AllahPundit and Bethany

I know AllahPundit is working hard over at Hot Air but as of late with all that work he's been doing in some small, dark cubicle down below in Michelle Malkin's Hot Air dungeon he's resorting (more likely succumbing) to fantasizing about Bethany at RealVerse during his working hours. Is he getting paid to do this? Readers saw it coming where it all got started here. And then it progressed to here. Is AllahPundit making a fool of himself in this weird, sort of mating dance? We can see where this is going. Infatuation is a deadly and cruel game that plays tricks on the mind...mostly it's the male's mind...in trying to do this high stake, techie mating game of sort. Or is he? With infatuation there comes fantasies and fear of rejection. Probably the worst fear of rejection is humiliation of this kind.

Now, let's take a peak inside AllahPundit's mind on what it may be like to meet Bethany in person given AllahPundit's current state of mind. Remember that fear of rejection? It's a cruel world out there, AllahPundit.

When Democrat Jim Moran becomes a moron during his 9/11 speech

9/11. What does it mean? It means it is a time for solemn rememberance and resolve for those 2996 who were murdered today 5 years ago in New York city. And then we get US Rep. Jim Moran (D-8th) who decided to become a moron that day.

U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, D-8th, lauded the “perfect professionalism” of Arlington's public-safety personnel, who responded to the Pentagon after the crash and won worldwide accolades for containing the damage with no additional loss of life.

He also praised the community-wide outreach effort that occurred after the attacks.

“Arlington has woven together the fabric of a community that can't be torn apart,” he said.

But Moran then maneuvered into more sensitive ground, suggesting that the country was not safer and intimating that the Bush administration's foreign policy was headed in the wrong directions.

“More people hate us,” Moran said, a comment that drew an outburst from the crowd.

“My brother died on 9/11 - don't make this political,” a woman in audience cried out.

Moran continued, calling on the nation to address the root causes of terrorism by the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

Root causes? How about because we don't submit to idiocy? Jealousy? Petulancy? Terror? Islamofascism? And that we support freedom for every man, woman and child here in America?

Remember what Jim Moran said today. And take the 9/11 pledge that "I will not submit!" Stop by and see him or write to him and tell him that he has given up on America.


The above phrase in Arabic is "lan astaslem."
It means "I will not surrender/I will not submit."


Freedom. Embrace freedom. And remember those who died as murdered victims that touched everybody from sea to shining sea.

Rumsfeld said it well.

"..the highest tribute we can pay to them is to commit ourselves to doing everything possible to fight the extremists wherever they are, to making every effort to stay united as a country and to give our truly outstanding men and women in uniform all that they need to succeed.”

Freedom is never free. You have to fight for it. Paid in blood and tears.

Did Oil Drillings Cause an Earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico?

When I heard about the earthquake ( 25°N, 85°W) that took place in the Gulf of Mexico, which may seems an odd place but earthquakes do occur all over the world, the first thing I thought was whether this was an induced shallow earthquake caused by the removal of oil since oil drilling and removal of oil is heavily done throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Technology has now given the oil industry the capability to drill over deeper waters and deeper into the earth's crust.

Since I do know about geology, hydrogeology, geophysics and earthquakes (MS Geology, Univ of Idaho). And I do know about the phenomenom of induced shallow earthquakes that have occured over on dry land deep below the surface. They are well documented. Even in Texas, a "non-earthquake" country, known for it's many oil rigs that dot the landscape. Much of the induced but unintentional earthquakes were caused either by the removal of liquid (e.g. oil, gas, or water) or the injection of fluids into the drilled hole. Even large reservoir lakes were known to induce earthquakes though very small.

The definition of a shallow earthquake is that the source of the earthquake or hypocenter takes place in the shallow crust of the earth. Usually anything under 70 km (43 miles) deep as the source of an earthquake took place is called a "shallow earthquake". Earthquakes originating deeper than 70 km to as far as 700 km (434 miles) are called "deep earthquakes". The mechanics are different between these to zones due to the temperature and pressure differences in the geologic formation of the crust to the Earth's upper mantle.

Let's take a look at the earthquake's location or epicenter that took place a few days ago out in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. Check out this map of the earthquake's location.

Now, lets take a look well all those oil rigs and platforms are out in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for "Deepwater Millenium". It's the oil rig platform (ie ship) closest to Florida but actually it's about in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. Deepwater Millenium ship has the capacity to drill 30,000 feet into the earth or 5.6 miles (9.1 km) deep. That's in the realm of the upper crust area of the Earth. But Deepwater Millenium is not in that location anymore but the area is being drilled for oil, exploration or production. No doubt.

It could be a longshot, probably most unlikely, but this could turn out to be one of those rare induced earthquake caused by years of oil removal in the area. According to the USGS, the earthquake's hypocenter took place at 10 km deep. Well within the realm of deep water oil drilling where oil rig platforms have the capacity (now) to drill as deep as 9.1 km into the crust. Could there be some unknowns we are dealing with when it comes to deep water geology? Could the release of oil at such depths from the earth crusts could cause some crustal movements therby inducing an appreciable earthquake? Does an overlying layer of crushing water of 10,000 feet has to do with it?

Just as there are fault lines all over the United States. There are also fault lines that criss cross at the bottom of the ocean that are lesser known than on dry land. It's a matter of accessing fine geologic details 10,000 feet down into the waters of Gulf of Mexico. However, Foxnews reported the quake occurence as "unusual",

"This kind of occurrence is unusual in that spot, especially for an earthquake of this size," Blakeman said of Sunday's quake.

The temblor was unusual because it was not centered on a known fault line. The "midplate" earthquake, deep under the gulf, was probably the result of stresses generated by the interaction of tectonic plates in the earth's crust, the agency said.

Next, I'm sure environmental wackos will discover my blog on geology, oil and earthquake and make a run for it screaming chicken little to the oil industry.

It could just be a coincidence here folks. Calm down will you?

UPDATE: There was an earlier earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico in February of this year. But it was about a 100 miles further west from the recent quake we had. However, it does seem to fall on a line of one guy's theory or "Jack's Reed Theory" of a hidden tectonic plate beneath the Gulf of Mexico.

...there has to be a hidden tectonic plate segment in this spot and it is not only geologically active but is responsible for triggering the New Madrid Quakes.

Look at the map picture.




Hmm. Seems plausible. A hidden plate tectonic showing itself. The recent earthquake a few days ago would be exactly on that drawn yellow line 100 miles to the East Northeast.

UPDATE II: I am familiar with the New Madrid fault and it's history but for those who are not should take the opportunity to learn the history.

In the winter of 1811-12, the central Mississippi Valley was struck by three of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. Even today, this region has more earthquakes than any other part of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Government agencies, universities, and private organizations are working to increase awareness of the earthquake threat and to reduce loss of life and property in future shocks.

The 400 terrified residents in the town of New Madrid (Missouri) were abruptly awakened by violent shaking and a tremendous roar. It was December 16, 1811, and a powerful earthquake had just struck. This was the first of three magnitude-8 earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks to rock the region that winter.

Survivors reported that the earthquakes caused cracks to open in the earth's surface, the ground to roll in visible waves, and large areas of land to sink or rise. The crew of the New Orleans (the first steamboat on the Mississippi, which was on her maiden voyage) reported mooring to an island only to awake in the morning and find that the island had disappeared below the waters of the Mississippi River. Damage was reported as far away as Charleston, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C.

So strong the quake, it actually changed the course of the Mississippi river. Something to think about.

An opinion poll: What do you think of Kokonut Pundits blogsite?

Ok. Here's your chance to make your opinion known anonymously about my blogsite. Have at it and see what other people say about my blogsite (or me for that matter).

Poll Opinion: What do you think of Kokonut Pundits blogsite? I love it! Keep it coming. It's pretty good. Some good stuff to read. It's fine. It could use some improvements. It's not really that good. It's horrible! You're always attacking Deaf people! Your blog should be banned and censored! Give me time to think about it. Free polls from Pollhost.com

UPDATE: Guess who voted "Your blog should be banned and censored"? Take some guesses, folks.

I just happened to look when 13 votes were on the board and came back 5 minutes later and saw 14 votes. so I checked my Sitemeter to see who was on recently and lo and behold. Some angst ridden person still holds a grudge against me. How lucky to see that this person believes in censorship and banning a blogsite such as mine and at time when liberals are going after censoring the Path 9/11 movie with the threat of pulling the FCC license and/or a lawsuit by Clinton's cronies. And so I collected my screen shots detailing the whole sordid history as proof. I figured this guy would vote "Your blog should be banned and censored!" Ever wondered why I would put that poll option in? Now you know. Guess it worked only because of my timing that I happen to do a quick check before dinner.

If you're curious as to who, email me. I'll send you the screenshots.

Marla Holt (ASL advocate) Replies in Response to Baltimore Sun's Cued Speech article

In my recent blog I wrote a piece yesterday about Cued Speech regarding the Baltimore Sun's coverage on Cued Speech. The newspaper also covered Marla Holt, coordinator of deaf services at the University of Baltimore, said that she was overly reluctant on not providing Cued Speech transliterator should a deaf student of Baltimore University. This seems to be an exaggeration presented on the newspaper's part according to Queen Alpo's blog "My thounge ith fath" (ie My tongue is fat) about the email response she got from Marla Holt after writing to her about her supposed lack of deaf services support for those requesting Cued Speech transliterators.

First of all, I am quite angry with that article. That reporter came to interview me; I have no idea how he knew of me and UB's service. In addition, a friend of mine was here as well. The reporter spoke with us for over an hour, mostly with Nancy Billingslea who is a Deaf woman and an adjunct professor, the Manager of Deaf Services with Humanim, the first Deaf to come to UB to receive her first master's degree, and has begun her second Master's. Not one quote was mentioned from her, and the one from me was quite out of context and poorly and wrongly stated. Nancy ’s comments were quite open-minded and fairly stated.

It is true that I have never been asked to provide cued speech transliteration. If ever I am, it will be provided. The University of Baltimore Disability Support Services office is well-known as one of the most accommodating and accessible universities for students requiring its services. I believe that one reason for that reputation is that each staff person in DSS has a disability; therefore, our attitude is to accommodate each student to be at the level of all students and to achieve his/her best. I fully understand needing whatever it takes to succeed.
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You are a strong advocate of cued speech, and I am not attacking that position at all! However, I know of very few Deafs who agree with you, and nearly every Deaf person I know is knowledgeable about cued speech. Perhaps both of us are making assumptions of each other’s point of view.

Read the rest of the email. Something to think about whether to trust newspaper reporters who may have a habit of taking quotes out of context.

Although Queen Alpo responded in her blog about the email she receieved with a few nagging thoughts.

I was quite relieved to receive her e-mail. Although my gut feeling is that she and I still don't se completely eye-to-eye (for example, she says she knows of lots of people who don't like cueing even though they know what it's for), she comes off quite differently than the hearing self-appointed "omniscient" I thought it sounded like she was.

She does make an extremely salient point - the oft-used argument by cueing advocates that while cuers interviewed for articles like this read at post-secondary levels while the average deaf person reads at fourth-grade level is really arrogant when you consider that the hearing average is, I believe, only at the sixth-grade level. (Huge difference - not.) Plus, use it with the deaf non-cuer, and it's a huge turnoff. I wish the NCSA and other organizations and advocates who use that argument in marketing cueing would keep that in mind, especially considering the undeniable fact that cueing has yet to make inroads in the deaf community.

Read the rest of Queen Alpo's response regarding Marla Holt's email to her. Quite interesting and fascinating to a degree.

Hat tip: Queen Alpo in my comment box.

ASL versus CUED Speech = Social versus Academic?

The tide is beginning to turn for CUED speech advocates and users. CUED speech or more appropriately CUED English is now believed to be the best source of visual language support for the spoken English language and it’s ability to identify idiomatic expressions and nuances. The main purpose of Cued Speech is not for speech purposes but for literacy. The growing acceptance of CUED speech is a sign that a paradigm shift is now starting to occur.

The inventor of CUED speech was Dr. Cornett who was the Direct of Speech programs at Gallaudet University back in the 1960s. Dr. Cornett remained vice president of Long Range Planning at Gallaudet University until 1975 when he became Research Professor and Director of Cued Speech Programs, a position he held until 1984. In addition, from 1981 to 1983, he was also Chairman of the Center for Studies in Language and Communication at Gallaudet.

His goal was that he wanted deaf kids to have the same opportunity that all kids have when it comes to the access of the English language.

The purpose of CUED speech is to add just enough information to what is seen on the lips to make every sound look different from every other sound. Simply put, CUED speech is certainly a visual communication method that use only 8 handshapes placed in 4 different areas near the mouth enabling deaf kids to discerning the differences of what was said through lip reading and listening. In short, it’s a visual way of “hearing” every consonant and every vowel being spoken. A communication method rather than a language like ASL.

Jeff Majors and Allison Kaftan, both well known deaf bloggers, were interviewed by the Baltimore Sun for an article called “A Different Cue for the Deaf :'Cued speech' has produced strong academic results -- and a dispute.”

Here are some of the research findings about Cued Speech

Cueing does help children who use it continue to develop literacy at a rate comparable to their hearing peer according to Elissa Speech, MD. The average deaf student prior to high school graduation reads at a 3rd to 4th grade level (Conrad, 1979, Traxler, 2000).

In comparison, there is no statistical difference between hearing students and deaf cuers on literacy, sound awareness, rhyming, internal speech, and spelling tests (Wandel, 1989, Laeybaert et al, 1996; 2003).

Cued speech supports students with auditory processing needs, including: Articulation, 2nd language learners, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and Down syndrome (Beck, 2002).

Essentially, 100% spoken language is accessible with the addition of Cued Speech (Nichols and Ling, 1982).

Children with cochlear implants, educated with Cued Speech, have better speech clarity with correct syntax than children habilitated with oral or gestural means only (C. Coleon, 1997).

American Sign Language (ASL) has a different grammatical structure than English. Signing systems used in school programs do not effectively convey English because they are not sound-based(Drasgow & Paul, 1995). In contrast, Cued Speech conveys English visually (Nichols and Ling, 1982).

What’s amazing about Cued Speech is that many Deaf people are threatened by it because they think it’ll replace ASL It cannot. It’s not about choosing between signing and Cued Speech. One can go either way with it. However, cueing provides access to the spoken English language straight away.

Cued Speech has been expanding slowly but it will soon take off with greater publicity like the 40th Anniversary of Cued Speech conference that was held a few months ago in July. Now, 2nd generation of Cued Speech users are now adults and are now the next group of Cued Speech advocates like Jeff Majors and Allison Kaftan to spread the good news and correct many myths and suspicions about the benefits of Cued Speech.

According to Education News on the gaining popularity and benefits of Cued Speech that many hearing parents are turning to:

Cued Speech is already heavily entrenched in schools systems from California to Maine . With states demanding higher levels of educational achievement and President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act , the idea that deaf children can achieve the same literacy levels as hearing children is attractive. In states like New York , where a diploma requires students to pass Regents exams in history, math, science, English and a foreign language, educators are taking a second look at Cued Speech. Research coming out of Gallaudet University shows that deaf cueing children are capable of basic pre-reading skills, such as rhyming, which are excellent predictors for future reading abilities (LaSasso, Crain, Leybeart, 2003; Leblanc, 2005).

Results of Cued Speech use:

• Language Skills/Literacy - Receivers of Cued Speech are able to understand spoken language conveyed with cues at extremely high levels of accuracy.1 Consistent exposure to spoken language through cues results in language skills and literacy levels comparable to those of hearing peers.2 Many students who use Cued Speech are enrolled in regular classes, preschool through college.

• Speech reading - Due to their knowledge of spoken language, individuals who have had consistent exposure to Cued Speech often have excellent speech reading skills and are able to communicate with people who do not cue.

• Audition - Cued Speech is a tool used to convey the phonological aspects of language. Therefore, it is totally compatible with the use of hearing and can help to develop auditory awareness, discrimination, and comprehension. The foundation provided by cues integrates well with cochlear implant use.

• Foreign Language - Cued Speech is not only used for English. Deaf students in the U.S. use Cued Speech to learn foreign spoken languages, such as Spanish, French, and Latin.

Currently, there are about 40,000 deaf and hard of hearing children in elementary and secondary schools across the United States, some 200 of them are active CUED speech users. Cued Speech is used today in about 15 countries and is available in 56 languages and major dialects.

Washington Post covered Cued Speech in July, 2006 who interviewed Dr. Cornett’s son as well.

The idea for the new way to teach English came when Cornett, who died in 2002, found few students were reading on campus, said Cornett's son, Robert, an astronomer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. He wanted to provide the same elements of spoken and written English for deaf people.

But use of the communication system has faded at Gallaudet, and the clinics that taught Crumrine's parents and others about cuing are no longer regularly offered on campus.

"His feelings were very hurt by that," Cornett's son said. "This was the thing that he contributed most."

Cornett's Cued Speech Program was finally out of the picture at Gallaudet by the mid-1980s.

In 2003 Dr. Jane K. Fernades showed a different feeling for both ASL and Cued Speech in a 2003 article called “In Search of Keys to English Print”

“It is exciting because several authors seem to suggest that Cued Speech can and should be employed as part of a bilingual approach to learning.”

And Katherine A. Jankowski, Ph.D., Dean Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Gallaudet University introduced in 2003 on the Clerc Center website about Phonics, Signs, Cued Speech, Fingerspelling and Other Learning Strategies called “Cracking the Code Reading & Writing— And the Challenge of “How." The title is, ironically so, nearly the same as the Baltimore Sun newspaper website that hosted a video produced by the National Cued Speech Association with a video called “Breaking the Code”(see right hand column and click on name of video) about Cued Speech.

Just a simple observation here.

However, current prejudicial thinking by ASL advocates and users is still rampant regarding CUED Speech when they show extreme bias and reluctances in acknowledging the benefits of Cued Speech for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Lisa Houck, director of curriculum and instruction at the Maryland School for the Deaf, said cued speech is not used there and is not under consideration.

It's also not in use at McDaniel College, which has one of the largest graduate programs in deaf education in the country.

"Our philosophy is, we feel American Sign Language should be the language of instruction," said Rust. "And by developing a strong foundation in ASL, you can lead students to develop English literacy skills."

College students who cue might encounter resistance from campus disability offices.

"I am so much against [cued speech], and so are the deaf," said Marla Holt, coordinator of deaf services at the University of Baltimore. "Their natural language is American Sign Language."

Holt, who is also a sign language interpreter, said that in her 15 years at the university, no deaf student has asked for a cued speech transliterator. She would provide one if asked, she said, but only reluctantly: "I would not be real thrilled about it, but that is their right. Luckily, I have never been asked that."

Luckily? Somebody need to write a letter to her. Pretty shocking to see that Marla Holt would be that biased and showed reluctance to even help a deaf student who prefer a CUED speech transliterator instead of a sign language interpreter. You see, she is the Coordinator of Deaf Services and not coordinator of ASL services or coordinator of Deaf culture.

Marla Holt, be sure to know your required duties at University of Baltimore. You're to provide assistances and support services to all deaf and hard of hearing university students attending there.

Next, I think it’s high time that Gallaudet University re-institute the Cued Speech program and help provide options and choices for attending students who want to go Gallaudet University (or CSUN or NTID). Perhaps contact your local Congress person when the next round of Federal spending on Gallaudet University comes around by letting him or her know about the benefits of Cued Speech and why it should be included at Gallaudet University?

Another question. How will Cued Speech fit into all this “Deafhood” thing? What can we make of this Deafhoodism action if Deaf people only think in terms of ASL only as being the sole savior and answer to everything for all deaf and hard of hearing people from mild to profound hearing loss?

Please.

How can scores in Deaf residential schools be measured up to those who use Cued Speech and their excellent literacy test results?

Indeed. Pretty compelling stuff if I say so myself. By the way, I am hard of hearing and I do not use nor have I ever used Cued Speech since my hearing aid does a pretty good job for me with hearing loss in the 65 - 70 dB range or moderately-severe hearing loss. I speak fine, thank you.


Here’s a poll for all you deaf and hard of hearing people out there: Should a CUED Speech program be allowed back on campus of Gallaudet University?

Should a CUED Speech program be allowed back on campus of Gallaudet University? Yes! No! I am not sure... Free polls from Pollhost.com

UPDATE: See my recent blog concerning Marla Holt's comments in the Baltimore Sun about Cued Speech. Somebody did write to Marla Holt complaining about what she said on her reluctance to provide Cued Speech transliterator at University of Baltimore.

Which Political Party Do You Belong To?

There are many poliltical parties in the United States. Just a matter of curiousity but I'm sure many others who read my blogs are equally interested in seeing the makeup of those who read my blogs. Now, what political party do you belong to or are closely aligned to? If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please pick out a political party that suits you in the poll below. I'm trying to keep this strictly to those who consider themselves as hard of hearing or deaf. If you're not sure which party you feel you belong to go here and learn some more.

Which political party do you favor in the United States? Republican Party Democratic Party Libertarian Party Green Party Independence Party Others Free polls from Pollhost.com

World Federation of the Deaf Animation Clip...cute.

Check out this Google video clip of three animated kids from Spain talking (ie signing) about the upcoming 2007 WFD conference to be held in Spain. Some signs are identifiable with ASL but the video clip comes with captions, of course, and voice over. You can see their facial expressions as well. I'd say it's pretty well a sophisticated animated clip with these animated characters signing in Spanish Sign Language.

A Ragtime Pianist - any deaf/hh pianist out there?

Here's Rod Miller playing the popular Ragtime piece "Maple Leaf Rag". In this video he plays the piece ultra-fast. In Ragtime, you don't play Ragtime pieces fast. The "Maple Leaf Rag" is one of my many favorite Ragtime piano pieces that I play on my piano at home. And I have played it just as fast as seen in the video below. Why? Just for fun and to see how fast I can play it without mangling it. I also played some Ragtime pieces at Gallaudet University on the theatre stage on campus one time for a small group of people as part of my music class I took, which was a complete joke, believe me. Nonetheless, I surprised them of my Ragtime playing ability. You don't hear very often from a deaf or hard of hearing person that plays Ragtime on a piano. Especially from an alumnus of Gallaudet University.



Maple Leaf Rag played ultra fast.

One of these days I'll digitize my piano playing the "Maple Leaf Rag" piece and put it up on YouTube. Just that I really do have a crappy piano that's atrociously out of tune which isn't much joy to play on. You can ask me to play a Ragtime piece on a piano anytime. I'm not kidding.

Will somebody donate me a baby grand piano?

Please? How about a digital piano then?

When Technology Increases Independency for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

Check this video out by iCommunicator on how this new hardware and software laptop enables greater independency through voice recognition software. The iCommunicator delivers American Sign Language (ASL) signs (i.e. a virtual ASL signer) in English word order (subject+verb+object) to improve the association between spoken, written, and signed words, promoting better literacy levels than traditional ASL. Be sure to answer a poll below after viewing the clip. Closed captioning is included in this clip as well as voice.




Another technology already up and coming that can help deaf people to communicate with hearing people is the UbiDuo communication device with enhanced ability in the use of cell phone and wireless technologies.

Would this product help with the English learning? I am culturally deaf, yes I am culturally deaf, no I am culturally deaf, not sure I am deaf, yes I am deaf, no I am deaf, not sure I am hard of hearing, yes I am hard of hearing, no I am hard of hearing, not sure I am hearing, yes I am hearing, no I am hearing, not sure Free polls from Pollhost.com

Hearing Loss Cure Poll Results - one week later

The poll results so far has surprised me but perhaps not as much considering I suspected there could be many closeted Deaf people who secretly would want to have their hearing loss cured or restored should biotechnology be advanced enough to do so. What was surprising was seeing culturally deaf people answer "yes" to the question "If you have a hearing loss, would you like to cure your deafness?" In fact, more Deaf people answered "yes" to the question than deaf and hard of hearing people. And, just as well, more Deaf people answered "yes" than Deaf people who said "No."

Interesting. Although this poll survey is not to be assumed as totally accurate. There's always a caveat in doing these surveys but it has certainly brought more questions than answers here.

Here are the results so far from those who would want to have their hearing loss cured or restored:
25% of culturally deaf people said "Yes"
23% of deaf people said "Yes"
9% of hard of hearing people said "Yes"
Total percentage who said "Yes" = 57%

Do we have Deaf people who are closeted bigots who rail against advances in biotechnology on curing deafness secretly wish for this to happen so they can get cured themselves? If a Deaf person accepts a cure for deafness for him/herself someday in the future means that Deaf person is not really Deaf? Does such admittance disqualify that person as not being a Deaf person? Does it mean that person is not "deaf enough"?

If you haven't done the poll survey yet you can still do the survey.

White Priviledge and Avdism During and Post-Katrina Disaster? Discussion at Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University will be hosting a special event at the Swindells Auditorium this Thursday, September 07, 2006 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM where Richard Morin, a renowned former Washington Post reporter who has done extensive investigations into race in America, will present the results of his work on how discrimination, based on skin color, is affecting the degree of support racial groups are receiving during and after Hurricane Katrina. He wrote on June 9, 2006 "The Color of Disaster Assistance."

Yesterday, a discussion topic was on "avdism" (purposely misspelled) and how such blatant practices were seen during and after the hurricane that struck New Orleans last year. I like to see the list of examples of such blantant practices. Nevermind the fact that there were many instances of people, hearing and deaf, who went out of their way to help the many displaced deaf and hard of hearing hurricane survivors as evident in the Deaf Survivors blog. The Deaf Survivors blog also blogged many instances of how technology continues to improve and help people in times of emergencies. Of course, we still have to face the ugliness of how deaf and hard of hearing people were treated. Sometimes, incredulously so, even a few Deaf people laughed at some of the plight of Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing people or purposely disinformed people with a fake list of dead Deaf people (and here) killed during hurricane Katrina. Truely sick people, including some deaf people out there.

Now, I'm curious. Did the use of the a-wordism discussion yesterday mentioned any positive stories or examples of people going out of their way to help deaf and hard of hearing hurricane survivors? Or did they play the "avdism" rant to the hilt instead? Who went to see the "avdism" discussion yesterday?

A Poll - Why did you leave Gallaudet University?

Here's a poll worth answering. It may yield some interesting surprises as to why former Gallaudet University students left. If you were a former Gallaudet student, why did you leave and not finish your study to get your degree? Pick the best answer that suits your situation. If you graduated from Gallaudet, please pick #1.

Why did you leave Gallaudet University? I graduated! Harassed for not being "deaf enough." Financial difficulties Death in family I was homesick Classes weren't up to my expectation Too militant or too politically charged environment Attend a better university Not enough diversity Gallaudet University wasn't culturally deaf enough for me I was harassed by other people or students for other reasons beside my deafness I committed a crime Dry dorms (unable to have alcohol in my dorms) I didn't feel safe on campus I got a good job/career I was raped and Gallaudet failed to help me I was falsely charged of a crime Weird People Campus was "too white" Low GPA and got kicked out    Free polls from Pollhost.com

If you didn't leave Gallaudet University, then great! You took advantage of completing your higher education and moved on to your next phase of your life.

Gallaudet University - Raising the Bar

It's time. It has been a long time coming but it's time to raise the standards at Gallaudet University. There have been talks that Dr. Jane K. Fernandes want to raise the bar as well noting the fact that she graduated from one of the best colleges, Trinity in Connecticut. Seeing the standards that Gallaudet University promote is embarassing to many people. Even more to see that Gallaudet has remedial courses when students can take them at community colleges BEFORE they attend Gallaudet. It's a common practice for many community college students do that prior to applying for a university of their choice. This should include Gallaudet University but sadly that's not ultimately the case.

As for SAT scores taken by deaf and hard of hearing students, resulting scores do not compare well to other universities or colleges. SAT scores range between 320 - 550 in the Verbal, and 355 - 520 in the Math while only 13% of Gallaudet freshmen submitted their SAT scores in 2005. Compare those scores of nearby George Washington University with 590 - 690 Verbal and 590 - 690 Math with 94% of the freshmen students who submitted their SAT scores. Why do only 13% of Gallaudet freshmen submit their SAT scores? Does that low percentage tell a story here as well as the low scores? There could be many reasons. CNN did an article "Deaf students struggle with English to get diplomas" back in 2004 that still resonates today. CNN describes the problems of deaf and hard of hearing high school students who have to face graduation exams in order to graduate from high school. This includes schools for the deaf as well.

But if we look at California's STAR reports for both Schools for the Deaf Riverside and Fremont and compare a typical California high school results in the English language Arts we can see a vast gap.


School for the Deaf Fremont STAR test scores (see larger version)



School for the Deaf Riverside STAR test scores (see larger version)




Perris High School - Riverside county (see larger version)

As you can tell, both Fremont and Riverside English language Art test results do not even meet the typical standard test results of a typical high school in California which in this case is Perris High School. Quite alarming I'd say. And quite revealing, too. What's noteworthy is that a good percentage of Gallaudet University students come from deaf residential schools or schools for the deaf.

If Gallaudet University want to be a leader in excellence in education, they need to raise the bar on education standards. SAT and ACT scores must be required as part of the admission requirement as well as upping the bar for English proficiency. This way Gallaudet University can essentially "force" deaf residential schools to improve their education for their deaf and hard of hearing students in preparation for college education. Gallaudet also need to get rid of their remedial courses in English and Math. If deaf/hh high school graduates cannot meet the basic English and Math requirements, then they should attend a community college and take those classes until they can.

Just as well, the GPA of 2.0 at Gallaudet University is just too low to be in "good academic standing" each semester. Gallaudet need to raise it to at least a 2.5 GPA (ie an "80" average out of 100) in order to maintain "good academic standing" for each semester. A student having a 2.0 GPA is not investing too much in himself/herself for the future, other than perhaps partying too much, and prepare for graduate studies at universities where it is common that 3.0 cumulative GPA is the expectation each semester from students attending a university. Having a 2.0 GPA is practically a 75 out of 100. Not very impressive. Maybe raise it to a 2.25 GPA would be a start at first.

Now, it is rather disengenious to say that Gallaudet University must help newly enrolled freshman students make up the educational slack who had 12 to 15 years to prepare for college leading up to their high school graduation. Approximately 2o to 30% (?) of all students enrolled came from deaf residential schools. These deaf and hard of hearing students don't need to be spoon fed at Gallaudet University. You don't see Harvard University spoon feeding students over there. Why should Gallaudet? And Gallaudet University is certainly not the "Deaf Harvard."

It's time for a radical change. Some tough love is needed at Gallaudet.

UPDATE: "ASC on the Couch" blog came out today with a blog article "Why One Should Not Compare Apples to Oranges: Deaf Students and Hearing Students" which coincidentally seem to be a rebuttal to my blogpiece. The article effectively says that we SHOULDN'T compare deaf and hearing students' score results because their brains are wired differently. Now, why has there been all along the hue and cry from some of the Deaf people of DoD parents who were raised with excellent English proclaim that bi-bi can work or that signing in ASL is the key to better education? Okay. Still they had "18" years to improve using their own educational methods to teach (rather than the hearing people's method) and still the scores are atrocious. Is this blog author, who doesn't provide a name on who wrote that article, saying that ASL native signers of DoD parents with good to exceptional English skills are the exception to the rule?

Yes. The outside world is an English world concerning the United States and other English dominated countries. This is how people survive in the world of business. You know your English well, you have a good chance of having a better life.

As for educational scores and comparing between deaf and hearing students' results, yes, it is critical that we do this because that's the bar that deaf/hh students and deaf educators should strive for. Nothing wrong with striving to good as or better than hearing people. This is what I have strove for while going to regular public school and other universities or college. That same bar on attainment should true for many other deaf and hh people. It's a matter of aiming high because once those students finally graduate from college and leave their protected confines will they see the cold, harsh reality of a real world and not preparing them for such a prospect is nothing more than mere cruelty to them.

Let's not get into this old excuse game about why many deaf and hh students' scores are so low. Teachers and educators had "18 years" to improve their educational methods for deaf and hh students in preparation for college life or life after high school. Good English skill is a good predictor on the potential success of a deaf or hard of hearing person when it comes to having a good job or career later in life after college education. Having good English skill also increase the chance of continuing with higher education in the graduate and doctorate programs.

UPDATE II: Looks like "ASC on the Couch" blog removed the article "Why One Should Not Compare Apples to Oranges: Deaf Students and Hearing Students". I wonder why? But you can still read the whole version of the blog article seen in here (long version) by Technorati (short version).

Why did the author Candy McCullough and/or Sharon Duchesneau removed the blog article? Was it embarrassment? Inappropriateness? I sure would like to know why.

UPDATE III: Actually, ASC's website was hacked in by blithering idiots who took over their website's contents. Even erasing some of the articles that was already written.

Famous Paintings by Deaf Artist Now on Display

If you have't seen it and are in the area visit the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut where a Deaf artist from early America will have paintings of John Brewster, Jr. (1766-1854) on display. The display of paintings will be in the museum until September 10. So, hurry while you can and see the many early America paintings. Read more about John Brewster's life as a boy into adulthood and how he had to choose between the hearing world and the Deaf world at the time.

Stem Cells to Cure Certain Hearing Loss Getting Closer?

I came across this article on stem cells and hearing loss that was printed 3 weeks ago by CBS news which bode good news. A team of researchers have found out that stem cells are good at growing in the tiny microscopic hair cells that make hearing possible and regenerate new hair cells to their natural state.

"I hope that in five years, we are at a point that we can say that it is possible to cure deafness, at least in an animal," Heller says. "That will be the first step toward treating human patients.

Indeed. Especially when they found out that whenever stem cells come in contact with damaged ear hair cells the stem cells become those hair cells regenerating into usuable and fully functioning hair cells. The problem is how to transport the tiny, microscopic stem cells into the human ear hair cells.

Won't be much longer now since 90% of all babies born with a hearing loss (mild to profound) are born to hearing parents and parents will undoubtedly want a hearing baby. No surprise there. And since there is an active hearing loss screening for all new born babies already in place in hospitals across the United States, I'm sure hearing parents will want to ensure that their baby's hearing be the same as the hearing parents. Stem cells for the regeneration of new ear hair cells have the potential to eliminate even the best technology we have going today. This includes hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Be sure to watch CBS news video on that report with the article being the transcript.


Here's a poll for you to take.

If you have a hearing loss, would you like to cure your deafness? I am culturally deaf, no. I am culturally deaf, yes. I am culturally deaf, not sure. I am deaf, no. I am deaf, yes. I am deaf, not sure. I am hard of hearing, no. I am hard of hearing, yes. I am hard of hearing, not sure. Free polls from Pollhost.com

Greg Gunderson finishes 11th out 23 in Sprint Car Race

Greg Gunderson was given a wonderful opportunity to drive one of Justin Saathoff’s #85 sprint car at the I-90 Speedway in Hartford, South Dakota in the 360 Sprint Car class race on August 26, 2006. He began in 18th place and worked his way to 11th place. A respectable return after a 5 year hiatus in racing. Justin Saathoff, the car owner, was very pleased and has asked Greg to race the #85x car again at I-90 Speedway this Saturday, September 2nd. The race starts at 8:00 pm. Come out and watch him race again! This is pure sportsmanship when the owner of a sprint car has enough faith to loan it to someone so that Greg can come back and get back into racing again and prepare himself for the upcoming racing reality show. That's putting alot of trust in another person.


If you want to keep up with Greg's racing news you can sign up for his email newsletter.


Check out all Kokonut Pundits blogs on Greg Gunderson.

DEAFHOODism: Part III - The Shining

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Deafhoodism - a Deaf status quo regarding Deafhood; a system of Deaf beliefs accepted as authoritative where acceptance and, sometimes, blameless actions toward other deaf and hard of hearing individuals outside of Deaf culture would be required. It is also a self-discovery oriented process involving sustained meaningful interaction with and commitment to, Deaf social, cultural and/or political life where a deaf or hard of hearing person would become a Deaf person someday.



"Here's Deafhood!"

Ever watched a classic thriller called "The Shining" where the character played by Jack Nickolson becomes increasingly more paranoid and violent where he, a family man, ends up trying to kill his own wife and son with the famous scene of him hacking through a locked door with his evil grin screaming "Here's Johnny!" ? The movie reminds me of the current actions going on between various deaf, hard of hearing, hearing and Deaf people regarding the definition and concept of "Deafhood" and who is using it to further their own personal agenda whether good or bad with all the "isms" in between.

Ironically, the movie is a thinly disguised reminder about "the murder of a race - the race of Native Americans - and the consequences of that murder." It is also about racism which wasn't too apparent in the movie. Bill Blakemore says it well in exploring the movie's hidden meanings which touches upon the idea of colonialism and what the British and Americans have done.

Though he has made here a movie about the arrival of Old World evils in America, he is exploring most specifically an old question: Why do humans constantly perpetuate such "inhumanity" against humans? That family is the family of man.

In other words, why do others attack their own people? Sounds very cannibalistic to me.

Colonialism. What is it? It's basically about power over those who have little or no power. It's the ability to spread ideas, concepts and cultures while erasing, oftentimes, over others'. Paddy Ladd says that in order to understand "Deafhood" you have to understand colonialism first.

The concept of colonialism is central to understanding Deafhood, to understanding what has been done to us. And both also helps us point us towards some models of what to do and what to avoid.

But there is this matter of "us" and who those people are regarding the supposed and real oppression at various levels over time by the hearing society. I see this "us" as generally those belonging to a class of people with greater hearing loss versus those with less hearing loss. One class of people may feel that oppression is indeed real and does occur (or have occurred) to them while others may see little or no oppression issues. It probably has to do with the ability to communicate with the hearing society. Discrimination? You bet. Oppression? Maybe. Depends on who you ask like those in the U.K versus the United States for example as stated by Paddy Ladd.

In the UK, signing skills are much less valued or appreciated as a means of defining 'Deaf'. More important here is the proof that one is taking action to support the whole community, whether through national politics or humble local community work.

A question here. Does Gallaudet University practice "oppression" on purpose when they establish an admission requirement that hearing loss must be greater than 55 decibels, I believe, for new incoming undergrad students? If this whole "Deafhood" extends to anybody with a hearing loss, why "oppress" those by preventing them from attending Gallaudet University if they want the opportunity to learn and "actualize" their Deaf identity? Paddy Ladd defined "Deafhood" as

...a process by which Deaf individuals come to actualize their Deaf identity, positing that these individuals construct that identity to their heightened forms by various factors such as nation, era, and class.

It's either the Deaf community as a whole practice what they preach about "Deafhood" or they don't. However, this whole "Deafhood" jabberwocky (according to some people) is pretty much touted and explained extemporaneously by mostly Deaf people who also may share the same deep seated fear about their Deaf culture being wiped out as explained by Paddy Ladd.

We are faced with new colonialist forces which aim to wipe Deaf people from the face of the Earth. Even though this cannot be achieved of course, the damage they will wreak in the process needs to be confronted by us. But let us also present the positive reasons why Sign Language Peoples are here on Earth - for what we can teach hearing people about the full beauty of life.

New colonialist forces? Perhaps in Britain where Paddy Ladd lives but in the United States? What Ladd failed to see is that, just like the Indians, marginalized groups have managed to survive by turning a negative into a positive result. The Deaf community of 900,000 in the United States has become a strong and potent force to deal with but perhaps a bit reckless at times. Also, as long as there are no laws stating that all babies born with a hearing loss must have it cured should biotechnology at the time make it possible. Otherwisel Deaf culture and Deaf people will surely be threatened and will not be able to survive in keeping with the genetic tradition of passing down deaf genes. But let me touch upon this "new" colonialist forces here.

Let's mind the fact that the United States is the sole country seen as having the best technological and social resources (e.g. ADA, IDEA education, relay operators, minority rights, support groups, grassroots organizations, etc) unrivaled by any other country around the world with the possible exception of Canada. As for technology we have the ever expanding internet technology, text paging, internet video relay, telephone relay operators, the constant improvements on text-to-speech or speech-to-text software, TTY, Instant Messaging such as AIM, YAHOO or MSN, e-mail, blogs and vlogs, video cell phone such as Sidekick or Blackberry, cell phones with text messaging capability, wireless communication device between deaf and hearing people, web cams, hearing aids, cochlear implants, implantable hearing aids, smaller and faster computer chips, closed captioning on television shows, closed captioning on DVDs, open captioning in movie theaters, software programs that have the ability to "translate" one foreign language into another, and even a software that is being developed that can detect sign language motions and convert the motions into readable texts and eventually one day be able to transcribe ASL motions into spoken or written English. The biggest irony in all this technology? These devices and technological advances were made and done mostly by hearing people to the benefit of deaf and hearing people increasing their total indepedency many folds. Damn those hearies!

Now, it is one thing to say that the deaf and hard of hearing people are at an unfair advantage in other countries. But compare that advantage in America where we see that the ease of communication between hearing and deaf people has been increasing ever since the turn of the century. The United States has spoiled us with the increasing number of "deaf-friendly" technologies and services that would put the rest of the countries outside of the United States to shame. Technology is primarily the key in helping shatter that glass ceiling and communication barrier. In the future it wouldn't matter which type of technology one chooses, communication between deaf and hearing would become absolutely seemless and effortless. And all this could be done while keeping deaf culture alive and running while keeping their independency intact.

As for "The Shining" moments we're seeing here, some people have used "Deafhood" both as a shield (i.e "It's a Deaf thing, you gotta sign first") and a lance (e.g. "deficit thinkers" or "deficit thinking") against those who may disagree with the concept and philosophy as well as the many seemingly different definitions of "Deafhood."

Now, sometimes it is hard for people to speak up when they are easily intimidated or discouraged by those who have the habit of attacking them rather than the argument itself. I have no problem speaking out my mind when I have questions to ask in my hour of musings on my blogsite and I welcome those who want to contribute in a constructive way. This is how we learn. I have a simple rule for people who want to leave their comments on my blog, "No whining, foul language or idiocy allowed on premise." So far, I've only banned two commenters after requesting numerous times not to attack other people personally for their comments. In short, I, too, do not take to "cyber-bullies."

The latest and newest deaf and hh blogsite called "DHH-CommUNITY" operated by several deaf and hard of hearing women. Their goal is to provide a supportive forum where intimdation by other commenters/posters against other people or group is not wanted since such intimidation tactics do not help a discussion in the first place. People don't learn much from shouting matches filled with insults, threats and expletives. As a result, many posters do not want to put down their own real names and instead use pseudo-names because of the well known nature of how some Deaf people may react unfavorably to opinions or ideas they don't like to hear. The Deaf community is a tightly knit and fairly small community where back-stabbings and gossipings are perceived to be as an accepted norm by many, sadly though,. This has hurt and ruined people's lives in the process.

Now, the DHH-CommUNITY blogsite does not condone cyber-bullying. In fact, there are ways how one can protect him/herself from a cyber-bully but the owners of the DHH-CommUNITY are proactive in taking steps to delete comments that are by nature intended to intimidate people rather than to contribute to discussion. Sometimes banning an IP address may be the only answer if the offending poster continues with his/her intimidation tactics by attacking the person rather than the arguments. Such measures are not in the same realm as violating free speech. If one cannot present a cogent response without resorting to violent responses, then that person need to go elsewhere. A simple rule for the sake of everybody else is what I see. This way we can move forward to help solve an age old dilemma on how to encourage communities of Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing people come together to attack problems, not create them. Positive image and positive works reap a much bigger reward.


See DEAFHOODism Part I and Part II.

Official Matt Hamill Website is Now Up!

Official announcement from Matt Hamill directly to Kokonut Pundits about his new and exciting website. It's deadly blue! It shimmers! It's definitely a bold statement! It's the new official Matt Hamill website! Check it out folks.

Matt Hamill also makes a bold and challenging statement on his new website just for Mike Bisping. When you click on the link to Matt Hamill's website you see will see the statement that says:

Bisping knew that he was very lucky when "The Hammer" was eliminated due to an injury. Bisping won a six figure contract as a result of his performance in the matches. However, UFC President Dana White decided to give "The Hammer" a chance to fight on the same show against Jesse Forbes. "The Hammer" easily won that fight. We impatiently look forward to the "The Hammer's" performance in the next fight series.

Mike Bisping got lucky. Did you hear that Mike Bisping? Ya got lucky!

Now, if you go to Matt's website you'll see some updated pictures of Matt Hamill's physique. He has improved dramatically from the last time we saw him.

Matt Hamill and friends are still improving and adding more details to his website. So far it looks very good. Stop by Matt's new website and send him an email to congratulate him on his new website.


See current and past Kokonut Pundits blogs on Matt Hamill including all exclusive interviews of him.

DEAFHOODism: Part II

Click me and check inside for free!

Deafhoodism - a Deaf status quo regarding Deafhood; a system of Deaf beliefs accepted as authoritative where acceptance and, sometimes, blameless actions toward other deaf and hard of hearing individuals outside of Deaf culture would be required. It is also a self-discovery oriented process involving sustained meaningful interaction with and commitment to, Deaf social, cultural and/or political life where a deaf or hard of hearing person would become a Deaf person someday.


For most of my life I have always accepted people with hearing loss ranging from mild to profound. Each one of them share the most common and pervasive issue of our time. Communication. Nothing new. This isn't exactly a surprise. Now, I have been reading Gallynet-L for about two months now the topic has been more on "deafhood" where many offered their opinions on the subject. Of those who offered a differing opinion that questioned "deafhood" were sometimes attacked. While others seeked clarification. Although the some of the concept is great although not new but in practice can do a lot of good. Although "deafhood" on many levels still reek of politics.

Here's what I am seeing and I am not alone in this. I support the deaf/hh community which holds all of the subsets of hearing loss organizations and communities such as SHHH, Alexander Graham Bell, late deafened children and adults, cochlear implant users, and a whole host of others.

I support the whole deaf/hh community rather than just the Deaf community. I feel it is more important to support the larger group than to focus too much on the much more smaller minority group. That’s the difference between me and other people who throw themselves completely into supporting only or mostly the Deaf community. And that's fine. I choose a different route since there are 30 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States versus 900,000 Deaf people. And because of that I am more aware of oppressive attitudes.

Whether passively, aggressively or subconsciously there are many forms of oppression whether it’s the majority upon the minority; minority upon the majority; a minority group against another minority group; or a minority group who oppress those from within. These oppressions do exist! And it is a very common practice. Much more common than people would care to acknowledge. I believe the root of this problem stems from trying to seek control over certain groups of people. One of the ways to gain power over particular groups, sometimes wrongly, would be to play the victim card. This is done by constantly assigning blame against the oppressors in their constant epic battle of "us" versus "them"...whoever they might be.

David Eberwein provided in his powerpoint presentation during the early days of the Jane K. Fernandes protest at Gallaudet a classic reminder of who the victims are and who the oppressors are. In one powerpoint slide it said

"Enemies of the sign language. They are enemies of the true welfare of the deaf." - George W. Veditz, National Association of the Deaf, 1913.

That was then in 1913. George Veditz's statement would ring nearly true to those who had hearing loss greater than mild to the low end of moderate. Today, it's a different story. We have technology that can address the full range of hearing loss from mild to profound. We have hearing aids and cochlear implants that can help aid in the reception of sound. And for the most part provide the ability to communicate just as well as a hearing person when it comes to listening and speaking. This is especially true among those in the mild to moderate/severe hearing loss category when signing would not be necessary at all. I cannot see how a person with mild hearing loss would have the need to use sign language to communicate and be a part of the "deafhood" movement and become a Deaf person. There are more people with mild to moderate hearing loss than there are those with severe to profound hearing loss. People with lesser amount of hearing loss prefer to be involved in the hearing society than deaf. A little dose of reality there.

At this point for "deafhood" it does seem to reek of Deaf politics. Analyzing Eyes said it well:

I hear what you're saying. I know that you WANT me to believe. You say that you work at Fremont, are not elite, and not deaf of deaf. Great. I believe that "you" (and perhaps David Eberwein.) are sincere and filled with good wishes. Unfortunately, I don't believe that others promoting Deafhood are equally pure and honest in their motives. Deafhood is a good concept, certainly. It doesn't mean we all have to be perfect angels. I'm offering the observation that many people espousing Deafhood these days are using it to oppress others.

Could it be because people are suspicious of the sudden push for "deafhood" by mostly those from the Deaf community? Look at Fremont, California where one of the first "deafhood" workshop took place in 2005. Fremont is a city that includes 6,000 to 7,000 Deaf people living thee. A very potent and visible group. It's easier to try and set the agenda with an already receptive Deaf audience. Many people have shared the same concern and suspicion regarding this sudden push for "deafhood" that occured nearly at the same time with the birth of the "Gallaudet for Unity" cry.

Capitol D in DeafDC provided a possible but very good explaination a few months ago on why many deaf and hard of hearing people are suspicious of this "deafhood" movement. The first "deafhood" workshop began last year in 2005 in California where it was mostly directed at an already receptive Deaf audience to begin with rather than having a deaf and hard of hearing audience.

From experience, I can tell you why there is a split about Deafhood concept.

I support Deafhood. I also agree that Paddy wrote a wonderful book. I am a teacher who is proud to be Deaf even though I came from mainstreamed background. This book validated my feelings that I am Deaf with capital D.

David Eberwein (DE) did present directly from Paddy’s Deafhood book at the protest. I think it is great for the FSSA incorporate Deafhood identity.

Please be aware that DE also only hangs out mostly with Deaf of Deaf. He also hangs out with Deaf who have Deaf of Deaf partners. We have seen him make fun of others who identify themselves as D but in his eyes they are d. We have seems him make fun of CI people. He represents the opposite of Audism, oppressing those who do not fit in his “Deaf of Deaf” club. The public perception is not good so many Deaf people in california are not convinced about the tru intention or agenda of Deafhood by DE’s group.

People who defended DE are either part of his inside Deaf of Deaf group in Fremont or just saw his presentation for the first time at the rally. Those at the Tent City do not truly know how he treats other teachers and Deaf people unfairly at our school and in our community.

Because of his actions, his DeafHood crediblity isn’t there. Before you defend him further, there should be a campus wide survery at his school to get the facts on how people truly feel about his treatment. Then again, it might not work because many are afraid to be on DE’s Deafhood Black List.

DE needs to practice what he preaches. I also think there needs to be a more credible presentator than him. I am impressed with how FSSA presented diversity. FSSA represents reality. I am also thankful for Paddy’s response to the protestors to stop the “Deafier than Thou” attitudes. Paddy also needs to send this message to CSDF.

DE needs to make his DeafHood group at school grow with people of color as well as people of diverse background, especially those who grew up mainstreamed, and even with CIs. Once he starts practicing this, he will become a more credible speaker.

I know many praised the California website. Again, it is all DE’s cronies. You will not find diversity of people in that group. It is why so many people in California resisted the Deafhood website because of the perception they perpetuated that we are not Deaf enough to be part of this group. If you are not a native signer in Fremont, they will turn their noses.

For many people this "deafhood" movement doesn't exactly pass the smell test. However, many do walk the talk when it comes to the true acceptances of other deaf and hard of hearing people regardless of their background and communication preferences. There is still the question of whether power politics is indeed at play here when it comes to promoting "deafhood." But if it's true what Capital D said then those people violated the very precept of what "deafhood" is all about. For healing to start one can begin by making a public apology to those people. That action alone would be a sign of true acceptances of others. Once that is done then the healing process can start.

See DEAFHOODism...part I if you missed it.