I wanted to share additional thoughts on the previous post re: Mariannes comments. Once again, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. And I think that Marianne believes that her intentions are very sincere and appropriate. However, her comments are also quite representative of so many people within the community who mistakenly THINK theyre doing the right thing FOR Deaf people, rather than allowing Deaf people themselves to determine that. I have no idea who Marianne is--this isnt about her personally. Im sure shes an amazing person. Even so, her actions are representative of so many well-meaning, but misguided, people. For example, how many people came to Tinas and Pauls defense when we began complaining about the inappropriateness of their messages and signed songs? And called them amazing, heroes, role models, etc.? As discussed in my disempowerment and allies workshop, it is so crucial for hearing people to stop deciding what the Deaf community needs and telling us what we need, what we would benefit from, and what we should or shouldnt say. By saying, Wow, youre not being very nice! I want to help you and youre pushing me away! Well, good luck, buddy! No wonder the Deaf community is going to pieces!, thats a clear sign of disempowerment--as hearing people know whats best. Whats best is to be an ally, not a representative. The first issue I had was with Marianne teaching sign language (she is NOT teaching ASL) and earning money off the inaccurate information she is sharing. There is a huge difference between proficient, fluent, and being (somewhat) skilled. One thing that really bothered me--even as minor as it might seem-- is how she inaccurately signed a very simple word: kid (and she even tries to explain why its signed that way, and makes it a HUGE deal). Roll your eyes if you must (my kids do all the time; Ive taught them well), but as someone who was born into this community and has brought yet another generation of Deaf people into this community, this simple yet complex error is symbolic of so much more. A better option would be for her to bring in a Deaf ASL teacher who is qualified, or if she *must* be involved, she could team-teach. There are so many better solutions to many of the things she talks about. I only hope that Marianne will understand why so many people--both Deaf and allies--were perplexed at the self-centeredness (regardless of how she presents it) nature of her message. If she truly respects the community, she will not lead this movement. Rather, she will build alliances and ensure the right representatives are in place. The best way to sum this up is that Marianne, like so many others, isnt speaking up; shes speaking over. For more on this concept, see https://youtube/watch?v=_dg86g-QlM0.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 01:57:36 +0000
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