Thoughtful of Deaf World

nozobo

nozobo

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What is it like to be deaf? People have asked me.

How do I explain that? Simply, I can't hear?

Nooo, it is much more than that!!!!!

It is similar to a goldfish in a bowl.

Always observing things going on.

People talking all the time.

It is being on a desert island, or among foreigners.

Isolation, is not a stranger to me.

Relatives only say hi and bye, as I sit for hours with them.

Taking great pleasure at watching amusing babies, reading books, resting, or
helping out with food.

My natural curiosity perks up when I see laughter, tears or someone upset.

When I inquire "what's up", only to be meet with "Oh never mind" or "Oh,
it's not important"!

A short summarized statement of the story I'm supposed to smile and show
happiness.

Little do they know how truly miserable I am.

Hearing people are in control of their language usage,

I am at a loss and very uncomfortable.

Always the feeling of being an outsider

Among the hearing people even if it was not their intention.

Always assuming that I am part of them because of my physical presence, not,
understanding the importance of communication.

When I am faced with a choice between a deaf camping weekend or a family
reunion

Forced to choice between family commitment or deaf friends

I must make the choice constantly!!

Any wonder why I choose deaf friends????

I get such great pleasure when I am at a deaf club.

Before I realize it, its 2:00 a.m.

But I anxiously look at the clock every few minutes at a family gathering.

With Deaf people, I am so NORMAL!!!

Our communication flows back and forth

Catching up with little trivial things-- about our daily lives --about our
frustration in the the bigger world.

Seeking the mutual understanding

Contented smiles, and laughter are like music

So MAGICAL to me

We're so attuned to each other's feelings

Truly this happiness so important!!!

I feel more at home with Deaf people

We don't see people as being short or tall, various colors, or religions.

As I do when I'm among my own hearing relatives

And I wonder why?

Our language is common.

We understand each other.

Then I realize, its being at loss, not in control of my environment.

That is a "Lack of COMMUNICATION"

People panic and retreat to avoid the deaf.

We feel like we have the plague

But Deaf people are still human beings, with dreams, desires and NEEDS

We want to BELONG just like everyone else
 
Wow!! That was true biz raw emotion.

Print this out and show your feelings. Let them read how you feel. Tell them it is not loving for them to dismiss you because you are deaf. You are a human being just like them and have a basic human need to be involved in your family's world. Tell them if they truly love you they will learn ASL even if only the basics at least. I am sorry the deaf are treated this way. I am hearing and I love deaf people and their culture. I wholeheartedly embrace them. Robbielyn They are far more interesting than us hearing people I think due to their culture. :)
 
Nozobo, that was great. I think so many times, hearing dismiss deaf people because the hearing are unsure of how to communicate and that makes them uncomfortable. Sometimes, making a litlle extra effort to communicate is more effort than they are willing to give. But they need to know how their actions and behavior affect others on an emotional level. It becomes not just a missed opportunity to communicate, but an ongoing personal judgement of whether you are worth the time and effort. It's a sad situation that does much harm.
 
That is the most truth I have seen in along time

This is great! I love it so much. I feel the same way, you hit the spot. I would like to put this on tagdeaf blog is it is okay with you. please let me know because I will not use it if you say no. Again I want to say this is a great post.
 
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