Boy, a lot has happened over the last several months beginning late last year. I can think of four major controversies or events that have happened. The arrest of 26 people in the latest
VRS scam with notable Deaf names like
John Yeh (owner and CEO of Viable), Joseph Yeh, Anthony Mowl, and Donald Tropp; the arrest, jailing and sentencing of
Micah Brown who was at one time an
adjunct professor of Gallaudet University and at one time a
well known Deaf Democrat blogger who is now a registered sex offender; the
AB2072 bill brouhaha in California that were rife with conspiracy theories about "evil" audiologists and California Legislature members; and the arrest of
he-who-shall-not-be-named for charges that remain unclear at this point who is also probably the best known Deaf
blogger and
vlogger around whose trademark is to trash Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing people and call them names. Everyone of them, high profiled events with well known names associated with them. All within a span of 11 months.
So, which ones are the more damaging to the image of the Deaf community? That depends on who you ask. But the damage has already been done. And one of the effects of getting arrested is if you have a blog or vlog and it is not set on moderation people will take advantage of that like in the recent he-who-shall-not-be-named
YouTube site. The latest news of his arrest will continue to reverberate in the Deaf community for some time, especially it being the growing number one controversy discussion in
YouTube by various vloggers.
All in all, when combined with these past events did they help tarnish the image of the Deaf community in various ways and perception? What are the lasting effects? No one knows for sure. Paper bag anyone?
72 comments:
Paper bag, lol.
Mike, I'm going to step up and say an emphatic NO. I love the Deaf community. It's meant so much to my family and has done so much for us, in more ways than you could ever imagine. Of course, there are rotten apples everywhere--and if that's what you focus on, then that's what you'll get. Go to Philly.com and you'll see lots of hearing people posting nasty comments on just about any subject (especially sports). It's that infamous Philly attytood that some people in this region have. Does that mean Philadelphia is an awful place? That hearing people are tainted? Nope. You could conclude that based on what you read in Philly.com, but the truth is far from that. On a wider scale, if you take a closer look at our government, judical system, law enforcement agencies, and corporations, you'll find corruption everywhere. Same goes for the Deaf community. You got your good and you got your bad. Just like anywhere else.
Drolz, I'll have to disagree with you in some respect. The scale of these Deaf-related events I mentioned is much bigger in its magnitude solely because of a much smaller Deaf community with highly visable names. The Deaf community of, say, about 800,000 versus Philadelphia of 1.5 million people. I'd say the magnitude is much larger within the Deaf community when these corruptive events rear their ugly heads than, say, in Philadelphia. I see it as a degree of tarnishment that has occurred here but not once but several times from different events.
Let's not justify the corruption just because other cities are doing it, too. That's a cop out. Granted, nobody is perfect but let's recognize the fact that the Deaf community is a small, knitted community where its impact and visibility go markedly up in magnitude.
These events have tarnished to a degree the image of the Deaf community. I'm not going to sit here to try and justify corruption.
Could it be that people are constantly putting them down? No excuse for their behavior, but putting them down is not helping.But most minorities have issues like this.
I have to agree with Drolz here.
You get what you choose to focus upon. The Deaf community has done much FOR all of us, even for those who are incessantly pessimistic and insistent on looking at the glass as half empty as opposed to half full. It's all PERSPECTIVE, Mike.
Shel
For instance, I, as a Canadian who values bilingualism (simply because that is what my country is. My country celebrates multiculturalism and have two official languages). I could tar all of you Americans as arrogant, narrow-minded, monolingual, xenophobic ultra-conservative people who obstinately cling to the melting pot philosophy and should be pitied. Yadda yadda. THAT'S looking at the glass as half-empty when one is staunchly anti-American.
You have to admit that there ARE people in your country that fits that description. :) But, that stereotype does NOT fit a great number of Americans. There are progressive Americans who believe multilingualism and multiculturalism to be great things, and advocate for such. THAT'S looking at the glass as half full. THERE! That's a balanced perspective.
If you insist on looking at the dark side, that's all you will see. If you insist on looking at the good side, that's all you will see. Half a view is a skewed view.
Back up and look at the whole picture, then you will see various shades of good and bad, light and dark. It's a matter of choice on what to focus upon.
Anonymous,
This isn't about multiculturism, language, melting pot, yada yada yada, but about the fact of the small sized community hit with these separate events and how it can paint a picture. I've explained already to Drolz. I say the magnitude of these events are felt more vividly and the spotlight gets shined upon even more. I never gotten down to the degree of "taintedness" but rather asked the question has these event tainted the Deaf community for what they are. If you ask some people they say "Yes" or maybe they're not sure, and other's say "No." My blog title implies the issue of perception. When I did a blog called "F*ck you, Deaf community!" It was about perceptions and feelings from the view point of hearing people about the Deaf community.
Now, how many of ya'll actually took the time to criticize "he who shall not be named" of his poor use of words, language, the personal attacks, insults and anything he tried to do to try and sully other people's reputations using his vlog and blog platforms? And how many of ya'll held him up as a "role model" when other people would simply point at him and say, "He represents the Deaf community" to the hearing community. It's as if you don't really care about perception and how the hearing community see it as.
Indeed. It is all about perception. No doubt. And with these events I described have certainly painted a picture about Deaf people in some people's eyes.
We don't know exactly what he did other than he is in jail on some charges.
Come now, really! Using a few to tar and feather the reputation of all of the Deaf community or even just its couple hundred-plus bloggers! How petty!
These few have never been considered role models especially since their deeds became known. Spotlighting them and using them to make a whole community look bad only makes YOU look as mercenary as the recently mentioned gossipmonger.
No wonder the respondents here feel insulted. Don't lump us with them. You risk revealing yourself as one of the people you just assailed.
Mike, I know it's not about multiculturalism, etc. I'm talking about perspectives and choice of what to focus upon... the positive or the negative. The examples I gave of the perspective of Americans in the negative light that I described is ACTUALLY how a number of Canadians view Americans, like it or not. You would disagree with that portrayal of Americans as such. I also gave an example of the positive perspective of Americans.
MY POINT? BALANCED PERSPECTIVES give you a better view of the whole.
You chose to use a magnifying len and focus on the negativity.
YOU chose to focus on the negative events in this post. In most posts (at least the ones I've read anyway) you often point to the negative. I have not seen you discuss the Deaf community or incidents in a positive light... Must have been offline those times.
You say because of these events, the Deaf community is tainted as a whole. TSK. Online Deaf community is not THE Deaf community in its entirety.
I still stand by what I say, and what Drolz said.
By the way...
That last anonymous at 5:23 was from me. I accidentally put my name in the MIDDLE of the comment instead of at the end.
Shel
Anonymous 5:57 PM;
Reread what I wrote. It's about individual perception. Where did I state that he was a role model? Let's not twist words here. I never said that nor implied that. These are well known people and the events that took place have marred the image of the Deaf community. But what is the extent? How much of this image damage is the question I'm asking.
All in all, when combined with these past events did they help tarnish the image of the Deaf community in various ways and perception?
I think they help tarnish Ricky Taylor out of the Deaf community not us.
Let's not focus on one person here. That's not the intent but about the multiple events that took place and how it may have hurt the image of the Deaf community.
Ahhhh....Shel.
"Granted, nobody is perfect but let's recognize the fact that the Deaf community is a small, knitted community where its impact and visibility go markedly up in magnitude.
These events have tarnished to a degree the image of the Deaf community. I'm not going to sit here to try and justify corruption."
Shel, I'll have to agree with Mike. This is a very, very small D/deaf community. It's like everybody know this person, bla, bla, bla.
Remember John Yeh, for instance? Since he indicted for the crime, everybody knows him. He had been served the Deaf community for so many, many years. This is the year of 2010. How can he survive? I don't know.
I always believe that the D/deaf community will be evolved on John Yeh's case in 10-20 years from now. These "10-20 years from now" people will not know who John Yeh is. It's their new generation. They will not care about him.
I'd like to read Canada's one of the famous tabloids someday when I come to Canada. ;-)
Mike,
Anonymous 6:27 has a point. The separate events only serves to cast a bad light on the INDIVIDUALS involved.
If anyone is dumb enough to tar the entire community by the actions of a few, I would have to say that individual is narrowminded bigot that ought to take a few cultural studies and get out of isolation and travel.
Amazing what a few visits abroad can do to broaden one's mind and lessen the predilection to paint entire groups with the same brush as the few individuals that broke the law.
Shel
Mike,
It is well known that Ridor and I were not on good terms, and I have criticized him publicly for what he's done. I have certainly never held him as a role model for the Deaf Community, and I decried the fact that some did.
I also have been quite public about my grievances about the leadership of the Deaf Community. It leaves much to be desired.
With that in mind, I have to take umbrage at your blog post. I consider myself culturally Deaf, and I am an ASL user. I do not consider the Deaf Community "tainted". Does the Deaf Community have problems? Yes. Every minority does, and heck, so does the majority. If one analyzes every minority group, you will see similar scenarios of corruption, unethical behavior and so on. Just because we have problems with leadership, which pretty much every minority does, does not mean the *entire* Deaf Community is tainted, Mike.
Quite frankly, I cannot help but wonder about the purpose of this blog post. What are you trying to say here, Mike? Just come out and say it. Because the questions you are asking, in my opinion are not legitimate questions. They're asked because you want to hint at your opinion, which I can only interpret as a clear disdain for the Deaf Community.
Before you say I'm wrong, then consider this scenario.
Substitute Deaf with Black, and the names with Black leaders in this blog post, then imagine the reaction it would generate. Hmm?
One thing it bothers me the most since we have an opportunity to expose our culture, Ashley Fiolek. I hardly see any fans of her endeavors. She's a multi champion dirt bike rider and 26th best overall rider in the world combined with men. She's deaf.
Lebron James is the hottest NBA player and the fans showed up and rooting for him. They wore his jersey, etc. They show their loyalty to keep Lebron James alive.
But, the deaf has not shown any strong loyalty or any type of effort to make Ashley Fiolek to the next plateau. We don't see her involvement in the deaf community often...here's why-
Tainted Deaf Community would affect her sponsorship objectiveness.
And your point is? That there shouldn't be any deaf pride or anything? Or are you just doing this to say "LOOK, this is what happen if you get involve in ASL or deaf community" Nice going.
Tainted to who? The general public? or are we talking about the 95% of parents of deaf/hh kids? Do these parents check out blogs and vlogs? I know many do. Many check out deafread. Many check out deafvillage. Do they check out dvtv? perhaps. Do they check out aslrocks? perhaps.
Positive image of the deaf community, culturally deaf - that is, is badly needed.
That much, I do know.
A Deaf Pundit,
First thing first as a rule of thumb here, get rid of the conspiracy notions about me and the Deaf community. I have an opinion. I drive out these questions and get feedbacks. It's good to see both sides of people's perception and opinions regarding an event or people.
Secondly, I never brought up the issue of "role model" nor was it ever implied. What I brought up was the perception issue because what we are dealing with is very small, knitted Deaf community. When have stories like the VRS scams, AB2072 protest that casting aspersions and claims of eugenics and Nazism, and so on it can only make people wonder. And so I bring these questions forth.
I made an earlier point here in this comment section and my earlier blog entitled "F*ck you, Deaf Community!" as an example of how hearing people can certainly get a different feel and perception about Deaf people based on a few things enough to set them off and be wary of the community for the deaf/hh sons or daughters.
Watch Errigo's response to mine in my recent vlog video in DVTV. He's right. Where are the rest of the 90% of the hearing parents involvement with the Deaf community?
Now, again, the whole premise falls on the idea that the Deaf community is a small one and any negative events will certainly be an order of magnitude higher on how people perceive Deaf people as.
Anony 6:59...
Read again. You're sorely mistakened.
Anonymous 6:53,
About that Deaf teen dirt bike champion, I alread covered her once in my blog a few years back.
You can watch Russell's excellent question about the rest of the 90% hearing parents of deaf/hh children and where are there involvement with the Deaf community.
Go here and scroll down til you see the first video response.
I looked up your link about Ashley Fiolek and noticed something...no comments from anybody. That's the point. We've had many deaf role models from the past to present and the deaf community did not put the effort to keep them alive. They haven't.
So sponsors are focusing elsewhere rather than investing on deaf sporting events and deaf events. Hollywood studios know that they won't get profit from the deaf community since they show lack of support. Marlee Matlin has pursued a reality TV show and still hasn't received any opportunities from the studios.
SECRET...the audience dislikes to hear interpreters' voices and the ratings will suck!! There's nothing special about being deaf. It's about business, period.
Marlee Matlin's dancing contest was expected to increase the ratings but the ratings have not changed much. It shows a lack of deaf support. So she wrote a book, lol.
It's hard to pinpoint the problem with the deaf community in their lack of ability to support famous deaf role models. We cannot afford to waste these role models but we're wasting them away completely.
Russell
Anonymous 8:05,
There were comments. They were in the Haloscan and then I lost it all when it Haloscan began charging. I didn't bother to copy and save those comments.
Deafpundit, well said!
As for corruption in business, Anonymous 6:39... John Yeh's case will impact all of us deaf and hearing for sure but he's not unique in terms of corruption. Look at our gay former Member of Parliament (federal)Svend Robinson, a fiery politician,who stole a ring from a jewelery store. His own reputation was in shreds, but did his actions taint the gay community as a whole in Canada? (and EVERYONE knew him!) Nope. It just reflected badly on HIM.
Remember Leona Helmsley, the Queen of Mean? Martha Stewart? Both were convicted but are all women tarnished their conducts? Of course not! It reflected badly on THOSE individuals.
Need I go on to give examples of individuals from other minorities that were really dumb, corrupt or otherwise that could "taint" their communities?
I should hope not! I believe by now you got the point.
As for tabloids... heh. We do have them, and they're imported from USA, such as the Enquirer for example. Such rags... TSK TSK. Ah, those truly tarnish the image of Americans as an entire country as nosy gossipmongers eager to mud-sling! Oh, the shame of it! *swoon* See what I mean... those pesky Americans! ;D
Deaf Pundit is correct to ask the true purpose of this blog. I'm wondering the same thing. She's also right about reactions that would be generated if Deaf were substituted by Black. The same would be true of Aboriginals.
You're already seeing outrage in the comments. Point made.
Shel
Gotcha..do you recall how many comments posted?
Russell
Shel, using the "black" comment is a non-sequitur here because you're focusing on an individual. I'm focusing on the turn of events over the last several months and how as a combination whether it has given the Deaf community a black eye or not (or something in between) . Knock off with these mindless conspiracy theories here. There is no mud-slinging here on my part. Let's not get so overly protective here as a knee-jerk response. Focus on the whole turn of events, not about a single person as I've already said earlier.
Russell, comments? I can't remember exactly. Several. All positive.
Hi Mike,
From the way you tend to criticize the Deaf Community, you seem to see yourself as outside of it.
Do you see yourself as inside or outside the Deaf Community?
It makes a BIG difference to how the Deaf Community should accept your "help" if you don't really intend to improve our shared lot by your discussion anyway, so are you working with us or against us?
Anonymous 123
How am I criticizing the Deaf community, anony 123? I'm discussing on whether these turn of events have actually hurt the image of the Deaf community (or not).
Stay on topic. Keep the focus on my questions in my blog.
Wasn't talking about any conspiracy theories. I was talking about YOU wanting to tar the Deaf communities with the events that revolved around INDIVIDUALS.
VRS Scandal--- YEH.
Jail... He-who-shall-not-be-named... Ridor! Nothing to fear in a name. (Credit to Dumbledore :D)
Micah Brown
Anthony Mowl
Donald Tropp
Looks like individuals to me...who happened to be involved in scandals).
AB2072 opponents are individuals, which you had been criticizing the past few months as crazy conspiracy theorists hellbent on ruining the Deaf community (you sure implied as such here).
You clearly are missing the point that several of us are trying to tell you:
In each basket of apple regardless of whether the apples are red, green or yellow, there is bound to be some rotten apples. But those rotten apples do not an entire basket spoil!
My sincere recommendation to you is that you take a few cultural studies courses and then maybe, just maybe you will understand why we are all so offended by your implication that the Deaf community is tainted!
And, no this is NOT a knee-jerk reaction. You're the one going all Chicken Little on us.
Shel
shel, you are doing it again. What you ARE doing is trying to promote this conspiracy theories of yours that I'm out to "tar the Deaf community." Just because my questions do not jive with your own sensibilities does not mean I'm out to "tar the Deaf community." Do you know how silly that sound and how makes you? Again, my focus is on the turn of events and the kind of image damage it may have done. Remember the DPN2 protest? What is the public perception of all this?
Yours *IS* a classic knee jerk response to some wild-eyed conspiracy theory that I'm out to tar the Deaf community. You are being overly protective here. Look at the questions I've posed in my blog again. It's about whether the image has been tarnished or not from all of these events. What would the public think reading stories like this think about the Deaf community? Again, watch Errigo's response to my recent video in DVTV. He makes some good points.
Shel,
The tabloids' purpose is to attract an audience...that's the bottom line. Let's talk about Britney Spears 3 years ago...she was all messed up and she gained a lot of exposure from tabloids, etc. But, she scheduled her new album release and it was a major hit after she got clean. She's been clean since the album release. Ahhhh...the answer was...PUBLIC RELATIONS BUSINESS. They master planned the whole ordeal to create negativity on purpose to bring up the customer base level. This is how the Hollywood industry works.
Look how often Brad Pitt and Angelina are on the covers and they paid the tabloids to do it. So the audience will go and see their movies. Both are in the movie business and still doing it. If they took a break like a year...you won't see the tabloids about them.
It's all about timing and public relations manipulation. It's business and that's how they do it all the time. Some are real and but most are fakes.
The Deaf community is another issue...we're dying slowly. Several Deaf Clubs have disappeared. Deaf sports have shrunk to the lowest level than 10 years ago. Several Deaf school have closed down and more are coming. We're like a bunch of dog eat dogs without paying attention to our image within the deaf community.
Deaf, Inc. is a good example to change for the better and look how active they are today. Deaf Comedy show in St. Louis this weekend. They have created awesome events to bring back what we had ten years ago. My very good friend did all the marketing and he's a doer. I'm proud of him and his efforts were awesome. It's the best business model out there today and it should be duplicated in other cities.
You have the time to write this blog so you have the time to duplicate Deaf, Inc. in your area. Make a difference rather than bitching at us. If you bitch you'll never get what you want.
So quit bitching and get your ass out and make it happen.
Russell
Might I ask what the intention of this post is?
Is there a constructive purpose for this post?
Please help me understand what the intention of this post is and I'd appreciate an honest answer.
Thank you,
El Sordo
Again, you're missing the point most of the commenters, including myself, tried to make.
You're making this out to be screaming out against conspiracies. Nope. OPEN YOUR EYES, and open your mind.
I agree with Deafpundit that your questions in your blog are NOT legitimate. If you cannot see why they're illegitimate, then there's nothing more I can say.
If the truth walked up to you and bit you on the nose you will still say that's a conspiracy theory gone amok.
Shel
Drolz wrote: "there are rotten apples everywhere"
Including Deafhood? CDNIAS? DBC?
Drolz wrote: "and if that's what you focus on, then that's what you'll get"
Shel wrote: "If you insist on looking at the dark side, that's all you will see. If you insist on looking at the good side, that's all you will see. Half a view is a skewed view."
Drolz and Shel have skewed views?
El Sordo,
I am asking the questions did these turn events hurt the image of the Deaf community? Get rid of those insipid thoughts of yours of any lingering conspiracy theories for a change. If these questions are making you uncomfortable then you should be asking yourself why.
Anonymous 5:23 wrote: "Using a few to tar and feather the reputation of all of the Deaf community or even just its couple hundred-plus bloggers!"
CDNIAS embarrassed the entire Deaf community during AB 2072. They represented the Deaf community in all forms.
"Tar and feather" is what Deafhood tries to do on a daily basis. Ask Dr. DonG for more information on how to "tar and feather" someone you do not agree with.
Mike,
Several...I would rather to see 40 plus comments. Sponsors like big numbers. Remember Purple contest last year... Ashely Fiolek didn't win and it wasn't high voting number. RedBull said f#k em' and will never do any investment directly to deaf community.
Why didn't Purple have another contest? Obviously, no one cares.
Russell
Shel, if those questions of mine are making you uncomfortable perhaps its time that you ask yourself why they're making you uncomfortable. You *ARE* making this into a conspiracy theory whether you realize or not.
What I've asked are legitimate questions and how it affects the perception about the Deaf community. This is exactly the kind of perception I talked about in my other blog "F*ck you, Deaf Community!" What could be the public perception in all this? Again, watch Russell's video response to mine in DVTV. Perhaps you'll finally understand instead of being overly protective here.
A Deaf Pundit wrote: "I also have been quite public about my grievances about the leadership of the Deaf Community. It leaves much to be desired."
Bad leadership NEVER taints a community?
A Deaf Pundit wrote: "Does the Deaf Community have problems? Yes."
A Deaf Pundit wrote: "you will see similar scenarios of corruption, unethical behavior and so on. Just because we have problems with leadership ..."
Does "corruption, unethical behavior and so on" by community leaders taint a community?
Thank you, Anony 9:45
McConnell, you ask:
"So, which ones are the more damaging to the image of the Deaf community?"
Was that a rhetorical question? Certainly people are responding angrily, feeling you were attempting to tar our communjity by selecting a few bad examples to throw at them.
It's also an illogical question. EVERY community has its bad apples. It doesn't dimnish our community in general because of its outweighing positive elements.
So, what is your point? Stirring the pot again?
Dianrez, no rhetorical questions here. Again, get rid of the insipid thoughts on any conspiracy theory here on "taring the community." What you said doesn't make sense. I'm asking the questions as to whether any of these events hurt the image of the Deaf community. All you are interested in are trying to do the armchair analysis. I am solicting for answers based on these events. Or am I forced to conclude that you are actually suggesting these events gave the Deaf community a positive image?
Make up your mind.
WTF? We all are humans... Did you forget that? No one is immune from this. Even the most religious organizations like Amish communities have people who commit crimes inside their circles. No one is perfect...
Don't be so judgemental and sit on a high chair. Those things can happen... Can we prevent it? You answer this... If you think we can prevent it, I want to hear from you on what we can do.... I highly doubt it... Mike, get off from your high chair and come and help us from tainting our community...
shaking head (sigh)) -- deafmommy
Dianrez,
There isn't conspiracy and it's all in your head without concrete evidences. You chose to manifest your own theory and throw it on the comment section which does not help to justify Mike's topics.
He's trying to make a simple point to see if we are hurting ourselves or not. When you come up with crazy ideas such as Conspiracy Theory, it will not bring any successful solution to rectify our community.
Best if you focus on real issues that we have been confronted...hard facts not frictional, ok.
Deafmommy, you are becoming judgemental yourself. Not me. I am asking the questions as to whether these events have hurt the image of the Deaf community. Either you say it hasn't hurt the community, it has to one degree or another or you are not sure. Again, you are focusing on me. Get rid of those insipid thoughts of any conspiracy theory that you have lingering in your head about me.
Just answer my questions. Instead I get a bunch people who went on the defensive instead of answering my questions.
Stop being so defensive about all this and please answer the questions!
Thank you!
My theory about VRS and John Yeh is that Sorenson was reaping millions of dollars and was becoming a monopoly organization. It was becoming more difficult for deaf owned VRS to compete against Sorenson so they probably had to find ways to get more money in order to keep up with Sorenson... Some people are desperate for anything. And also some of us end up doing criminal acts when we didn't mean to do it.
You see the shoplifting vlog where the deaf man was attacked by a security guard unnecessarily... Too many people tend to jump into conclusions that we are criminals.. Just like black people when they go in a store, store owners automatically think that they will steal something..
I don't like the way you are thinking and it is not helping us at all.. We should and are outraged at what you are thinking about.. What you should be doing is to help and to lend support and to analyze where all of this is coming from...
deafmommy
I don't think it has hurt our community at all.. If that is what you want my answer...
People tend to think that we are sweet, naive and very nice... Well, we are not from that mold. We are a diverse group of people. If they are shocked and surprised, good for them.... We need to shatter the image of this mold anyway.
Also there is a tendency of sweeping deaf criminals under the rug, we need to bring them out in open. Too many of them have been hidden away, whispered and hush hush stuff. Now we cannot afford them to sneak through our community and continue to hurt us over and over.. Now with some people who have been falsely arrested, they need our help and support...
It is yin/yang thing in our deaf community. We have to decide whether to support or to oust them out from our community..
deafmommy
Thank you, Deafmommy.
However, again, you are doing the armchair analysis again in the effort to read people minds here. Don't do that. I am talking about the combined events. Not individuals per se.
In some ways, recent events mentioned above have tarnished the d/hh community. But, I am not sure how much damage the arrests of certain individuals have done.
I think that the community has been tarnished more by the outspoken 'advocates' for the community lashing out against the 'ignorant' and 'evil' hearing people trying to help and understand. They may be 'ignorant' but they are often well-meaning. Don't object, protest, scream, get angry. Instead, educate them and include them.
Unfortunately, because of the recent events surrounding the protests of a certain bill, hearing parents who go on DeafRead and other deaf social online sites, are turned off by the notion of joining the signing deaf community. This, in my opinion, tarnishes the deaf/hh community.
I have just one thing to add: I really don't count anyone with hearing impairment or deafness to be more credible than any other person on this planet so when John Yeh's name comes up in a VRS scam, it doesn't tarnish the deaf community in any way.
"EVERY community has its bad apples. It doesn't dimnish our community in general because of its outweighing positive elements."
That was my answer to your question about whether the cases you mentioned dimnish our community.
As for throwing "conspiracy theory" and "armchair analysis" at respondents you don't agree with...it's dismissing them out of hand.
If you have a reputation for disdaining the deaf community, you'll have to be honest with yourself when you get this type of feedback.
Is it your overall attitude or the specific question that is getting such negative reaction?
hi mike
oh oh pick me, pick me. I think i have the answer.
I looked up the definition for tainted and tarnished and damaging and i think all of them disqualify for tainting and tarnishing and damaging the Deaf community.
Its just too small, too wee, too petty me think
Like for example if u r gonna cite the VRS scandal but only pick on the Deaf folks - well that aint right Mike cuz Hearing people make up our community too and there were far more Hearing folks involved in the fleecing of our govt via Relay fraud that there were Deaf so spread the love pal
re: the Deaf guy hooking up with a minor who was Hearing - bad indeed. A teacher no less - very bad but HEY Hearing teachers have been found guilty of sexually abusing minors in our community for a long time (see the 1st superintendent of the PA school) so if we r gonna say shame on them - we gotta say shame on the Hearing folks too and i suspect there may have been more arrests of Hearing perpetrators than of Deaf in recent years than of this one bloke
as for he-who-shall-not-be-named - ie Ridor ie Ricky Taylor - the only thing that is REALLY surprising about this matter is that u all are so surprised by it. If Ricky were to live his whole life without a visit to the clink would be a shocker not that he is there now for some dubious charge and will probably return to his full Green Latern force soon (or later - ie watch ur back)
Ridor being arrested damaging, tainting, or tarnishing the Deaf community - hmmmm some how i cant really see it that way.
Would i like him NOT to attack folks - very much so. But have u seen what some Hearing folks say about Deaf folks out there in comment sections - well they are not only trying to tarnish, taint, and damage our community but they are really HURTING the Hearing community's image
there are some telling groups that u left off ur list of offenders mike.
Oversight???
For example Cochlear Americas for the whack on the hand they got from the Dept of Justice for engaging in kick backs and insurance fraud
talk about tainting and tarnishing
for example Advanced Bionics for the 2nd lawsuit that is in process for their faulty CI that has moisture leakage and shocked the babies, kids, and adults
talk about tainting and tarnishing
for example Judge Stow in Idaho who denied parental rights and ordered that a Deaf girl must wear her CIs all her waking hours (regardless of whether or not they were working or causing her discomfort)
talk about tainting and tarnishing
hmmmm what else
for example some security guards and cops that actually cause folks physical harm or use excessive force to the point of murder (Forever 21, Gallaudet, Seattle)
talk about tainting and tarnishing
there is more - sadly there is much more
if for he-who-shall-not-be-named - if u meant the real lord - ie voldemort - he is of a snake and snakes sometimes are Deaf so are you saying Voldemort is part of our Deaf community or is he Hearing but has some Deaf connection.
Regardless - has voldemort tainted, tarnished, and damaged the human community - nah not really cuz he is fiction after all and he actually did re-kindle a love for reading really big and heavy books for folks of all ages so me think that is a good thing
peace
patti
Dang... my comment did not go through... got the error message.
Will try writing from my memory.
I was busy this past weekend, so today is a catching up time for me... clothes in the washing machine, carpets vacummed, etc, and here I am.
I am NOT addressing to any comments... just to your question.
My answer is NO. I'd say that yes, Viable did leave a dent, due to the involvement of FBI and FCC resulting in several arrests... yes.
But the individuals... nope. I had never heard of the teacher until today. Hmmm. Really, the sex abuse occurs in the schools... both Deaf and Hearing... nothing we can do about it, but keep a viligant eye on them, we the parents, and teach our children to protect themselves and if it occurs, come out and speak up.
Hmmm... Ridor. No, it's not tainting the Deaf community. We all have many personalities/attitudes like Ridors... same as we have Barrys, Russells, Mikes, Drolzes, Ellas, etc., in all the communities... outspoken, thoughtful, controversal, etc. He happens to have made the questionable decisions that are not our business. I only hope that he'd turn the leaf for the better when he comes out of jail and I feel bad for his family who has to deal with it. It's people who are giving him attention :-|
So the Deaf community tainted. Nah. Maybe a small dent, from Viable.
Hope this answers your question?
AB2072 tainting the deaf community, hmmm? You are certainly entitled to your opinion. How would you explain California Senators Cedillo's and Senator Alquist's comments on the Senate floor when they voted on AB2072? They commended us on our campaign to educate and inform the Senators.
Marla, not the AB2072 itself but the resulting actions around it that some people felt that have debased the image of the Deaf community.
oh i forgot about AB 2072 tainting, tarnishing, and damaging the Deaf community -
it is true the CAA (CA Audiology Association) dropping their support of the bill when it went to be voted on by the Senate when they were the rah rah rah - GREAT BILL boys and girls but now are the - we can't fulfill this role is confusing, misleading, contradictory, puzzling but tarnishing and damaging ..... only time will tell
it certainly does put the bill-soon-to-be-law (maybe) in a pickle. If Gov Arnold signs it he will be saying - I COMMAND you professionals to go against your own professional best judgment and share the unbiased brochure (yet to be created)
me really dont like when state governments start telling professionals what they gotta do when the professionals themselves are saying - we aint suited to do this
i especially dont like when state govt tell parents you MUST bring your babies to audiologists for the all powerful brochure (that the audiologist association dont even wanna have the duty of explaining to u no more)
that is.... paradoxical, embarassing, an conundrum YEP
tarnishing, damaging, and tainting for them (the state and the CAA) PERHAPS
tarnishing, damaging, and tainting "oh no! says dorothy and her homies" for the Oppose AB 2072 - nah i think not
remember mike - it was u, candy, and barry who said "good for u little train that could - u learned how to chug a chug chug in the political arena and got some real positive and important gains"
(psst - ya kinda damage ur own credibility when u spin urselves so tight u get caught up in ur own webs. just a heads up)
never would have gotten that if they hadnt dared to jump at da sun
"spiritual audacity to believe in our somebodyness" and all that jazz
did i answer ur question?
huh, huh
gold star me?????
pretty please, teach?
peace
patti
I'm surprised the opposition didn't clearly see that the Senators were pacifying the opposition by patronizing. Mind you, that is my perspective.
Image tainted goes far beyond events surrounding AB2072.
Take for example how audism is being promoted, supposedly to help the deaf community but in turn it tainted the community rather than enlightened the world about the culturally deaf foks.
I'm not exactly sure on what is actually -THE- question you're asking. From my guesswork, I'd say you're asking whether the Image of the Deaf community is tainted or not.
I'd like to take an opportunity to answer that question.
We don't exactly live in an utopian society. That's the way the whole world is, whether if its in politics, d/Deaf community, b/Black community, or whatnot.
So... the question you asked is kind of a moot.
No offense, good sir.
finlake
Finlake, thank you.
Kokonut Pundit asked: "So, which ones are the more damaging to the image of the Deaf community?"
Answer: AB 2072.
Exactly. The lawmakers from other states will research to get the information on AB 2072 by through what?
I.N.T.E.R.N.E.T.
You cannot blame the computer world.
Definitely AB2072.
The events around that was the most damaging I've seen in eons.
How is it damaging? Well, since it was not really a national news, however, many in California were exposed to the news on AB2072. So, I'd say many potential parents of deaf/hoh babies' view of the culturally deaf may (MAY) affect their decision on language/communication options for their child. Many hearing parents who view DR and DV have seen it all. These parents are the ones that will be affected too. Since many parents who frequent DR and DV are also members of several forum groups online. Domino effect takes over...
Which, in my opinion, is very unfortunate because I do support and encourage parents to consider ASL/Bilingual if at all possible with and/or without other options.
Candy,
I agree with you but there's more...
Russell
Oh man.
I think it all depends on where we live. Where I live, we don't discuss it... we discuss everyday stuff like schools, economics, families, etc. If I lived in California, yeah, we might be discussing the bill a lot. Hmmm...I actually believe that things appear bigger in the cyberspace.
Yes, it's good to be mindful of whatever is happening in the life-reality AND cyber-reality (I just coined up these words for my own benefit, you don't have to Google them up, they won't be there ;-) )do affect the Deaf communities in many ways... both right away and later on. Tainting, helping, etc... hmm... ~shrug~
Russell, I'm sure there is more...
I'm waiting for that to happen. ;)
Not my doing, it's Karma...all Karma.
Karen, You're right about that. but you're not one of the 95% of the hearing parents. Imagine yourself as one, you'd be online searching and searching and you'd come across AB2072 fiasco and you'd be WTF?! lol I think you know that too, but you're right - outside of the 95% of the hearing parents and the majority of non cyber deafies, they don't talk about it. However, image is out there for interested parties to see.
Oi, Anon8:52AM, get your facts straight, kiddo. Rumors' just that -- RUMORS.
Gee. Are we really surrounded by gullible freaks?
-smh-
-smh- ?
Candy,
You're right about parents accessing internet and would say WTF. More than half of the parents that I've talked to for the last 3 months were aware of AB 2072 fiasco. Most feel disturbed about the opposition of the bill and they questioned why they're always negative when there's an opportunity for everyone.
My experience from their reaction was not positive. The image of the community does taint into parents' minds. That's beyond my hands.
What they (Opposition AB 2072) should have done is have Public Relations handle the media. Oftentimes they handle the influence with appropriate information. Most likely a PR person would tell Ella how she blew it by using the word NAZI, etc. And, they will break the contract with them to save their embarrassment.
Finally, they should have a civil rights lawyer before they say anything in public. They didn't. Their reputation was tarnished.
Legislators, professionals, and parents in California will not forget this fiasco and it's going to be difficult to clean up their $2 Yellow T Shirt image. Totally Tarnished.
Next year, DCARA, Glad, NORCAL and other opposition agencies will be facing huge state funding cuts because they violated the state funding requirements. TAINTED like there's no tomorrow...deaf people will suffer for lack of services for those who needed them.
What foolish, unbusinesslike behavior for their actions in the public eye. It's sucks to be them!
Russell
I believe smh means shaking my head.
Now, see, when it came down right to it some folks answered some of my questions. And I really appreciate the responses. Really! That's what I wanted to see. But about a 1/3 of comments were wasted from people who thought I was out to "tar the Deaf community" and spent the time to needle me and make that suggestion for all to see. I could've easily deleted their comments but since I don't do that in 99.9% of the cases yet those comments are still there for all to see and how they have tried to smear me with unfounded accusations.
Shel was wrong to do that.
So was Dianrez.
So was Patti Durr and her odd stacatto responses which I don't really bother to read because she was never serious in the first place.
"Huh..huh...?
Do I get a gold star, too?
Pretty please.
Huh.. huh..?"
This is exactly what I'm talking about folks. Their minds were already made up even before they started commenting in here. Which begs the question of their own lingering conspiratorial thoughts about my "insidious" plan. Or something like that. I'm sure you got the gist of it.
If they want to have a good discussion and talk about the potential effects of those past events and how they may have hurt the Deaf communities, then sure. That's what I was aiming for in the first place. But then you had 3 women come in here imagining the worse out of me.
SMH.
Again, thank you all for your positive contributions. It really does help to gain some perspectives of whether or not (and why) those events may have hurt the image of the Deaf community. People need to understand that John Yeh and others are innocent until proven guilty.
Folks. There is no need for you to be like that if you plan on continuing to make these unfounded claims that I'm out to tar the Deaf community. I have Deaf, deaf, hh, and hearing friends. So, common sense should tell that I don't "tar" the Deaf community.
Have a good one, folks!
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