Wirelessly posted
The acceptance and inclusion of Deaf Culture should always be an individual choice ; rather a personal decision based on the person's experiences. Now there will always be some people that feel the need to shove Deaf Culture into newcomers's throats for reasons they will not reveal but you can already see. Their transparent needs to force some people to conform so quickly without allowing breathing room and thinking room usually are those who get involved with the community for the very wrong reasons in the first place. I have both hearing and Deaf friends that just chooses not to be involved in the Deaf socials and I respect them because that's their personal decision. The Deaf Culture/Community does not make the Deaf person; it is who he/she is on a 24/7 basis.
Around here, newcomers don't get Deaf Culture shoved in their throats. They get their questions answered and they get their mistakes in perception corrected. It is unfortunate, indeed, that some refuse to accept the answers they are given and continue to insult and question the very existence of a culture that so many here value as an integral and important part of their life. No one here is forced to embrace Deaf Culture. However, it is requested that, if it is not an interest for them, that they refrain from making insulting and degrading remarks regarding the topic. That is not too much to ask. Consideration goes two ways. If they show consideration for those that do embrace the culture, then they are given consideration in return. If consideration is absent, then the naysayer cannot expect to be treated with consideration.
