From: Fran.O'gorman@f94.n272.z1.fidonet.org (Fran O'gorman)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Deaf Culture
Date: 1 Sep 92 04:04:38 GMT
Reply-To: Fran.O'gorman@f94.n272.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:272/94 - Monroe Electronic M, Monroe NY
X-Fidonet: Silent Talk Conference

Index Number: 24110

[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Hi Jim,

FO>>With the exception perhaps of not learning the language of the new
FO>>country I don't think preserving traditions or mannerisms or other
FO>>cultural ties to one's former country or heritage is a negative
FO>>thing but rather a positive one.
 JB>   That's true.  Unless knowing the traditions and mannerisms us
 JB>   used as a means of excluding *outsiders*

But I don't think that's the case or intent with the people
involved with Deaf culture.

FO>>...the
FO>>differences should not be used to *exclude* others, however I
FO>>don't think that for the most part they are (in most ethnic
FO>>cultures)
 JB>   In most cultures, no.  But it IS a common complaint here on SF

Did you mean ST? (meaning this echo?) There's an awful lot of
emotional reaction and disagreement, but I still don't think that
the Deaf go out of their way to exlude others.  They just don't
want to be criticized for their beliefs.

FO>>And if you have had occasion to practice signing with deaf signers
FO>>than it appears they haven't excluded you.
 JB>   Absolutely not!  They have welcomed me, stumbling over my own
 JB>   hands, with grace and patience, laughing with me as I get
 JB>   confused with the signs, gently correcting me and genuinely
 JB>   enjoying the encounter.

See, I thought so... they may not actively recruit outsiders, but
as long as you are sincere, are most happy to include you (my
impression anyway).

 FO>>I remember a very nice Italian family who live around the block.
 FO>>They spoke perfect English but periodically still spoke Italian at
 FO>>home so the younger generation could pick it up (which they did).
 JB>   In my family, Italian was used between my mother and grandmother
 JB>  when they did not want us kids to know what they were talking
 JB>  about!

My family used pig-latin! <grin>  I think all families have some
way of trying to convey things around the kids.  We even had a dog
who could decode it when we'd spell the word O-U-T -- and still go
nuts! (which we we're trying to avoid) :-)

FO>>The similarities should be enjoyed but I think the differences add
FO>>variety and a rich texture to our American culture which as one
FO>>student from a local college here aptly put it-- should not be
FO>>viewed as a melting pot where everyone just gets blended into
FO>>sameness but a stir-fry where the original color and texture is
FO>>retained.  Anyway, that's how *I* like my diet. <grin>
 JB>   Stir-fry...that's absolutely beautiful!  I'm going to adopt that
 JB>   image.  Thanks, Fran.

I liked it too.  Not mine originally -- a black girl from Marist
College here ... trying to get Black culture events more on campus.

FO>>BTW: That's neat you're still learning sign... I have a feeling
FO>>that there IS a special use you will be called to put it to
FO>>someday. :-)
 JB>   It's often frustrating waiting on God's time.  Some day it will
 JB>  be clear and all of you will hear.

In the meantime it sounds like you're having fun in the process
and that might be in God's plan too! :-)

--Fran

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