I thought this chapter was great!!! I have always wondered if this was true or not, but it makes sense that it is not that Deaf people can see better, they are just more alert.
At the last DCE I actually met a lady who was born Deaf and was losing her sight now. I do not believe that it was caused by anything but old age, but I feel like it would be very frustrating to lose both of those senses.
I thought the portion about Ushers Syndrome was amazing, I could not believe being both Deaf and Blind, I was however even more surprised that professionals in the past had withheld the knowledge that people have this syndrome!!! Isn't that Illegal?!! Yes it would hurt to know, but in the end that is just something a person needs to know so that they can "acquire coping skills and learn to adjust" as well as choosing a suitable career. I found it very interesting to know that NTID students receive mandatory vision testing... this is a really cool thing and something I definitely didn't know about!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Chapter 69 :)
Deaf people.... not sleeping with lights on?
I thought this chapter was really interesting, this is definitely a part of Deaf culture that I had never thought of before, but it makes perfect sense. As the book mentions Deaf people are much more aware of their visual surroundings than hearing people because that is what they rely on. I do think it is cool thought that "Deaf children don't choose to sleep in complete darkness; they're forged to" This is a quirk of DC that I would have never known about if I didn't read this book.
I also thought it was funny when the author talked about 2 deaf people getting married, one from a residential school and one who is not, I do think that this may be a battle fought by more than just Deaf people... I know my sister and I disagreed on this growing up. She would fall asleep with the TV on and lights on... I on the other hand CAN NOT! I love the complete Darkness, so Residential school people, I feel some of your pain.
I thought this chapter was really interesting, this is definitely a part of Deaf culture that I had never thought of before, but it makes perfect sense. As the book mentions Deaf people are much more aware of their visual surroundings than hearing people because that is what they rely on. I do think it is cool thought that "Deaf children don't choose to sleep in complete darkness; they're forged to" This is a quirk of DC that I would have never known about if I didn't read this book.
I also thought it was funny when the author talked about 2 deaf people getting married, one from a residential school and one who is not, I do think that this may be a battle fought by more than just Deaf people... I know my sister and I disagreed on this growing up. She would fall asleep with the TV on and lights on... I on the other hand CAN NOT! I love the complete Darkness, so Residential school people, I feel some of your pain.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Chapter 68 :)
Do Deaf People Have to Wear Dark Colors?
This chapter was odd to me at first.... I remember my first semester of ASL the syllabus specified not to wear flashy distracting jewelry or really low cut tops. I understand the purpose behind these things but I had never really thought about the color or pattern of clothing.
This chapter says that "novelty fabrics such as lame, metallic, or anything with a shimmery, sparkly, or holographic affect should be saved for parties." My first thought about this phrase was... most people wouldn't wear these sorts of things to professional jobs anyways. Also I know that when I dress up in professional attire I usually have on black dress pants... a black blazer... or something dark.
I don't know, I understand some dress code restrictions but I agree with the authors of this chapter that this is not a valid point!
This chapter was odd to me at first.... I remember my first semester of ASL the syllabus specified not to wear flashy distracting jewelry or really low cut tops. I understand the purpose behind these things but I had never really thought about the color or pattern of clothing.
This chapter says that "novelty fabrics such as lame, metallic, or anything with a shimmery, sparkly, or holographic affect should be saved for parties." My first thought about this phrase was... most people wouldn't wear these sorts of things to professional jobs anyways. Also I know that when I dress up in professional attire I usually have on black dress pants... a black blazer... or something dark.
I don't know, I understand some dress code restrictions but I agree with the authors of this chapter that this is not a valid point!
Chapter 67 :)
"Do Deaf people show a slight difference in their facial anatomy?"
I have never even thought about this question before... as this chapter mentions, Deafness has been called the "invisible handicap. I have not met too many Deaf people, but I the few I have been in contact with have shown no (at least noticeable enough for me) visual or physiological signs that they are deaf. As the book mentioned, Deaf people do use their facial muscles more often and in different ways than hearing people, which could explain why some people may think this. I think it is really cool that Deaf culture relies so heavily on expression and facial movements.... because of this I have thought lately "there must be no shy Deaf people." I know that especially this semester I have had a hard time signing in front of the class or group because I do not really know anyone and I feel odd... even in a class of people doing the same things as I am. I just think it would be really difficult to be a shy Deaf person because so much expression is necessary when signing.
I have never even thought about this question before... as this chapter mentions, Deafness has been called the "invisible handicap. I have not met too many Deaf people, but I the few I have been in contact with have shown no (at least noticeable enough for me) visual or physiological signs that they are deaf. As the book mentioned, Deaf people do use their facial muscles more often and in different ways than hearing people, which could explain why some people may think this. I think it is really cool that Deaf culture relies so heavily on expression and facial movements.... because of this I have thought lately "there must be no shy Deaf people." I know that especially this semester I have had a hard time signing in front of the class or group because I do not really know anyone and I feel odd... even in a class of people doing the same things as I am. I just think it would be really difficult to be a shy Deaf person because so much expression is necessary when signing.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Chapter 66 :)
Song Signs
I really enjoyed reading chapter 66, I always enjoy watching the "music videos" on YouTube of people signing, but I didn't know that some Deaf people frowned upon this... but you can't please everyone I suppose. I also think that it is cool that Deaf children learn to sign songs from (hearing) teachers and sign them in front of audiences. if this has become a staple for Deaf culture why do people not support it... I understand that it has not always been a tradition, but things change and evolve.
I feel like having Deaf children sign songs could help them learn English syntax which could help them with writing, reading, and comprehension!
I really like how the book points out that "meaning isn't the most important consideration here" I think that it is really pleasing to watch and it is even cooler when I see signs that I know and can piece them together to understand the concept.
This is a really funny video of a man signing "Party in the USA"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmKnQjBf8wM
Chapter 65 :)
Can Deaf People Appreciate Music?
This chapter was very interesting, I always just assumed that Deaf people did not like music, or simply didn't care because they couldn't hear it. (a little ignorant I now know) but I am sure I am not alone on previously thinking that. when I first read through this chapter it made me laugh and be thankful I don't have Deaf neighbors with high quality stereo systems with lots of amplification. I also found it interesting that Deaf people liked to watch MTV for the music videos.... not that there is even music (especially good music) on MTV any more... but I can not see why deaf people would enjoy music videos, they tell a story in a sense.
I was surprised to read that schools for the Deaf have music programs... this just isn't something I would expect to see at a school for the Deaf, but it is really amazing that they do have successful music programs.
Chapter 64 :)
Deaf People and Dancing!
This has been one of the most interesting chapters to me yet! I can hear the music and I can't even tap my foot to a beat, let alone dance to it; yet people who can not even hear the music can be professional dancers! This is so amazing!! It stuns me that "Deaf dancers feel the vibrations of the music through their bodies!" The link below is of some Gallaudet Dancers performing a concert. It is so thrilling to watch... and their expressions are so strong which makes the dancing even better to watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5vDWzgqsIM
I think it is amazing that Deaf people can be taught to dance, I know that all people are different have different talents but to not be able to really hear the music and still become a professional dancer is soo soo amazing!
Chapter 63 :)
Which Films Would Deaf People Enjoy?!
Recently at the Deaf Culture Event at Stakz in Bowling Green, I met a Deaf woman named Debbie there. When I asked her what she liked to do in her free time she said... go to the movies. My initial thought was... movies... why in the world would you enjoy going to the movie theater... well then you wouldn't hear all the annoying people talking and such during the movie. Anyhow Debbie went on to say that she loved romantic movies and hated action movies. This really surprised me because in this chapter Action movies were the number one suggested film. One suggestion I hadn't thought of (IDK why) was to read the book first, and take into consideration of there is a book when inviting a Deaf person to the movie theater with me.
Another surprising suggestion for me was to go see subtitled foreign films, I completely understand why Deaf people would like these films but there really isn't many of them out in the mainstream theaters, but it would definitely be an option when renting (even though I HATE those movies).
When I read about the innovation of closed captioning goggles I was so amazed... this really shows how far technology has come! I think this is so great, and I hope that more theaters got this capability. I was really surprised to read that home videos and theaters are not covered by the ADA! There are so many educational as well as entertainment videos out there that Deaf people should have the right to watch and "hear"/read!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Chapter 62 :)
Is there Deaf Literature?
This chapter was a bit of a no brainier for me...... Wasn't Beethoven Deaf? One of the best composers/ pianists of all time was almost completely deaf... so of coarse there is Deaf Literature. All people want to express themselves and tell their view point why would Deaf people be of any acceptation? Also while I was reading this chapter, the first thing that came to my mind was YouTube! There are so many amazing memoirs, and documentaries in ASL on YouTube, and they are so intricate and full of emotion! I would definitely consider videos as being literature. Not only can Deaf people express themselves through video, but also as noted in this chapter... there have been many professional Deaf writers, who write about all different things! I think it is so amazing that Deaf people write books and have them published... it is hard for me to even make a 5 minute video in ASL. I am trying to picture the tables turned and imagine me publishing a book in another language. To me the fact that there is so much Deaf literature out there it really shows intelligence and determination.
I do think that the the author of this chapter makes a great point in saying "instead of comparing contemporary ASL artists with Shakespeare, it might be more instructive to try and understand how ASL literature uses visual- kinetic instead of written/spoken language" As I mentioned, there are so many amazing videos out there by Deaf people that show so much expression and literally sets up a scene from the person's perspective.
One of the best examples of Deaf literature I have seen (and I have not seen that much) is the Personification Bobber by Trix Bruce. It is so amazing how she role shifts and portrays so many different perspectives!
Chapter 61 :)
Are Deaf people still stereotyped? If so, how? What kind of stereotypes are still popular?
Immediately when I saw that this chapter was giving examples of Hollywood movies as stereotypes I was disappointed. Hollywood producers stereotype everyone (OOPS... I may have just stereotyped Hollywood movie producers =/... none the less) I think that it is a little inaccurate to base Deaf stereotypes off of Hollywood movies because they usually take the stereotype and make it extreme. The only movie/ TV show I have ever seen is Switched at Birth and I haven't seen it but a handful of times. I feel like (and this could just be me) people as a whole have gotten better about stereotyping others. BUT just to be sure I asked my boyfriend (who makes fun of everyone different from him... and it drives me insane) what he thought about Deaf people (and trust me he will be honest, partly because he has no clue I am writing it down) and he responded that they are "probably lonely, quiet, and all teachers." This kind of shocked me, even someone who watches me make videos and grew up knowing Deaf people (he has grown up with my friend Charlie and his family as well) still has these crazy thoughts about deaf people. The Deaf are social (probably more social than he and I combined) and smart and definitely not quiet or boring!!! It saddens as well as confuses me that in this day and age Deaf people are still stereotyped even though they have their own language and culture just like everyone else. The only explanation I can make is that people will judge and make assumptions about everyone who may be different from them. =((
Immediately when I saw that this chapter was giving examples of Hollywood movies as stereotypes I was disappointed. Hollywood producers stereotype everyone (OOPS... I may have just stereotyped Hollywood movie producers =/... none the less) I think that it is a little inaccurate to base Deaf stereotypes off of Hollywood movies because they usually take the stereotype and make it extreme. The only movie/ TV show I have ever seen is Switched at Birth and I haven't seen it but a handful of times. I feel like (and this could just be me) people as a whole have gotten better about stereotyping others. BUT just to be sure I asked my boyfriend (who makes fun of everyone different from him... and it drives me insane) what he thought about Deaf people (and trust me he will be honest, partly because he has no clue I am writing it down) and he responded that they are "probably lonely, quiet, and all teachers." This kind of shocked me, even someone who watches me make videos and grew up knowing Deaf people (he has grown up with my friend Charlie and his family as well) still has these crazy thoughts about deaf people. The Deaf are social (probably more social than he and I combined) and smart and definitely not quiet or boring!!! It saddens as well as confuses me that in this day and age Deaf people are still stereotyped even though they have their own language and culture just like everyone else. The only explanation I can make is that people will judge and make assumptions about everyone who may be different from them. =((
Deaf Awareness Quiz :)
I thought this quiz was very thought provoking..... it would make great final exam material ;)
All of the questions were pretty easy... the one that made me think the most is number 9.
All of the questions were pretty easy... the one that made me think the most is number 9.
Chapter 60 :)
Is the Internet going to Destroy Deaf Culture?
I had to think long and hard about this chapter..... and I am pretty sure I have come to the conclusion of..... wait for it.......
NO!
In my opinion I think that the internet has offered Deaf people, and Deaf culture a whole new easier, more accessible way to communicate. Okay so the "Deaf Club" has become a thing of the past, that is how things work in everyone's life no matter deaf, blind, hearing, black, white... whatever things change and with chance (often) comes improvement. I am not sure... just guessing so don't hold me to this but Deaf clubs probably weren't available in every single town where deaf people lived. The internet is available virtually everywhere in the US and in many foreign countries. The internet allows deaf people to collaborate in DeafChat as the book mentions and meet other Deaf people in their same community as well as all over the world. The internet makes video-chatting IE skype available with the click of a button. The internet is also helpful to us hearing people who are learning ASL, when I forget a sign I hit up ASLPro and I have the sigh in front of me in under a minute (if insight is cooperating) or I can Skype Stacey and get a whole ASL lesson right on my computer!
Just like in any culture there can be bad influences and unreliable sources on the internet, but by no means to I think that the internet is going to destroy Deaf culture.... I mean what are you using right this very second to read my rambling???
I had to think long and hard about this chapter..... and I am pretty sure I have come to the conclusion of..... wait for it.......
NO!
In my opinion I think that the internet has offered Deaf people, and Deaf culture a whole new easier, more accessible way to communicate. Okay so the "Deaf Club" has become a thing of the past, that is how things work in everyone's life no matter deaf, blind, hearing, black, white... whatever things change and with chance (often) comes improvement. I am not sure... just guessing so don't hold me to this but Deaf clubs probably weren't available in every single town where deaf people lived. The internet is available virtually everywhere in the US and in many foreign countries. The internet allows deaf people to collaborate in DeafChat as the book mentions and meet other Deaf people in their same community as well as all over the world. The internet makes video-chatting IE skype available with the click of a button. The internet is also helpful to us hearing people who are learning ASL, when I forget a sign I hit up ASLPro and I have the sigh in front of me in under a minute (if insight is cooperating) or I can Skype Stacey and get a whole ASL lesson right on my computer!
Just like in any culture there can be bad influences and unreliable sources on the internet, but by no means to I think that the internet is going to destroy Deaf culture.... I mean what are you using right this very second to read my rambling???
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