This Is What It Is Like To Be Deaf From Birth

Ultimately, I got sick and tired of both groups trying to tell me how to live my life. The deaf culture advocates tell me I should fling away my [cochlear implant (CI)] and make my home within the community. The CI advocates tell me that I should give up using [American Sign Langauge] and become fully immersed in the hearing world.

My experience in the firestorm of the culture wars has complicated my relationship with deaf  and CI communities. I find myself thinking, “Not again,” whenever anyone from either side tries to convince me that my choices in life are ill-advised without understanding my situation and values. I’ve carved out my own life, based on my own cultural philosophies, and left the debate behind (mostly). —The Daily Beast.

Post was last modified on 27 Dec 2013 1:59 pm

Share
Published by
Dennis G. Jerz