Deaf person says "No such thing as a Deaf culture"

I bringing this up to make up a point. There is this deaf person I know very well who is absolutely fluid and fluent in ASL and has been signing all of his life brings up his own perspective saying that there is no such thing as a "deaf culture" in a recent blog of mine.

Most deaf people have to use ASL because they cannot master English, a language that requires thorough understanding of phonetics. To say ASL is "beautiful" smacks of arrogance. Might as well be French and claim French is beautiful.

The majority of deaf people signing ASL will never master English. It is indeed a last resort language.

There's no deaf cuisine, there is no deaf costume, there is no deaf religion, there is no deaf furniture, so who are we to say there is a deaf " culture?

Would this be arrogance, too? Or maybe this person knows a thing or two and is correct in his observation that there is no such thing as a "Deaf culture"? This person can easily pass as a "Deaf person" and he can make mince meat out of your own arguments if he wanted to.

Now, here's a mysterious person who called him/herself as a "sighted Deaf person" submitted a 2008 article for Deafread "There is no such blind culture" in a rebuttal attempt to my blog, "Deaf culture? Yes. Blind culture? No. Arrogance?" One problem though, there is nothing to rebut in the first place.

Had this mysterious person understood where my article was going he would've understood that my point was from the point of view of a blind person. In short, who are you or anybody else to say that there is no such thing as blind culture if a blind person believes there is one? Even if another blind person says there is no such thing as a "blind culture" it doesn't negate what other blind people believing that they have a thriving blind culture of their own.  Just as this deaf guy said "so who are we to say there is a deaf culture?" This is exactly what I was getting at in my other recent blog, who are we to say there is no such thing as a blind culture? Would it be arrogant for a Deaf person to deny a group of blind people their reasonings that there is a blind culture? Or would this simply be a case of lack of education or not fully informed? Or perhaps it's true there is no such thing as a blind culture. Just as it could be true that there is no such thing as a Deaf culture according to one deaf guy.

Before ya'll get hot under the collar, re-read what I'm trying to say before you start saying something stupid.

You have to be hard of hearing to understand

It's not just "you have to be deaf to understand" but for me to tell other people it's "you have to be hard of hearing" to understand. The difference is quite pronounced between the two. Which is why I support Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) which was once known as SHHH (Self Help for Hard of Hearing People).

Yes, even I tell deaf people or those who cannot hear at all or benefit from hearing aids that you have to be "hard of hearing" to understand just as I would tell a hearing person the same thing. Although with my experiences I do understand from a hearing person's point of view as well as a completely deaf person's point of view as well as their experiences since I share many similar experiences between the two.

As a hard of hearing person I stress the importance of using one's own voice especially when it comes to elocution, training of the ear to understand words and sound, the enjoyment of sound, and just being able to take advantage of technology that supports or enhances one's own hearing level.

Some people have it easier as a "hard of hearing" person than others because of the amount of hearing loss, the early exposure to oral and aural approaches, and so on. These things vary from one HH person to the next. For us hard of hearing people we prefer to talk just because it comes naturally and easier for us to do so. For us hard of hearing people we enjoy music and even take up musical instruments for our enjoyment. For us hard of hearing people we enjoy having verbal conversations with people whether it's in in person or even over the phone. Our lifestyle and preferences vastly differ from the lifestyle and preferences of culturally Deaf people. Just because people who are hard of hearing and have preferences does not mean they reject "Deaf culture" but that they have a preference. It does not mean that hard of hearing people do not know sign language when many of them do. It does not mean that some of them are not a part of the Deaf community when they are but whether they are active in that particular community or not is not of anybody's concern.

You see, sometimes you do have to be "hard of hearing" to understand. Not as a deaf person but a person who is able to take advantage of what's hearing is left in the world of sound. It's a labor of love.

Deaf culture? Yes. Blind culture? No. Arrogance?

Alicia made a response today in a blog called "Why do deaf people want to be considered a culture and not a disability, but not blind people? "

Because while Deaf people have their own language, arts, poetry, stories, and so forth... blind people do not.

Says who? Isn't this rather an arrogant thing to say? Would it be arrogant and perhaps selfish for a Deaf person to say that?  For anybody to say that?

In an old discussion forum from several years ago one person who is blind had this to say about "Blind culture."

Does blindness have a culture? I've asked this question a number of times in various situations and the most common answer is "no". The subject of whether blindness has borne a culture is a topic of debate in many blindness-related forums and meetings.

The existence of a deaf culture is not in dispute. Many people are proud to be counted in that community and consider their inability to hear to be a characteristic and not a disability. Blindness is viewed in almost the opposite light. It's odd.there are many people who would attach certain characteristics and behaviors to all blind, and yet deny that we have a culture of our own.

To admit that blindness was more than a disability, that it was a cultural characteristic of which we could be proud, would be like finally admitting that we are not the pitiful creatures that the media, and some of society, usually portray. To call us a culture would be like recognizing our uniqueness without belittling it. Would it be an accurate term though? Are we truly a culture?

I posit that we are. Many of us use a form of written communication that differs from the mainstream. Braille bears no visual resemblance to the written alphabet and only a person trained to read Braille can do so. And, it is a form of reading and writing unique to the blind. Even (most) visually impaired print readers have to either get their materials from an alternative source, or use technical aides to enhance the print.

The need to do this is unique to the visually impaired. Like some signing deaf people need an aural interpreter, those of us not around our chosen written medium need someone as a print interpreter. We may share the same language as the majority, but the way in which we access printed material differs markedly

Alyssa Hopfe continues and note the bolded words....

Let's review the major points though. I believe we are a culture because: Many of us share a 'written' language, or at the very least, the need to have an alternative method of accessing materials.

We share linguistic traits unique to the blind.

We are a minority symbolically identified as being unique among those around us.

We are linked by the attitudes of those around us and by the problems we face.

A number of us live in similar economic conditions.

We form groups to further the aims of the whole.

We share some methods of understanding our world and we sometimes share mannerisms.

We share internal conflicts alien to the larger community.

We are intrinsically linked by the concerns that we have.

Now for the benefits of recognizing our status as a culture rather than just a group or community. People would begin to see blindness as a characteristic rather than a problem to be solved. People wouldn't automatically assume that we are hopeless or that we'd sell our souls for sight. Whatever divisions within, discrimination would be met with a powerful response. Our unique ways of gathering information would be seen as cultural traits.

We would develop more pride in ourselves with the knowledge that we were a culture and that our "mannerisms" (some of us have them) were a norm. People would be less apt to say "So and so succeeded DESPITE his blindness" and may even start to see blindness as a component of the success.

Organizations and corporations would be forced to accommodate us as they have the deaf (closed captioning for them, audio description for us).

Readers would be bound by an official code of ethics. Complete integration or "normalization" wouldn't be one of the goals considered when educating the blind. Medical breakthroughs wouldn't be heralded as "the only true road to equality" and they wouldn't be what we supposedly pine for the most. One of the largest pluses would be that blind people would be hired to work with other blind people as a matter of course and respect for a unique culture. No longer would a sighted person be considered an optimum teacher for a blind person. American Sign Language (ASL) is considered by many to be a complex and beautiful language, whereas Braille is seen as a last resort. This double standard MUST end.

In order to gain respect, and for blindness to be seen in it's proper light, I believe that we need to recognize our special status as a culture and act accordingly. We should hold our heads up and be proud of what we are! Yes, proud.blindness and all. We should call ourselves what we truly are, by virtue of bonds formed by language, experiences and concerns.we are a culture. For those of you who disagree with my stance, I ask that you at least consider the possibility that what I say has merit.

To deny or not recognize blind people as having a Blind culture would be the same as not recognizing Deaf people of their own culture as well. Doing so would be an act of arrogance.

Silence? Don't bet on it.

Ever since the "news" broke out it caught a lot of deaf people's attention and we all know why. I or anybody else do not need to explain why. If you already know the history then there's nothing more to tell. Regardless of a person's background everybody is innocent until proven guilty as I have said before. But ever since the release was announced a few days ago many people were betting whether this person would be humbled by all that experience and be a better person. Most seem to be saying it wouldn't be the case. I wonder what the odds maker at Las Vegas would say? A 10 to 1 odd? A 100 to 1 odd? 10,000 to 1 odd? Never? I guess we'll have to wait and see but according to many people they seem to be saying "keep your money" instead. That is, don't bet on it. Sometimes there is certain but important key event that can be seen as a signal in a person's life. It's up to the person to recognize that and decide which fork in the road to take. But if ego is any indicator then that path will be the same path as before. A path that goes nowhere.

Go NAD!! Turn head and cough....

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

If there was ever a football team whose school has an initial N.A.D. they'd be one sorry group when it comes to cheerleading time at their football games. Can you imagine people screaming in the stands, "Go NAD! Go NAD! Go NAD! Goooooooo NAD!" And it'd be even worse with cheerleaders with each of them waving two large pom-poms with round fluffy like balls.  If at this point you are puzzled by the cheers of "Go NAD" then I ain't helping ya! Blame this on Karen Mayes who wrote an earlier tribute to Paotie a few days ago on the whole "Go NAD!" thing.

Now, this brings me back. I think I inspired Paotia with the whole Go NAD thing in 2008 somewhere. I'm pretty danged sure I mentioned "Go NAD!' as a source of his inspiration. Oh, now I remember, it was "Go NADS!!" Started in 2006. Pretty balsy stuff when I tried to start the North America Deaf Strongman Games or "NADS" Games for short, and I had a pretty good line to go with that, too. Just scroll down until you find it.

Go NADS Games! Only those with enough balls can compete!

Indeed. And I think these are the really heavy ones you can't even lift. Might be better to shout, "OMG! My hernia!" Still, balsy stuff at this game had it gone through. Maybe it'd have been better to call it the "Fighting NADS games?" I'm sure I would've sold tickets by the buckets.

But sometimes people have actually said "Go NAD" in support of National Association of the Deaf's letter about the Pepsi commercial brohahahaha involving AGBell. Hey, remember my comedy video about that Pepsi commercial? Though I think it's easier and more fun to say, "Go NAD!" instead of one long boring line "Go National Association of the Deaf!" Ok. Who actually said "Go NAD!"? A few actually.

Here's one.  And another one, a shocking one, too. Another one from the same website rooting "Go, NAD!" Another here, same site. And here, too. Another here in the same site with two simple words (is it supposed to be one word?). Yup, here again. Same site here where even Paotie got into the spirit, too. Bravo! Another one here, same site. And in the same site this one here comes with 8 exclamation points, too. And the last shout out at this site except this one is just way too funny by "M. Creamer" who shouts "Go NAD!"  Lots of spirits, there. Wow. Never saw so many "Go NADs" under one website. Just a bunch of high spirited people shouting out a bunch of "Go NADs" on NAD's own NAD President Blog website which probably makes this a really, really funny thing. Balls of fun, Right?

Not everyone agrees. Some even complained about "Go NAD!" Yet we had many people screaming "Go NAD!" on NAD's own NAD President Blog website. But this one here got right down medically offensive describing in lurid details of the meaning behind "Go NAD!". Ok. Maybe not so lurid then. And yet somebody actually believed that shouting "Go NAD!" damages the Deaf community. Maybe it would've been better to shout out "Go NADS games!" instead?

Anyway, go NAD!

Video: Matt Hamill and daughter at school

A special "show -n- tell" for Matt Hamill's daughter at her school by bringing her father to school.

His daughter Tierra talked about what life is like communicating with two deaf parents, and what seeing a movie about her dad's life is like. Together the two taught the class some basic sign language and answered questions.

Tierra says that she wants people to know that while she and her parents communicate differently their life is otherwise just like anyone else's. The first grade classroom is completing a unit on diversity, and a lesson from father daughter team gave them a new perspective.

Matt Hamill may already be an action figure, a character in a video game and a reality  show athlete but he never expected his life to be profiled in a movie due out next month called "Hamill."

Don't forget. Matt Hamill is to fight his former trainer and coach Tito Ortiz on October 23, 2010 in the UFC 121 fight in Anaheim, California.

When a "Deaf community" sucks.........

For some reason people like Dianrez, Patti Durr, DonG, and several more managed to arrive at a conclusion that my goal is to somehow “tar” the Deaf community based on a several of my blog pieces for its “negativity.” Believing that I somehow have a “disdain” for the Deaf community. Is this selective thinking at play here? Rather odd to see this. All of sudden I have a “disdain” for the Deaf community just because I asked some hard questions or posted some strong opinions about a Deaf organization or person in my blogs? Based on my so-called “history” of blogging and the topics that I wrote? How about trying “not impressed” with the Deaf community instead?
It’s one thing to not like someone for its blogging and people are entitled to their opinions but it’s another to think that a blogger is out to “destroy” or “tar” or “hurt” the Deaf community (cue in Deaf Dr. Evil laughter). That sort of thinking, again, hinges in the realm of conspiracy thinking and paranoia. Suspicions can sometime cloud people’s own rationality and judgment. Yet they are free to make their own opinions and judgment just as I am free to do so myself. But all that recent complaining has certainly gotten surreal.

In one of the comments submitted in my blog Shel makes the claim.
In most posts? Shel must’ve been away for too long or don’t even bother to read any of my blogs. I think this here has to do with her having a personal angst with me than about my postings per se. Just guessing here. Not a mind reader. I could be wrong. Perhaps her mind was already made up about me even before she read some of my blogs? Who knows? I've certainly have not made any decisions about Shel's own writings other than she has an opinion and I don't even know her well enough to judge.

“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.”

As you can already see I have my own blogging style and I get to choose an issue or topic that interest me. And when I have questions on deaf-related issues I pen them down in my blog and see what readers say. If they want to believe in some conspiratorial plot that I and others are doing, then I certainly cannot help them with their own insanity to even suggest that. Their minds are already made up. Only they can change it, not me.

Now, what do I think about the “Deaf community”? At times I think it’s over-rated and full of it. While in other instances I think the “Deaf community” has its own positive merits for what they are and how the “Deaf community” can be seen as a service to the community at large when it comes to educating the public. But that‘s two-edged sword deal there. There are a lot of camaraderie and friendships but then again there’s a lot of bullshit, too. This is one of them.

At times I see it as one big mess but that’s mostly attributed to their own politicizations and certain narrow-mindedness in their own thinking at times. And sometimes its about being overly-protective, too. But when I give praises or give a positive nod then take that as a rare compliment to take home though not about the “Deaf community.” I have to be impressed first in order to offer positive compliments, enough so that I would write a positive blog piece. I am not thoroughly impressed with the “Deaf community” although there are some positive things that I do see from within but still I‘m not impressed. I am more impressed with individuals and how they set themselves apart from other people which I why I‘ve done lots of interviews of Deaf people (Matt Hamill, Steve Sandy on Dummy Hoy, Greg Gunderson, etc…) or discussed the personal details of Deaf, deaf, and hard of hearing individuals in the positive things they do and their outlook on life. I look for uniqueness in an individual regardless of their hearing loss status or which community they are a part of. I look for unique people that I come across who have taken a challenge in life whether a person is Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing. I am more impressed on what people think, their philosophies on life, their outlook on life, the challenge they do and so on. I also like humor, intellectual humor that attracts me to other people‘s blogging style or how they express themselves in that manner. I’m a complex person. It takes a lot to impress me but with the right combination of things it might be enough to get me interested. If you’re hurt at this point then you need ask yourself why and re-examine your own thinking.

All this mewling about me “tarring” the Deaf community is erroneous hinged with paranoia. I believe this is reflective of their own inner insecurity over something. If they have strong faith in their own "Deaf community" then there is no need for them to be overly defensive and start accusing people of "tarring" the "Deaf community." But when they do get overly defensive I wonder about their confidence in all this.  I’m not sure exactly what but it’s just a feeling.

They try so hard to get me to seek “approval” about the “Deaf community.” And when they cannot then they can only conclude that I’m against it and I have a disdain for it. Not so. Perhaps they have never considered the fact that I’m simply not impressed with the “Deaf community” in the first place? And since I am person who is hard of hearing that moves between the Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing and hearing fences with ease where I have gained various perspectives and experiences, perhaps this is what making some people angry? I don’t know but it is sure is a complex one.

I don’t bite. I do have an opinion. I am a complex person myself. I am not impressed easily. And I don’t go around “tarring” the Deaf community, either. Although that does not prevent me from having an opinion about certain groups or organizations. I have my own interest and even quirky humor that makes me that unique person. Take that to heart with you.

Below is a short sample list of my 300 entries from January 31, 2008 to September 16, 2010 even though I began blogging in 2004 of which a total of 1568 entries were entered so far. In this year’s entry I’ve penned 160 entries in 242 days. From reading my blog titles you can get the general idea what my topics were. And if an entry topic looks interesting use my Kokonut Pundit search bar located on the left side of my blog and enter the full blog title to get the link and read the contents. Whether it’s “positive” or “negative” is purely an opinion of yours based on your perception from where you sit. I just write what I feel and the topics that interest me. And I don’t need to explain this again, either. The fact is that there are people who don't like my blogs and there are people who do like my blogs. End of story. You can do all the conspiratorial thinking you want if that makes you happy. Just keep the whining to yourself. What now? You're going to complain about my blog title, too?

NOTE: I removed one name, Barb Digi, since it wasn't the correct name I put down as I was thinking of another one I couldn't remember at the time. That's a faux pas on my end. Sorry.
Kokonut Pundit's recent 300 blog pieces:
What is a deaf hero? - September 16, 2010
The Paotie Complex Response
Gears of paranoia
The missing ASLrocks.net video pages...how to find them
An intellectual exercise on "Deaf statistics"
The Deaf Dr. Evil Plot......
My Plan is Working Flawlessly! *rubs hands*
A psychological conundrum
Image of the Deaf community - tainted?
Karma's a bitch?
As a deaf/hh person, where were you when 9/11 happened
Kathy Buckley - a deaf comedianne.
The role of audiologists ab2072
Questioning DBC's hit counter... an illusion?
The hating of Russell Errigo....
Did Fookem & Bug get punk'd?
Oral Deaf Man Criticicizes Other Oral Deaf Man for using his voice ...
Tim Riker, chapter president of CAD, respond to Kokonut Pundit
Use of voice is way, way better than ASL!
Deaf Gally Board of Trustee Used Voice at Gally Graduation!
Why did CAD chapter president use his voice at AB2072 hearing?
Kokonut Pundit - the longest continuously running deaf/hh blog around?
The audiologist's role
Deaf and blind hiker on Appalachian Trail
Northwest Deaf and HH Hikers Get Together
Incredible Hulk Character equals Oppression to Deaf?
White deaf man calls black person an "Uncle Tom"
California Academy of Audiology responds to blog readers‘ comments on AB2072 bill controversy
California Academy of Audiology Official Letter to Mendoza on Opposing AB2072
AB2072 votes officially confirmed
AB2072 Passed!
A Deaf Freeze Flash Mob Proposal.....the 12:12 Flash Mob
AB2072 bill update - ASL support increases
The reality of hearing loss in the U.S. and the AB2072 bill
Round Peg in a Square Hole - "Wrong Street"
More potential ASL support than thought
AB2072 bill - less power to audiologists
Round Peg in a Square Hole Deaf
AB2072 passed. No longer in APPR suspense file.
AB2072 on APPR. Suspense File does not mean "suspended.”
What are the "risks" for ASL option in the AB2072 bill?
AB2072 - risks and benefits for ASL option
Hike to Gotchen Creek Meadows on Mt Adams
Beautiful Mt. Adams
Did a hearing mother exaggerates about her deaf son‘s ability?
Persona non grata
Video: How to promote a positive picture of ASL without attacking
Matt Hamill to fight Tito Ortiz!
Deaf Bilingual Coalition's Unprofessionalism
Enemies of Choices
A family outing at Sunset Falls for day of swimming in river
When technology allows 100% communication access to language anytime
Round Peg in a Square Hole
When deaf people live out in the country
A puzzling irony…..
Giving thanks on what hearing I have left
New technology on captioning and audio at theaters
The limp handshake
How the iPhone 4 and iZ could cost more money for Deaf users
4G and the upcoming era of tiered pricing for data usage and how it could impact Deaf people
Why some deaf people don't like using the video phone
UbiVia press release on first ever Live Mobile Text for Blackberry phones
A politically incestuous relationship?
The Candy exposure.....the meltdown.
UbiVia - Your next live mobile text for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing Blackberry users
The "everything technology" on communication for everybody
ASL thrives: ISL dies (and gets pushed out of the way)
The Eugenics of Deaf Indian Sign Language and culture through ASL
The Wikipedia Entry
"Deafhood," AFA, and CAD linked as "Extremist Groups“ in Wikipedia?
Commenting Rules in Kokonut Pundit
AB 2072 - passed
AG Bell on AB2072
When anti-AB2072 group uses Nazi labels
The Mysterious Disappearance of "Deaf Dynamic Duo!
A poll: Do you approve AB2072 bill?
Vinton Cerf accepted award from AGBell !
Sock! Pow! It's the Deaf Dynamic Duo!!
A Critical Analysis
Jumping the "deaf hate crime" bandwagon
When a deaf person is mocked for his voice...by another deaf person
Famous deaf talk show radio personality gets married
Tenth anniversary for “Association of Adult Musicians“ with hearing loss
Money donated to "Deafhood? No thanks"
Adversity - a perspective from a deaf/hh person.
Facebook "Deafhood? No thanks" membership soars!
Part II Mike's ASL Vlog to the Deaf Community
Kokonut Pundit's ASL video message to Deaf community
Deaf Weekly Explodes!
Very Special People Hate Crime
A response to DeafASLVlogs
A response to The Deaf Sherlock
Communication Technology - the ultimate aphrodisiac
The new army of "Deafhood? No Thanks"
Google Posts Deafhood Warning on Search Site
Deaf Hate Crime - abusing the word.
Deafhood? No Thanks.
Are you a UbiDuo user? Want a chance to win $1000?
Hypocrisy in Six Flags' Deaf Awareness Day?
F*ck you, Deaf Community!
The timeline predictions on the cure for hearing loss
Avdism
Our old house in New Mexico
"Not 'terp' enough" - when interpreters discriminate and demean lower ranking learners
Newly revamped UbiDuo Website
Matt Hamill to fight Keith Jardine
Deaf man found as a direct descendant of the father of Pocahontas
How to describe piano ragtime to a deaf person
The value of work encounters for deaf and hard of hearing people
Deaf pianist to attend Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival
Thumbs of Fury.... the fastest deaf Blackberry text user?
Do I support the Closed Captioning bill HR 3101?
Texting and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome...a danger to deaf people?
Closed Captioning support for Blackberry Phones
Do deaf and hard of hearing people prefer Blackberry smartphones over others?
Blackberry Smartphones and Closed Captioning
When a piano dies...horribly.
A deaf Ragtime pianist plays "Weeping Willow"
What would deaf people like to see in a cell phone? ...
How valuable is communication?
Breaking: Deaf Hate Speech Found
Video: Dr. I. King Jordan on diversity and inclusion.
"I Hope Deafhood Fails"
Baby born deaf, Deaf members celebrate; Baby born without eyes Deaf people show pity
The Gallaudet University Global Warming Scare Video Library
When global warming hoax kills...and fools millions
What to say to a deaf person whose child passed away?
The dangers of using Wikipedia to look up the word “audism“
Why the word "audism" ought to be banned
Special Ed teacher at Birney school shot and killed
Deaf on deaf hate crime?
Al Gore to be investigated for misleading/lying in Congress on Global Warming claim?
What to look for in a successful deaf-owned
Why do you like to read Kokonut Pundit blog? A thanks to readers
Make cure for hearing loss mandatory by law for deaf babies if stem cell prove successful?
Kobayashi Maru and
A Poll: Has your hearing aid helped improve your love or social life?
"Deaf group attacks stem cell researcher for his work on the cure deafness“
Promising research continues for cure on hearing loss
Researchers identify protein needed to develop auditory neurons
Growing an Ear Where No Ear Has Grown Before
Noise-Damaged Hair Cells Can Regrow Stereocilia in Mammals if Rescued in Time.
Creighton professor strives to reverse hearing loss
Is Mike McConnell anti-deaf?
Deaf prisoner on death row finally dies
Idiot deaf driver steals car and dies in fireball after chase.
DBC's credibility gap?
The NFL Cochlear Implant Story Continues...
Dying or Dead Deaf/HH Blogs and beyond Resurrection
Conducive environment on the campus of Gallaudet University? ...
Kokonut Pundit on Cox and Forkum Blog
Super tall buildings of the future
EMPOWERMENT IN THE DEAF COMMUNITY:ANALYZING THE POSTS OF INTERNET WEBLOGS
Mayor Bloomberg's hearing aid help increase awareness
Deaf girl cochlear implant wins NFL Contest uses her voice…Deaf man whines
The day DeafDC died.......happy hour, too.
Proteins found to help develop auditory neurons
Are deaf people more prone to believe in global warming claims?
Mowl and Tropp Plead Guilty to Fraud...will others follow?
Adult stem cells from adipose tissue accidentally improves hearing in one patient
Stem cells on hearing loss for returning soldiers
UbiDuo helps those who are unable to write
Could your own stem cells in your hair follicles help you hear someday?
How the UbiDuo could enhance your career
UFC Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones at Las Vegas December 5
Dr. Rivolta on stem cells cure for hearing loss and making hearing aids and cochlear implants obsolete someday
David Armand in "Where I Lay my Hat"
Stem Cell Transplantation into the Damaged Mammalian inner ear
Stem Cells for hearing loss live chat tomorrow night, November 19, 2009!
Checkmate?
Will Deaf Culture Die Out Someday? - Part II
Stem cell history on search for cure for hearing loss
Stem cells strategy for hearing loss cure...a captioned video
Blinded by my own hearing
Video Interview (caption) with first American to have her hearing loss restored ...
First Successful Case Example of a Hearing Loss Cure in a Human Patient?
RIT Library Guide References Kokonut Pundit's blog piece
Kokonut Pundit is now on Twitter
Deaf man hears sound of piano for the first time
For the First Time Plays Piano for Deaf Mother
Deaf and Blind Kid Plays Jazz Piano
The Errigo and Aguilar Mess
Closed Captioned Video: Rush Limbaugh says Sarah Palin is ready to be President
When the word "Audism" needs to disappear
First case of stem cell treatment on hearing loss on humans?
Is "Deafhood" a new tool for oppression to those who disagree?
Forging Ahead
Ghanans in Africa talk about "too soon" win of Obama‘s Nobel Peace prize win
Cherishing one's own hearing
My Personal Stalker
Scary Obama Halloween Masks and More!
Hearing aid powered by body heat. No more batteries
Captioned Videos of Underprivledged People Receiving their Starkey Hearing Aids
Marlee Matlin Supports "So the World May Hear"
So the world may hear...
Path to cure for sensorineural hearing loss explained
Miracle and Gift of Sound - Deaf Girl with Cochlear Implant Plays the Piano
To criticize Obama is not racist
When a president plays dumb
I don't like Curious George
Tiptoe around the president
Crybabies or overly sensitive people?
Will Deaf Culture Die Out Someday?
Chris Wallace: "Biggest bunch of crybabies in
$415,000,000 Considered for Research Work on Deafness…including a cure
Rush Limbaugh Donates Half Million Dollars to HEI to help Speed up Cure for Hearing
Matt Hamill forced to withdraw from UFC 102 due to knee
Texting while driving = drunk driving
Audism as a crutch excuse?
Alldeaf - the prejudice
Lou Ferrigno - finally, the first non-Deaf star to be on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Alldeaf - the censorship factor?
Famous deaf person loses 82 lbs with successful portion control program
"All wee weed-up"....an accident or not? National legalization of marijuana coming?
"Mulo" - ironic word of the day/week/month/year for current administration
My Plan Continues to Work Flawlessly!
Louisiana Commisson for the Deaf to benefit from noise pollution fines
The Rusting of Deaf Minds
AllDeaf - the mulatto factor.
Deafless in Seattle
KK Ragtime Piano Piece by Kokonut
Deaf man asks if he will get shut out under Obamacare
My first language? English. Thank God!
Deaf/HH Ragtime Pianist Plays a Piece
Matt Hamill in UFC 102 on August 29, Portland, Oregon
Voluntyranny at Gallaudet University?
Gallaudet's Community Service Requirement - a forced, mandatory volunteer program?
All Deaf Are Not Created Equal
Do You Miss Deaf Republicans 2008 blog?
Empty Suit, Empty Promises, Lotta Strings
Obama Day?
Just when you thought you won the lottery...
Obama's New Youth Corp Requirement?
Gallaudet Declining
Atlanta Braves Baseball Donates Money to AVT
Cure for Hearing Loss One Step Closer....
Governor Palin signs "Thank You" at end of RNC
Its....Governor Palin for Veep!
Imagine...no deaf babies.
Deafness Cure One Step Closer.....
News! First Deaf Baby Naturally Cured of Hearing Loss
When a Picture Says a Thousand Words
Matt Hamill vs Rich Franklin
400,000 Hits! A New Milestone
In Praise of the CODA Brothers
Professional Motocross Deaf Gal Shreds Dirt
A Video Interview with Greg Gunderson
Woman Victim Uses UbiDuo
Informed Decision....would you accept and support a parent’s decision?
Paranoia, Emotional Baggage, Zealotry, Cult Followers….in no particular order.
Fire and Smoke
A Champion of Oralists?
Deaf Nirvana
Deafhoodism Voodoo
DBC in Violation of IRS Charitable Contribution Law?
Interview with President of AGBell
sComm's Fresh New Website!
Ball and Chain
C.I.s and Hearing Aids Illegal in Denver 2009 Deaf Golf Tournament
Forcing the hand or not?
A Message from the Late Deafened and Deaf/HH Community
NAD Does Not Care for Deaf People?
Free Translation and Captioning Service for ASL Vloggers?
Hypocrisy? Double Standards? You be the judge
My response to Mishka Zena
Adversity or Using Your Deafness as a Crutch?
Deaf Children Can Learn to Talk
Equal Access – When a Village
The Achilles Heel - Saying What They Mean
Deaf America Syndrome
Rabid Squirrel Killed by A-Team
A one time opportunity….don’t blow it
M-I-C-K-E-Y....M-O-U-S-E......time to say goodbye
Separating Facts From Fantasy
The Economics of Deafness and Cochlear Implants
The Value of Cued Speech
More cochlear implant bloggers needed in DeafRead?
Cochlear Implant and Swimming..doing the
A Keyboard-less Computer Era at Gallaudet University?
When Technology Produces a Shift in Communication Model Thinking
When an Idiot Suggests Prank Calls Using IP
Adversity and...the audacity of hope?
Dissing those who choose
The Oppression Game
Building Bridges....?
Japanese Sign Language
Access or no access, that is the question.
No Subtitles for Patty
"The Forest" by Jason Stewart
The Advantages of Subtitles on
May The Schwartz Be With You!
My Decision on Signing
Boycott the World!
GoAmerica and AGBell….my musings.
“Bob’s House” Ranked Second in Latest Survey
Pepsi Made Clear When Bob’s House Will Come On
Uncle Bob’s House - a video by Kokonut Pundit.
Hearing Actors Play the Role of Deaf Characters
Mike’s First Video Blog
What are Deafread Plans for the next conference? - January 31, 2008

What is a deaf hero?

You know, people visit their favorite forum for a reason. Some visit ASLrocks while others visit DVTV. But to call a person a "hero" for being on a forum is, well, very tacky if not totally inappropriate. Especially if a person is known to have done slanderous and injurious gossipings, or just being crude and nasty.

There are several things or reasons why people go on to these video forums. Number one reason is probably for the mindless gossiping, libeling, defaming and complaining hoping that somebody will notice the flailing arms. You know, just trashy stuff hoping to get noticed. Number two is to learn new things from people who have the knowledge. Something that's purely informative and helpful. Number three is the more educational on the social level on what's going on out there in the world of who's who. Number four is for the simple entertainment value that probably comes with a message. That's pretty much the gist of it, I think. There could be a few more.

But don't call a person a "hero" just because of the number of hits a person was able to help generate. Saying that is an act of pure selfishness. I have my own definition of what a hero is like and it has to do with selflessness, caring, sacrificial and enduring. Base it on the content of person's character, not about  the ability to have a potty mouth. Not about gossiping. Not about smearing and libeling. Not about defamation and other petty actions. Those things do not make a person a "hero." What those thing produce altogether is a monster. Something that people should already have learned to avoid but can't avoid like some trashy tabloid sitting in a magazine rack at a grocery store waiting for somebody to pick it up and buy it.

To be a "hero" has a much more deeper revelation that is to be appreciated and wondered. I'm not a "hero." Neither is Barry of The Holism. Or anybody else who run their blogs and vlogs out there. We are simply people who have various passions for life. If people come and read your blogs or watch your vlogs then they have a reason for coming. So, please, save the "hero" label for somebody who really deserves it.

The Paotie Complex Response

Intellectual Humor. Especially when it's a dry or wry humor that comes with an intellectual twist makes it even more funny. If you ever listened to Steven Wright's dead-pan comedy skits then you'd might understand how that works when it comes to wry humor. A way of playing with words that many people find riotously funny. Like my own joke I made up a few years ago, "Why do they call it “manual alphabet”? Is it labor intensive or what?" Just not what you say but how the delivery of that joke is made is just as important when it comes to humor.

People generally like humor but not all humors are made equally. And not all humors are humorous to all people, generally so. Just humor me for a moment here. I like people with intellectual humor along with a good philosophy about themselves and about life. Just as I liked some of Barry's own philosophy, outlook on life and his love for nature in his The Holism blog. He find his own brand of humor that suits him and anything that tickles his funny bone just like the rest of us. Though I'm pretty sure he's a fan of the Monopoly game just as I am although I would win. But for Barry he's certainly not of the "Napoleon Complex" variety seeking control as some people would try and say. Rather I see him seeking equilibrium in life more than anything else. He's more grounded than most people would give him credit for. But to say "Napoleon Complex" is regarded as a derogatory social stereotype. An expresssion meant to be personally mean and petty. People who say those things for that just purpose might want to look into their own mirror the next time.

Now, this brings me to this complex condition called, "Paotie Complex Response." It is definitely a knee-jerk response condition. It is an automatic reflex. Sometimes it's a gag type reflex for some people while for others it's like eating succulent Kobe steak. Yummmm. A "Paotie Complex Response" might sound really bad if you're already a paranoid person but then again to be diagnosed with PCR might proved curative and rejuvenating for the more enlightened people. Which condition of PCR do you have?

First and foremost, what or who is Paotie? Easy, he's the guy behind the green curtain hitting the control buttons and levers while saying "Gawwwrsh!" in a deep, trembling voice. No. Just kidding. Really, who is he? Well, I...don't know. He's just....well.... Paotie. You know. Just...Paotie. That guy with the green moldy couch thingy on his blogsite with a bunch of stale crumbly stuff underneath the cushions. You have to read his old blog pieces in order to understand the humor and the intellect this guy brings to the table. And when he writes a piece, the paranoid, er, upset people usually come out of the woodworks and react irrationally to his writings. Things like.... well, you probably can already imagine it. It ain't pretty!

Because of that some 3 years ago I (and many others) recognized the fact that some people were willing to squelch other people's blogging style on what they should or should not write just because they disagree or don't like? Thin skin anybody?

But to promote or instigate for the limitations on the free exchanges of ideas and concepts just because people happen to not like what’s being discussed sets a dangerous precedence.

Indeed it would set a dangerous precedent. Although by saying "Gawwrsh!" in a humorous way is certainly not harmful. Kicking a stone in mock disappointment is a harmless thing. Saying "DBC sucks!" should not trigger an apoplectic fit except for the most criminally insane people who don't bother to look before leaping. Or by giving an alternative meaning to "deficit thinking" as oppose to those who say it is more about people who do not properly speak of Deaf culture do they get supremely upset when people are told it's really double speak to mean “not Deaf enough." Even that shouldn't be justification to somehow censure the blogger.

Today, even speaking remotely "negatively" on anything Deaf related is almost criminal..... to some of them that is. Not all of them but some of them. Of course, all this is a bit of humorous hyperbole and a stretch there but you get my drift. Yada yada yada. But having an opinion contrary to what other Deaf people say isn't about hating the Deaf community. It's about.... surprise.... having an opinion. And when humor is employed in the whole scheme of things to make a point do some people get all "Deaf-uppity" (word is copyrighted by this blog owner, please send check or cash for literary license use of the word) or, to move toward to a more politically correct word, really, really uptight. So tight the spincter actually disappears inward which will take a proctologist days to find. Spelunking would take on a new meaning here.

Either you have a good case of PCR or you have a bad one. Make the best of your funny bone. Just don't go all freaky on us and fall apart like some zombies. We, "alternative bloggers," do have valid opinions. Just not the mindless ones.....(that was supposed to be a zombie joke...you can laugh now).

Gears of paranoia

During the days of the anti-AB2072 protest there were several articles (here, here, and here for example) that were against the California AB2072 bill where they have reached Godwin's law status. Words were peppered with analogies of Nazi's own eugenics experiments as being the equivalent to what was happening with the AB2072 bill. Not only was this wrong but it's an insult to those who have died from such experiments of the Holocaust Days. Not only does this reek of paranoia it also potentially left a bad taste in many people's mouths about the Deaf community (in general) in California. It certainly didn't help for one Deaf organization in California that sent a flyer to California senators basically accussing them of eugenics if they support the AB2072 bill. Not a smart tactical move there. How would you feel if you got a letter saying if you don't support us then you're a Nazi sympathizer! Or something to that effect.

What would hearing parents of deaf/hh children think of the Deaf community in general now? What are hearing people's own perception in California after they watched the news on their television sets, accessed the internet, read the articles or saw Edwin Black do a lecture and become familiar with the whole AB2072 brouhaha? In Russell's own words in one of my blog comment section he said this.

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

I think those articles have hurt more than it has helped. Such use of Nazi analogies shouldn't be used. Even Dianrez agreed with this notion back in 2008 and it should not be any different in applying that opinion to that of today though she is curiously quiet about this part in relation to the AB2072 protest and use of Nazi analogies in the Deaf community.

Let’s not use Nazi analogies in our Deaf community. No one is plotting to exterminate us. Even exterminate ASL, since that has endured over 100 years despite oralism.

Saying otherwise would be an example of paranoia manifested in the form of hateful use of Nazi analogies and words of eugenics tossed carelessly about. The difference between a sane person who knows with utmost confidence about their own culture and language in its ability to survive and expand while gaining acceptance versus a desperate person who resorts to ad homenim attacks and Nazi analogies who thinks nothing but the worst that the Deaf community and its culture will come down to a crashing halt. What drivel. Signs of desperation and lack of faith.

The gears of paranoia churn in the heads of many. It's fine to be concerned but it gets to the point of ridiculousness by jumping into a sea of hyperbole in order to try and scare people over something that's not. And when that happens you'd have multitudes more gullible people believing in such nonsense information.

The missing ASLrocks.net video pages.....how to find them

Just recently I heard about the numerous complaints of videos disappearing from ASLrocks.net. And how some are calling it "unfair" or violation of their "freedom of speech". This "freedom of speech" violation is laughable because the owner owns that website and can do well what he or she pleases when it comes to operating it. Nobody's "freedom of speech" was violated there because it's a priviledge posting there, not a right. Please know your rights first. This is not one of them.

There's a very simple trick to all this if you want to see the old videos along with the video comments made. No mystery here but a very simple trick. This is what you need to do first.
Go to the original vlogs in YouTube's site and the videos in question that disappeared from ASLrocks.net pages. Be sure to write down the full title of that original video in YouTube.

Go to Google.

-Type in the words like - "ASLrocks.net" and be sure to put them in quotes.
-Then type in exactly the words of the name of the original video in YouTube that's gone missing in ASLrocks.net. For example, "Tidewater & USA" and make sure it's in quotes.

It'll look like this in Google search result.

And then click on one of the search results cache link which will finally get you to the cache page that captured the last snapshot of the missing videos that were removed. This includes all of the video comments from other participants as well you will see. Those video comments work fine if you want to view the video responses and the original video.

You can repeat this using other original video titles that have gone missing in ASLrocks.net. Make sure you put them in quotes "" and make sure you include "ASLrocks.net" at the same time in the Google search engine. Everything is there as far as I know. You can only view them and you cannot respond but they are there for your enjoyment.

Enjoy!

BTW, if you're wondering, I don't go to ASLrocks.net to watch. I like my DVTV when I'm in the mood. Sorry to disappoint ya guys.

An intellectual exercise on "Deaf statistics".....

In Deaf Sherlock's blog he wrote "28 Deaf people arrested in a year." Now, it was the VRS scam that netted 26 arrests with many notable Deaf names like Jon and Joseph Yeh. Y ou can see the list of 26 names here. We already know what the other two separate arrests that happened this year but that's not what I want to discuss. Among the 26 names only several names are recognized as Deaf people. The other names could very well be hearing people. So, it'd be incorrect to say a total of 28 Deaf people were arrested this year. Also, some of them just received a subpoena and not arrested. Unless there is proof that each of the person in the list is in fact a Deaf person who got arrested then I have no problem with the "28 Deaf people arrested in a year." But in reality it is more likely it's much less than "28 Deaf people" arrested in a year as seen in Deaf Sherlock's example.

Now, an interesting question comes to mind here. How many Deaf people get arrested each year? Whether they get arrested for DUI, domestic abuse, failure to appear in court, rape charges whether it's campus rape or not, rioting, protests (remember DPN2 arrests?), drug possesion, trespassing, stalking, vandalism or other more serious crimes. This includes Deaf juveniles such as teens who get arrested. Whatever the reason for the arrests but it'd be nearly impossible to find the average number of Deaf people who get arrested each year because such statistics are extremely hard to find and gather.

In the Sherlock's use of "28 Deaf people arrested" cannot be used as an absolute total number of Deaf people arrested so far this year. For all we know it could be 200 Deaf people arrested. It could be 50. It could be 1,000. Or it could be 10,000! We don't know for sure exactly. And to compound that we have people who are deaf/hh and not Deaf who get arrested each year as well. Although in the past I have blogged before on Deaf prisoners but that's not helpful in what I'm trying to do here.

The number of Deaf people in the U.S. varies between 600,000 to 1,000,000. Let's take a middle number like 800,000 Deaf people in the U.S just for simplicity sake. There are 310,000,000 people in the U.S. The ratio of Deaf people to hearing would be about to 1 out of 400. The number of arrests for all offenses each year for all people using a 2005 statistics from the FBI is approximately 14,000,000 arrests. Despite this it's best to look at the rate of arrests per number of inhabitants.

Nationwide, the 2005 rate of arrests was estimated at 4,761.6 arrests per 100,000 inhabitants..

We can expect that some of 4,761 arrests per 100,000 inhabitants (or 0.047 arrest rate) which we can conclude safely that it does include Deaf people that were arrested. When one says "arrest" it doesn't mean convicted, prosecuted, and/or imprisoned. Just arrested for a crime to be booked. Many are released and not face jail time and instead be on probation or pay a penalty fine. Many, if not most, do end up in jail or incarcerated.

Since people are human and the crimes are the same regardless if a person has a hearing loss or not and that we're all equal as far as human frailty is concerned, the rate of arrests nationwide is 0.047 or 4.7 percent. That means we can expect 37,000 arrests out of a Deaf population of 800,000 every year (simple math, 0.047 times 800,000 equals 37,000). Remember, arrests can be for minor charges to the more serious. Some arrests are multiple arrests for the same person. Again, let me stress this to you folks before you go all hyper on me like you usually do. 37,000 arrests DOES NOT MEAN 37,000 Deaf people arrested each year. It means possibly that up to 37,000 arrests on average are expected each year in a Deaf population of 800,000. It'd be impossible to know exactly the average number of Deaf people that get arrested each year but we can make some assumptions on the average number of arrests in a Deaf population. A different thing here. If you are getting angry at this 37,000 arrest number then you need to either re-read what I just wrote or have someone else explain it to you.

Now, having said all that. Since the Deaf population is a recognized minority group that's quite distinct due to its uniqueness as a culture group any high profile arrests of Deaf people that gets splattered across the news headlines will probably get more notice than not. For example, the VRS scam involving many notable Deaf names. And are much more likely to have an impact on the image of the Deaf community than not simply due to its being a recognized and unique minority group.

So, it's rather a gross and rookie mistake to use the "28 Deaf people arrested in a year" to figure out the statistics on the number of Deaf people arrested in a year. Right, DonG? Doing so is nearly an impossible task to try and do in the first place since there is no database that I know of that collect that kind of rather personal and specific information.

The Deaf Dr. Evil Plot......exposed!

Interesting to see the responses in Dianrez's recent blog. One thing I'll have to correct her is her assumption that my recent video was about saving face. Hardly. If she had bothered to pay close attention it was about the ridiculousness of assuming that my quote "Heh heh...my plan is working flawlessly" is meant that I'm somehow planning to "hurt" or "destroy" the Deaf community like some people actually believed here, here, here and most recently today seen here, for example just to name a few. In fact, some people were already proposing these wild conspiracy theories at the very beginning that there were these "super-secret" meetings between me, Barry, Paotie, and whoever else. Before I even started doing the whole Dr. Evil routine quote.

That conspiratorial thinking probably started about more than two years ago when Barry first came on the blogging scene in 2008. So, if people were willing to believe some conspiratorial nonsense about us conspiring together for the ultimate destruction of the Deaf community, I decided to have some fun beginning in Paotie's blog in June 2008 doing the whole Dr. Evil act. And again here. I repeated that again probably 3 or 4 times in my blog as well. If people desperately wanted to believe in their own conspiracy theories about me and other Deaf, deaf, hh people getting together to conspire to "hurt" or "destroy" the Deaf community, I decided to play along since they desperately wanted to believe in it anyway.

Get it? I hope you do, Dianrez.

Hence with all the recent conspiratorial nonsense thrown about at me as seen in my blog comments lately were probably manifested as a result of my Dr. Evil comment started over two years ago and have since floated throughout the minds of many Deaf readers up to today. Which is why I keep saying, "Remove those insipid thoughts of any lingering conspiracy theory about me. You'll sleep better at night." In other words, you'd be playing yourself for a fool to even suggest such that there is such a plot on taking down the Deaf community. It's just plain common sense.

And, Paotie, I know you're laughing already.

So, the big secret is out! Only that I didn't need to explain all this to you, Dianrez, since the very notion that I'm out to "hurt" or "destroy" the Deaf community would have been absurd to you in the first place. Right? Yet, somehow I have the feeling you didn't quite understand all that simply because of the fact of you calling me out as "saving face" in my latest video vlog which was totally incorrect. Perhaps you haven't been paying attention to this whole "Dr. Evil" scenario I played with the pinky finger in the lips thing on several occassions over the last few years but it's certainly not about saving face. It's about the ridiculousness of how some people actually believe in this whole conspiracy nonsense from the very beginning. Even some "leaders" fell for that nonsense, too. Sure. We expected that people would because they wanted to desperately believe in that.

About Barry and to help calm the nervous minds out there.

The first time I heard of Barry was back in early 2008 when he did his first blog. I enjoyed and liked his philosophy on many things, and so naturally I saw the things he said and agreed with many things on what he said. I think it was the fact that I publicly agreed with him in his blog comments did people began to speculate about us. And since people were already into this conspiratorial thinking mode that somehow we were in collusion on the planning for the ultimate destruction of the Deaf community, the DBC, AFA, Deafhood, and whatever-Deaf-organization-you-can-think-of! Sorry to disappoint you folks but that's pure bunk. Stop being so paranoid as I have said. We do have strong opinions about some of these Deaf organizations, the Deaf "leaders," their way of doing things, and differences in our philosophies, and so on. That pretty much sums it up. But just because we disagree strongly with other notable Deaf people doesn't mean we're out to destroy the Deaf community. That's pretty much common sense right there and I shouldn't even have to explain all this, either, incredibly so.

I decided to sign since I have discussed this before elsewhere on the ridiculousness of that assumption. I see paranoia and suspicion as an ongoing problem in some segments of the Deaf community. Just a tiny fraction, mind you, of those who are actively connected to the internet. This sort of paranoia could be seen in several articles on the AB2072 issue by invoking Godwin's Law along with eugenics and the Nazism labels in articles written by Deaf supporters of AB2072! I blogged about that saying it doesn't make any sense to use Nazi analogies and people shouldn't be using Nazi labels in such a way within the Deaf community. It reflects poorly on them in my opinion. And by pointing that out it's not attacking the Deaf community as some people are wont to believe but about how those articles reeked a sense of desperation.

I'm curious now. Exactly what was Dianrez's view of using Nazi analogies in those articles at the height of the AB2072 brouhaha? Did she at all speak up on that? She was strangely quiet about that over the past several months. Dianrez, was it appropriate to use those Nazi-labels, connotations and or implications in those AB2072 articles written up by Deaf people, even by the chapter president (Sacramento) of CAD in order to advance their cause?

Have a good night, folks. Sweet conspiratorial dreams.

My Plan is Working Flawlessly! *rubs hands*

Here's a little video message to some people in the Deaf community and how their paranoia shows everytime they use my "famous quote" thinking its real. Some of you gotten to the point of surreal daftyness thinking my goal is to "destroy" or "hurt" the Deaf community. *laughs* And I'm signing in ASL, too. My advice? Leave your paranoia and conspiracy theories at home. You'll sleep better that way.

A psychological conundrum

Now, for my "intellectual" look on what's has happened in my recent blog regarding my questions where many refused to even answer. Instead, some chose the conspiracy theory route that I'm somehow out to "destroy" or "hurt" the Deaf community which is nothing but a surreal assumption. Laughable. Yeah, I am a one man-wrecking army set out to see the collapse of the Deaf community. So, what were the main crux of my questions that gotten some of them up in arms so quickly?

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?

These may be uncomfortable questions to some people but they shouldn't be. These are honest and hard questions. A way to elevate the community's thinking and discussion. If you don't have an answer then say it rather than have these knee jerk responses peppered with conspiracy theory thoughts. Even Tayler Mayer and Errigo understand me in their signed video responses to O'Lois on what I do with my blogging and it has nothing to do with underming the Deaf community. No armchair psychology analysis from them. And there is no need to be defensive here, either. Just answer the questions as honestly as you can. That's all.

Now, don't force me to use my "look" with my glasses the next time.

I'm warning ya! It's deadly......

ADDENDUM: From Dianrez this morning:

Tsk, McConnell. With your record of repeatedly going on attack against Deaf people and their efforts to raise consciousness about issues such as AB2702 or Deafhood or infant ASL, it's no wonder your spotlighting Deaf criminals in your blog would provoke controversy. There are readers, like me, who feel you get your kicks stirring the pot and poking around repeatedly to try to get the answer you want. If a different blogger raised this topic, it would certainly not engender the response you have.

Repeatedly attack Deaf people? That's a pretty wild claim there. Is this an example of a conspiracy thinking going into overdrive? I made my disagreements and agreements known in my blogs about the whole AB2072 controversy but rarely do I ever "attack" Deaf people in my blogs. I am usually critical just like Dianrez is doing this to me. Should I call her recent blog as attacking me? No. Rather it's just a critical opinion piece about me just as I have been critical, for example, of Tim Riker's attempt to criticize an oral deaf person for using his voice when he used his. Be careful of that word, "attack," Dianrez. That stuff usually falls into the realm of conspiracy thinking attitudes. There are indeed times when people do viciously attack but being critical of something takes on a different approach. But you are free to express your opinion. Some people are merely more sensitive when their own sensibilities get offended than others. Others recognize my work in what I do in order to raise questions and consciousnesses of the collective deaf and hh communities that might otherwise be "uncomfortable" to some. And sometimes I'm the only one who would even dare try and challenge people's thinking or comments in my blog (e.g. Tim Riker criticizing an oral deaf man for using his voice) when no one else would do so.

Of course, anything that's controversial will get people to ask questions that will surely and undoubtedly be seen as stirring the pot. Minestrone soup anyone? Maybe Dianrez is suggesting that it's better not to ask some of these questions and stick our heads in the sand? Until we ask questions we won't know. There are people who are curious of the answers, like me. But one thing for sure, it'd be best to remove those insipid thoughts on any lingering conspiracy thinking before making assumptions about my postings.

Dianrez, thanks for the advice but I'll blog my way, and you blog your way. I don't go around telling people how to blog do I? But you have no problem doing that to other people do you? *looks over my glasses at you*

ADDENDUM II: A refresher and some helpful advice on what I blogged three years ago called, "When Sensibilities and Senses are Challenged." Enjoy.

Image of the Deaf community - tainted?

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?

Karma's a bitch?

The news about a recent jailing of he-shall-not-be-named is starting to spread since it was announced yesterday on YouTube. And that reminded me of a cartoon I did a few months back about Karma, the dog. Now, when you're in jail it doesn't mean you're guilty. In a court of law you are innocent until proven guilty. Although his mugshot doesn't inspire much confidence in that theory while he's held in custody for reasons that are unclear at this moment. I am basically indifferent and in short don't much care for all this which is why I am writing this blog today. For years I had hoped he would change his behavior instead of "machine gunning" people down at Deaf, deaf, and hard of hearing people he doesn't like hoping to get a response from them. And many do respond angrily to his delight. That was his trademark, and a bad one at that. And because of that he was then persona non grata in my vlogs and blogs for the past few years now. He just wasn't worth it. I even approached him in person 4 years ago and told him that his blog has so much potential if only he knock off the continual attacking and disparaging remarks.

Prior to my initiated handshake with ***** I told him that his blog has lots of potential but if he keeps it up by disparaging other people including their families, somebody else will go after him.

And now, suddenly, he's in the glaring spotlight in such a surreal way. And I'm sure many are jumping with glee and joy that he finally got what coming to him, the guy that everybody loves to hate. Yet I don't take joy in all that just as well when Micah Brown was arrested earlier this year and found guilty for his crime. It just makes me shake my head in all this. Until more information on exactly why he's in jail I will have to wait and see. Just hope he will come out for the better, unharmed and humbled by all this experience. I'm writing this if people are wondering about what I think about all this and I'm setting the record straight here. That's all I have to say for now.

ADDENDUM: He came out of jail. Something to do with an error on mandatory court appearance and miscommunication. Yet, he hasn't been humbled by all this.

As a deaf/hh person, where were you when 9/11 happened?

Where were you when 9/11 happened? I remember exactly where I was that day when I received the news that one of the towers collapsed did I realize the enormity of this tragic event unfolding. About two hours earlier as I drove my way to a fishery dam that I was supervising which was going to be breached and deconstructed in order to restore channel flow, in my vehicle I briefly heard on my radio that a plane flew into one of the New York city's building. I immediately had the impression that it was a small commuter airplane that erroneously and tragically flew into a building just like the one time in 1945 a plane flew into the Empire State Building. Two hours later while I was supervising the deconstruction a fellow worker came down and told me the bad news. After that I dreaded going home and see it all on television after I listened to the radio during my two hour drive back home listening to the heart-breaking story.

Most Americans problably remember exactly where they were when the first heard or saw the tragic event. As a deaf or hard of hearing person, tell us where you were on that tragic day exactly 9 years ago on 9/11. Do you remember it vividly?

Kathy Buckley - a deaf comedianne.

Here's Kathy Buckley, a well known deaf comedianne in a signing video at the world premiere opening of SEE WHAT I'M SAYING at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood.




It's rare to come across deaf comedians/comediannes nowadays but surely and slowly we are seeing more of them hitting the comedy circuits whether as a novice or an old pro. Although I did a bit of comedy skits myself in the past. How about my recent video parody of a Pepsi commercial "Uncle Bob's House"?



Heh.