As of late, a big issue that has arisen, has been the outcry against Matt Hamill's choice of using a hearing actor to portray himself in a movie about his life story.  The great hue and cry that has since ensued by those in the deaf culture who feel that this choice A) stole an acting job from another deaf actor (potentially),  B) marks Matt and all others associated with this production as "audists", and C) just PROVES the Matt is not truly "D" deaf has turned the deaf community on it's proverbial ear.

A typical response by this faction (typically referred to as "deaf militants", albeit sometimes unfairly), has been to curse the darkness rather than light a candle.  With that in mind, I have a few facts I would like to share with my readers:

1. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Center for Health Statistics approximates that 34 million Americans have a significant hearing loss; of these almost six million are profoundly deaf. 
2. According to 2005 estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), 278 million people worldwide have moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears.
3. Worldwide, about 60,000 people have cochlear implants. In the U.S., some 13,000 adults and 10,000 children and youth have been implanted.
4. 93 percent of deaf children are born into hearing families; only 7 percent are born into deaf families.
5. Educational performance of students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing remains poor. The average reading comprehension of 18-year-old students was reported at just below 4th grade on the SAT-9 (Traxler, 2000 - Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 5, 337-348).
6. Comparing the fall 1998 and 2002 foreign language enrollments in United States Institutions of higher education, American Sign Language ranked fifth. In 1998, there were 11,420 enrolling in American Sign Language courses. In 2002, that number rose to 60,781. ASL's increase of 432.2% is more than four times that of any other language! -- The Modern Language Association

Those are some truly astounding facts.  The numbers show that, on average, the deaf and hard of hearing population in the United States equates to anywhere from 11 to 16% of the total population. Even with such a large number, we are still a minority.  And that brings into focus my main argument that deaf militancy does more harm than good.  Suppose you were a traveler to a foreign country.  

For the sake of argument, let's assume that you are hearing (bear with me).  Would you presume to tell whomever you encounter in that foreign country that they are wrong for not speaking English and that you will not deal with them nor consider them normal unless they speak your language?  Of course not!  The old adage "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" remains true.  That is the gist of my argument with the deaf militants.  To demand that the United States completely change how things are done just to please a minority of the population is egregious.  Simply put, in order to espouse our arguments and to have any hope of encouraging TRUE meaningful action to make our lives better, to make ourselves more acceptable to the mainstream in education and employment, we must take it upon ourselves to put forth our arguments and postulations in a manner in which they can fully understand, i.e. written English, working within THEIR system, etc.

Our position papers, our arguments for and against issues that affect our daily lives, must be presented in a manner in which they can best understand it.  Is it any wonder that  Educational performance of students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing remains poor. The average reading comprehension of 18-year-old students was reported at just below 4th grade on the SAT-9? An argument could be made that it is because the IDEA and ADA are not fully implemented nor funded and consequently the deaf and hard of hearing do not get the full exposure at the appropriate times to properly develop within the mainstream culture, and it would be a very viable argument.  

However, another argument could be made that, due to ostracization of the "D" deaf community versus the "d" deaf community when they choose to try and do well in a mainstream environment, when they try and speak if they have a voice, when they choose NOT to make ASL their primary language or mode of communication, is just as much at fault.  Oppression is tearing apart the very fabric of the deaf culture.  The attempts at the culture of isolation rather than a culture of inclusiveness (accepting ALL people, deaf and hard of hearing, those with cochlear implants and so forth) is counter-productive and serves only to feed the stereotypical tendencies of those not familiar or informed about the deaf culture. 

If we truly want to be included, if we truly want to be difference-makers in today's society, if we TRULY want better educational opportunities and employment opportunities for the deaf, we must begin to embrace all types of deafness.  I would say that the phenomenal growth in popularity of ASL classes at the post-secondary education level is indicative of a hearing culture willing to meet us halfway, yet the deaf militant culture would have them do all the work and us not meet them halfway.  This is a formula for failure, my friends, for it takes 1 + 1 to equal 2 (cohabitation and cohesiveness), as 1 + 0 = Isolation.

It is for that very reason, that we must stand behind Matt and this project, or any other project that comes along such as this.  Success breeds success.  Our large numbers as a culture alone, if every single person were to go see this movie, would make it a success and open eyes in the hearing world, and consequently, open more opportunities for the deaf/hard of hearing.  Short-sightedness and not seeing the forest for the trees, will certainly doom us to many more years of wandering in the wilderness and cursing the darkness.  

Wouldn't it be better to light a candle and LEAD others to enlightenment?  Would it not be better for the hearing world to read a cohesive, well-thought out article espousing the successes and abilities of the deaf and hard of hearing, rather than a posting that amounts to something written by a grown up with crayons?  We need, in other words, to see the big picture in order to succeed.  The success of this movie would embolden Hollywood and others to take a chance upon other deaf or hard of hearing related stories, consequently, more opportunities would be available for more deaf actors and actresses.  The deaf militant version of Sherman's March to the Sea, the scorched earth policy, is actually more harmful than helpful.

 As I was scrolling through the deaf blogosphere, many different things are jumping out at me....Deaf pride, reverse deaf discrimination, etc. etc..... So here's a few thoughts of mine.

1) The Matt Hamill situation: People, people, PEOPLE!!!!!  Can we all take a deep breath here and slow down for a minute? My goodness, you would have thought Matt had started WW3.  He chose to support a hearing actor to play his role in a movie about HIS life story.  Last time I checked, Matt was what we call an "oral deaf", having grown up hard of hearing and using some sign.  In a nutshell, this person is perhaps best qualified to play his role.  I imagine the thought process for the hearing actor went something like this:  "If this were to happen to ME, how would I react?  How did Matt react?  Now combine the two, and you have it in a nutshell".  

Fact: I grew up much the same way. Hard of hearing (diagnosed at 4 years of age) lost what was left of my hearing at a late age (around 17 years of age), so I empathize completely. I had ZERO role models, was the only deaf/hoh kid in my school system, and (unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your point of view) grew up in the time when most audiologists and doctors specifically recommended against sending a child who could speak to a deaf school for fear they would lose the ability to speak and so on.  Would I have wanted to attend my state school for the deaf? Probably not, but it would have been nice to know all the options, have role models to draw from, network with, learn, etc. 

By the time IDEA came to fruition, I was already in school, and being here in little ol' Eastern Kentucky, we were a few years behind the times.  But I will say this:  this prepared me better for the real world than anything else could have. I had to struggle to find my true identity as a deaf person, but in that struggle, I found MYSELF, and that self was pretty damn good.  I learned that I am a strong, driven person with a desire to succeed at any and everything I do.  I like to poke my finger in the eye of conventional wisdom, figuring if it was conventional, then it needs a change of pace to keep it interesting.  

Anyway, my point in this rambling diatribe is this:  Leave Matt alone.  He's an individual in a sport (Ultimate Fighting) that really flies in the face of conventional wisdom. I doubt that bemoaning his choice to play him and vilifying him to the ends of the earth will really have an impact upon him.  No matter how you feel about him, he is an EXCELLENT role model for deaf/hoh kids today.  He tells people "Hey, I did this and so can you!" with his actions and his words.  A little individuality is just what the doctor ordered for the deaf/hoh community.  To the deaf militants out there who believe if you speak and sign, you are not truly "D" deaf, you are "d" deaf, if you don't use ASL only, you're a wannabe deafie, if you welcome all people of  different stripes (deaf, hoh, oral deaf, etc.) into your definition of the deaf culture, you are not a good deafie.  HOGWASH.  

The deaf community is made up of millions of individuals of all shapes, sizes and identities.  To minimize their impact on our culture is to insult and disrespect those who came before you.  Get over it, move on, and be thankful people like Matt are out there changing the face and perception of deafness on a daily basis.

2)  Deaf Pride:  I'm only gonna say this once (okay, okay, maybe twice if you count the book): Deaf Pride is a wonderful thing IF it is receptive to change, inclusive in it's thoughts and actions, and demonstrative of acceptance.  Anything less than that is not Deaf Pride, it is Deaf Isolation.  

Say what you will, you know I am right.  No one is trying to diminish your pride in who you are, no one is trying to revert back to the olden days of Deaf and Dumb (well, maybe those AG Bell people, but I digress).  Once we become a culture of isolation, no one will want to have anything to do with us. Legislation will fall by the wayside that could help advance us, social norms will revert back to the old days of pity and sympathy, etc.  We must be inclusive in our words, thoughts, and deeds. Anything less is denying ourselves the opportunity to maintain the advances we have made, and further advance so that future generations can stand on our shoulders.  

Think about this for a minute, if you will.  It is oppression when deaf people try to distinguish between "D" deaf and "d" deaf.  Yes, I said OPRESSION.  No two ways about it, it is opression.  Oh, you can slap lipstick on that pig and call it a lady, but that lady would be a tramp.  That is, my friends, reverse discrimination amongst ourselves, and it is ugly and it is real.  I lived it at Gallaudet, still live it to this day. My goodness, I've seen interpreters try to come down on one side or the other, and frankly, that's not their place.  I dislike more than anything, interpreters who try to act as if they are deafies themselves.  If you want to advocate for the deaf, more power to you, but don't you DARE try to tell me I'm not as deaf as the next person!  I am, I just choose to live my life a little differently, and I accept ALL deaf people, even if I don't agree with their thoughts.

Hopefully, this will generate some comments, I'd like some feedback.  Flamers, do us all a favor and extinguish yourselves in a barrel of gasoline while sucking on an oxygen mask, okay?  True meaningful discussion is welcome and encouraged.

Beam HER up, Scotty..

Yes, I admit it, I am NOT one of the hundreds of thousands of people who read DEAFREAD constantly.  I was aware of it, but never really found the time to dig into it.  I think that may change now, especially since I read the story of Karen Putz being denied service at the drive-thru of her local Steak-n-Shake.  I'm also guilty of being one of those who chooses to just go inside instead of attempting to go through the drive-thru unless I have my hearing children with me.  That will change now, because although I normally am very blunt  regarding my rights, the fast food phenomenon was something I just never stopped to think and care about.  Below, I am telling a story about a visit to the doctor with my hearing daughter recently.

A normal trip to a local EENTS (Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat specialists) clinic with my daughter turned into yet another disappointing day for me with regards to the medical profession.

You parents out there know exactly what I mean….That dreaded letter home from school, "Dear Mr. Runyon…"  oh wait a minute!  My daughter just has to go for a vision screening, they didn't like the result of her at-school eye exam…Whew, for a minute there, I thought I would be sitting down with the principal to explain that, NO I did not teach her that, YES, it must be an AMAZING coincidence that I did the same exact thing some 30 years ago according to the local centurion working at the school (don't these people ever retire?  My god, 30 DAYS and I would be stark, raving mad from dealing with pre-teens and drama queens all day long).  Just kidding, these people in the educational system are mostly saints for what they tolerate on a daily basis.

An appointment was made with a local optometrist who shares a practice with an ENT doctor as well.  On the day of the appointment, my daughter and I show up early,  and I approached the immense, heavily glassed registration desk to inform them of our presence (quick, can anyone explain to me the medical profession's fascination with attempts to recreate Star Trek's control room?  You half expect to see William Shatner sitting in a chair in the middle of that room screaming "Dammit Uhura, we can't lose communications NOW") and fill out the prerequisite paperwork.  Additionally, I inform the desk person that I am deaf, and will be sitting facing the door of the command cen….errr, registration desk so they can get my attention more easily.

What transpired next boggled my mind…The receptionist proceeds to increase the volume of her voice by about 100db and scream "PLEASE BE SEATED AND WE WILL CALL YOU SHORTLY!!"  I was floored, first from the length and viciousness of the vein snaking from her temple to her high forehead, and next from a quick glance around the waiting room revealing that all present were now looking at me, including the half dead, totally deaf old man in the corner who jumped up promptly and ran out yelling "Hallelujah!  He's a miracle worker, I can hear again!"

 Mindful that my 10 year old daughter was present, as well as a couple of fellow church-goers, I bit my tongue and announced to the receptionist that she was wasting her breath and energy because I am DEAF, and over-enunciated and excessively loud verbal acrobatics would not change that fact.  This woman continues to talk at a loud yell, informing me that she understood just fine, and that geeeeeee, I speak "so well for a deaf guy".  As Thumpa Brother Drolz would say "Yipee, I have achieved the ideal".  This, folks, is a receptionist who not only deals with people with vision problems, but hearing problems as well.  As I returned to my seat, I began a slow burn while my daughter said "Gosh Daddy, she was yelling loud".

Shortly thereafter, we were (loudly again) called back.  While the doctor was examining my daughter, I took the opportunity to step back out and, in an amazingly controlled PG rated vocabulary, tell the receptionist exactly what I thought of her overly callous attitude towards my deafness, and made sure that my voice was at a level that the entire waiting room could hear as well.  Glancing out, I noticed several people giving me a thumbs up, and coming through the door…..A sad, dejected old man who had come to the quick realization that his doctor was not a miracle worker, and he was still deaf as a post…

But hey, my kid needs glasses now, and I think I will get the prescription filled somewhere where there is little chance that the shrill 1000db level voice of the receptionist won't crack the lens before she gets out of the waiting room.

Can I get an "Amen" that maybe, just maybe, anyone who works in an EENTS office should be advised in the future of the proper way to deal with a deaf customer?  Otherwise, I may be forced to petition for the renewal of the ability to tar and feather idiots, or at a minimum, force them to wear the Scarlet Letters "DJA" (Dumb JackAss).

This is a new article I posted on my friend Mark Drolsbaugh’s website, www.deaf-culture-online.com.  Mark’s site is a wonderful repository for those who want to learn more about the deaf culture or make comments.  His articles are fresh, timely, and done in a humorous vein sure to get a laugh from anyone.  Hope you enjoy!

Do you hear what I hear? 

Another fantastic article as always, Mark. I too, have no desire for a cochlear implant. That is a personal decision by me, even having grown up hard of hearing and raised oralist. Some might even argue that I am still a "hearing wannabe" because I choose to continue using the voice God gave me as long as I can, while also signing when necessary (my signing is equated to watching someone trying to manipulate vienna sausages on toothpicks, LOL).

Do I miss hearing? Yes, to an extent I do. Sure, I would love to be able to hear my kids laugh, call my name and giggle when they wake me up in the morning. That’s what I would like to hear. But, I realize that the VISUAL often makes up for the lack of hearing, and I imagine the situation of being able to HEAR them talk, call my name, laugh, etc., but not be able to SEE the smile on their faces, the unabashed joy on their face when they succeed at something, the sun shining on them as they carefreely swing around on the playground, splash through the water in pursuit of yet another swimming medal, run around the baseball field after a hit, the twinkle in their eye when they play a joke on me, or dribble down the court to swish a shot.

I think of all this and I understand perfectly that I have the best of all worlds now, given the situation. Why? because I hear with my heart and mind. I remember the babble of a brook, the chirp of a bird singing on a quiet, dew-soaked morning, the crack of the bat on a well-hit ball, the roar of a crowd after an athletic feat, the sound of beautiful music sung and played well, the wind whistling mournfully through leaf-barren trees on a cold winter’s day, the soft sweet nothings whispered from a loved one, and the joyous, racuous laughter of someone hearing a joke or sharing a funny moment with you. I remember, and I apply those sounds from my heart and mind when I SEE them now. I don’t have to physically hear them, I hear them in my heart.

The heart and soul of any individual is found in the moments that make them smile. If you have this, you have everything. I fully support those that have cochlear implants and wish them well, same as I do for those who choose to remain deaf and not get the implants. Again, it is not for me, personally. If my kids were to lose their hearing, I would offer them the opportunity and support whichever desire they express. Sometimes parents have to make a tough decision for a child and do the best that they can do, right or wrong. But before making any such decision, I would counsel them and ask, "Do you hear what I hear?"