I'd never heard of audism, so I did some research.
It's just another word for a VERY common concept in the human condition. Empathy is not a natural part of the human condition. If a person hasn't faced adversity in the form of a physical disability, their natural inclination is to consider themselves superior to those who have. It's not just about deaf/hoh folks. It's about anyone with any type of disability. Actually, it's about the majority who don't understand what 'we' understand.
I don't mean to offend by using the term disability. I can't think of another word that fits.
Empathy requires more than just effort. It requires contact. Most people don't have any meaningful contact with deaf/neurologically disabled/blind/paraplegic/quadraplegic/etc. people.
This stems from ignorance and fear. They don't understand that one characteristic doesn't define the whole person. They also fear embarrassment. I hear this over and over again when I encourage people to meet and know the deaf in our church and my workplace. "I don't know what to say." "What if I'm not understood, or the person can't understand me." I hear this a lot.
Fear can be innocent. Ignorance is hard to defend. People are lazy. Even the workaholics seldom look beyond their bubble. They just don't seek to learn. They surround themselves with people who make them feel comfortable because they are like them. When confronted with 'different' people, they freeze. They haven't built the personal skills/character required to bridge the gap.
Fortunately/unfortunately, these folks are the majority. Those of us who are different have to try and exist in their world. It's not easy. Progress is slow in coming, but at least we make some progress.
If you look at my name you'll see that I'm a "hearie". Here are my 'qualifications' to have these opinions.
Me -- Tourette's and OCD. Lots of folks think they're better than me. I take meds and hide my disorder to try and be more 'palatable' to society.
My wife -- HOH. I don't need to explain this one to the folks on this forum.
My son -- Tourette's/Asperger's. Plenty of folks think they're better than him. All forms of autism are communication disabilities. He's really smart. Some folks think he's retarded. If so, he's the only retarded, straight-A student I know.
First, let me say that I'm all for standing up for your rights. I'm a pit bull when it comes to defending my wife and child against discrimination.
Second, realize that we're outnumbered. We all have to do our best to live among 'the majority'. They're not going to ever 'come to us'. We have to go to them. We have to be the skilled ones. We have to display the strength of character that many in the majority lack.
Third, supporting each other and having community is great. It's a source of strength and comfort. We must never be guilty of the 'bubble mentality' of the majority. We all have to move beyond our comfort zones and integrate ourselves into the 'other world'.
Once again, my desire is not to offend, but to inspire. My views are based on my own experiences, that of my family, and of others who I've seen rise beyond their situations and be more than 'they' said was possible.
Blessings to all
brianb
