people to look at, but an actual language, asserting its legitimacy and complexity.
Uses an anecdote about a child signing about needing to poop to illustrate that sign language is used for all aspects of life, demonstrating its versatility and naturalness.
Emphasis on Communication
Pathological View: Devotes much attention to hearing aids and technology to enhance auditory perception, prioritizing auditory access and amplification.
Cultural View: Devotes much attention to visual communication, underscoring the importance of visual language and interaction.
Speech vs. Sign Language
Pathological View: Places much emphasis on speech and speech reading, emphasizing oral communication skills.
Cultural View: Encourages the development of all communication modes, including speech, but not limited to it, promoting multimodal communication and individual choice.
If speech therapy is not effective, it may be more beneficial to focus on visual communication methods, advocating for flexibility and responsiveness to individual needs.
Identity and Perspective
Poses the question of whether one identifies as culturally Deaf (capital D) or lowercase d deaf, representing the different viewpoints, highlighting the spectrum of Deaf identities.
Nancy Rourke's artwork is referenced, questioning whether deafness is viewed as a cultural linguistic minority or a pathology to be fixed, prompting critical reflection on societal attitudes.
Language Acquisition
Pathological View: Spoken language is the most natural language for all persons, including the deaf, reflecting a bias towards auditory language.
Cultural View: Sign language is equal to spoken language; sign language is the most natural language for people who are born deaf, asserting the linguistic rights of Deaf individuals.
Learning a language that depends on sound can be difficult for those who cannot hear, acknowledging the challenges of auditory language acquisition.
Visual language engages the brain and allows language to develop naturally, emphasizing the cognitive benefits of visual language.
Societal Views vs. Reality
References societal perceptions and expectations of deaf individuals, contrasting them with the actual achievements and capabilities of deaf people, challenging stereotypes and biases.
Uses an image of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan to represent societal views, highlighting outdated and paternalistic portrayals of Deaf individuals.
Also references what audiologists and Alexander Graham Bell think or want deaf individuals to do, critiquing historical and contemporary attempts to control and assimilate Deaf people.
Accomplishments and Abilities
Highlights the accomplishments of deaf individuals in various fields, such as writing, skiing, technology, acting, and business, celebrating Deaf success and innovation.
Deaf culture emphasizes abilities and strengths rather than focusing on perceived deficiencies, promoting a positive and empowering self-image.
Conclusion
Reiterates the emphasis on abilities within Deaf culture, reinforcing the theme of empowerment and self-determination.
Introduces a final section called "final thoughts" to be discussed in the next lecture, signaling future exploration and reflection.