Unfortunately, US and THEM will continue to be the way, while our world is
constructed the way it is. As any Deaf person will tell you, the pace of
technological advance has left us all fascinated and breathless. All these
wonderful services that are accessible by phone. Technological, cultural and
social advances are all made on the assumption that we have our five senses
intact and that we can move baby, move! And that we are mentally and
intellectually all up there (no vacant lots), and woe betide anyone who
falls short of this dictum. This on top of all the usual barriers placed by
sexuality, religion, race, class, geography, culture, and shit.
Equally unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world. If this was an ideal
world, then it would stop and pause and consider the ramifications of any
advance and seek re-dress or correct nay imbalance. But like I said, it is
not an ideal world. We might strive for it, we might pretend to strive for
is, and no doubt, there are some of us who GENUINELY strive for it - In
spite of our beloved politicians hollow rhetoric (which is best flushed
after finished with).
In an ideal world, it wouldn't be a problem for a male to teach feminist
theory. In an ideal world, I daresay you wouldn't need the feminist
movement, because women will be accorded their due rights and respect, as
human beings. In an ideal world, I wouldn't have to justify my sexuality,
nothing would be assumed. In an ideal world, I wouldn't think twice about
applying to study, because I know a sign language interpreter will be
provided. AUTOMATICALLY.
But this is not an ideal world. Far from it. I get scared and gaze out the
window and think about it all - how tenuous it all really is - I am
continually amazed at the amount of shit that is awash on the rocky shores
of human advancement. This is not to say though, that there are no shining
beacons of light, to light our way - there are. It's that we seem (or
indeed, are) intent on being egotistical and narcissistic, and barging on
ahead without thought, without pause.
And until humanity deems it fit to erect more of these lights, we will
continue to stumble. We are so fixated on labelling everything and trying to
rationalise things that don't need rationalisation. Deafness doesn't need
any further diagnosis other than, it is a hearing loss, this is the degree
of loss, and this is what we can do about it. It doesn't need genetic
therapy, assessing each child for the appropriate remedy and all that
bullshit.
Come on, do you seriously expect a Hearing person to be able to teach Deaf
Awareness? On a basic level, using the medical model perhaps - describing
loss, etc, etc, etc. Using a social/ cultural model. No. Their experience of
deafness is not the same as mine - I have met and heard of a few sign
language interpreters and students who have gone through the Deaf Studies
programme and come out, pronouncing to sundry and all, I KNOW ALL THERE IS
TO KNOW about Deafness. There are even Hearing people in positions of power
in the Deaf Community who harbour such grand delusions.
Now I am making a generalisation here, I know that. I am aware that there
are exceptions to the rule. They are that, exceptions. If it wasn't for
those exceptions, then this world will be a truly sorry place indeed.
We have not placed our store in wisdom but in knowledge. For me the two are
not necessarily linked. Deaf history is replete with research, upon
research, upon research on the causes of Deafness, the cures for deafness,
debates as to which is the best communication method for your deaf child,
oral vs sign, the cover your mouth while I speak method, the yak, yak, yak
and more yak method and soon your child will pick up the habit too. And yet
more people want to research the effects of hearing loss in this situation,
in that situation, with this group, upside down, then as applies to
post-modernity, sprinkled with a little obtuse arrogance that we need yet
more research.
If we want to overcome the US and THEM, then we need to get beyond our
current thinking on disability - the problem that needs a cure. We need to
think of disability as a difference and accept it as such. In the same way
as colour, sexuality and gender are thought of. Only then will we be truly
open to new ways of living, learning and loving.
Tony
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