From: CONLEY%MSUVX2@MEMSTVX1.BITNET
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.deaf-l
Subject: Re: thinking about handicaps
Date: 15 Oct 92 03:13:00 GMT
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
X-VMS-To: msuvx1::in%"deaf-l@siucvmb"

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        Hi gang!
        One question.....CYNTHIA CLARK...where's your bio.???
                (Or did I miss it?)
        I must say that your posting is one of the best I've seen.
        So true.  BRAVO!  &   THANKS A BUNCH!

>From:         Cynthia Clark <cclark@NRI.RESTON.VA.US>
>Subject:      Re: thinking about handicaps

>In spite of my deafness, let me become the "mediator"
>to assist and clear up misunderstanding between the hearing
>and deaf worlds.  I support both worlds.

        Go for it!!!  (BTW, We're looking for a new president ..... you busy?)

>That "dumb woman" was not
>stupid.  She simply did not have enough exposure
>to the deaf world.

        Hmmmm?  This sounds interesting.  Replace the "dumb woman"
        with the "hearing people".....what do you get?
        Prejudice! and Ignorance!  Actually, either statement
        results in P & I.  I find it interesting that the
        person who made the statement about the "dumb woman",
        (sorry, I forgot), has resentment towards the hearing
        populous,...and in all sincerity, he has a right to feel
        that way.  But, as one old proverb I remember goes like this;
                "Two wrongs don't make a right."
         also,  "What goes around, comes around."
        In conclusion, we're all just going round, round, round, etc....

>Let me "circle
>my first finger" around in a sign language.

        Exactly.

>Of course, I simply do
>NOT like these words "handicapped" nor "hearing impaired"
>That's why I understand the deaf people's perspective.
>I happen to be born-deaf.  I happen to come from a deaf family.
>Let me give an award to the deaf community for
>being downright honest with feelings.

        Curious?  Honestly, what word or expression would you use
        that would properly and justifiably replace "handicapped"
        and/or "hearing impaired"? that will satisfy the deaf?
        IMHO, I feel that the deaf must give input to situations
        like this and let the government branches know about your
        rights and tell these boobs in Wash. how you feel.

        Also, What IDIOT! came up with the "legally" correct
        TT = text telephone? to replace TTY or TDD?
        Don't these guys know TT means TOILET!!!

>it is my understanding that these hearing people
>do NOT intend to insult us.  It is a different story if
>a hearing person gives you a dirty look "you are so handicapped".
>Is it a different ballpark ?   It is just the context
>like what Vicki Brown mentioned earlier.

        Agree.  If someone DOES tell you "you are so handicapped",
        simply turn your car stereo ALL THE WAY UP!!!!
        NOW, let's see who's handicapped.   (tee hee hee)(ha ha ha)

>I hope both of my worlds begin to understand each other better.

        (Hands go straight to the roof shaking!!!!!!)
                        BRAVO!!!!!!


                                        Steven Conlee
                                        CONLEY@MEMSTVX1.MEMST.EDU
        ps...   Esther for PREZIDENT,
                Cynthia for VICE-PREZIDENT.   (or vice-versa)
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