AGBell: Damage Control, But No Apology
February 7, 2008
In This Issue…
Member Response to Pepsi Super Bowl
Commercial
Last week, AG Bell President Karen
Youdelman and Executive Director
Alexander T. Graham sent a letter to
Pepsi executives regarding its Super
Bowl commercial, Bob’s House, featuring
Pepsi employees who are deaf (the
commercial aired during the pre-game
show). AG Bell stated in their letter
to Pepsi that “today’s hearing
technology, coupled with early
screening identification and
intervention, has led to incredible
advances in listening and spoken
language skill development.” AG Bell
went on to encourage Pepsi to
“highlight positive role models who
have met the challenges of this
condition and thrived using spoken
language” in future marketing efforts.
AG Bell received a considerate response
from Consumer Relations at Pepsi, which
stated “you can be assured that the
important issues you raised will be
shared with EnAble [Pepsi's
employee-based diversity consortium],
as well as our senior management team,
for consideration during future
projects. Please accept our deepest
thanks for your thought-provoking
comments.”
AG Bell requested and received feedback
from its members about our
communication with Pepsi. Members were
evenly split between being in support
of or against our letter to Pepsi. Some
member comments included:
“I do think [the commercial] is a funny
storyline, but…it does make you think
that [sign language] is all there is
available for deaf people…I’m glad
you brought this to their [Pepsi's]
attention.” (Parent of an oral deaf
child)
“I am weary of the argument between the
two camps – signing vs. oral…there is
a proud deaf heritage that needs to be
respected and acknowledged.” (Educator
of the deaf)
“Your viewpoint is understandable but I
am glad [Pepsi] is showing ASL and deaf
people who communicate with this
beautiful, visual language.” (Oral and
ASL deaf adult)
“Thank you [AG Bell] for being willing
to stand up and be heard rather than
avoiding conflict or trying to be
‘politically correct.’” (Parent of an
oral deaf child)
“I think you are on point about the
stereotype factor…being orally deaf
and working in the film
business…people assume I’m not really
deaf at all…I have to constantly
prove that I am deaf.” (Oral deaf
adult)
“I thought the commercial was pretty
funny…it looks like something my son
and his friends would do…” (Parent of
an oral deaf child)
“[The commercial] was a celebration of
an aspect of deaf culture many people
know little about. I celebrate [my
child's] ability to connect and
communicate with both deaf and hearing
peers.” (Parent of an oral deaf child)
We appreciate our members’ input and
encourage you to continue sharing your
perspective with AG Bell leadership so
that we can better serve you in the
future.
Commentary: With this e mail to its members, this professional organiztion is now doing damage control by showing favorable comments from its members… in an attempt to justify its letter. In other words, it is not remorseful for spreading derogatory misconceptions about “sign language isolating deaf from the rest of the society”. Nor is it apologetic for its failure to accept the diversity among the deaf people. Their bias against ASL and Deaf people using ASL continues to this day. This intolerant attitude from an organization serving a segment of deaf children is disappointing. The deaf children and their families need to be taught to respect each other for their communication diversity without putting down or ridiculing each other. After all, despite our communication differences, we all have one thing in common: we are deaf.
I still have a dream:
AGBell Association will drop its bias against ASL and deaf people using ASL,
hearing people will accept all deaf people, regardless of their communication methods,
and there will be no intolerance nor bigotry among the D/deaf people. MZ
Clarification: I am not against oralism, if the child hears well enough. I am against the promotion of cultural prejudice and deliberate use of misconceptions as scare tactics, belittling ASL and Deaf people.
February 7, 2008
In This Issue…
Member Response to Pepsi Super Bowl
Commercial
Last week, AG Bell President Karen
Youdelman and Executive Director
Alexander T. Graham sent a letter to
Pepsi executives regarding its Super
Bowl commercial, Bob’s House, featuring
Pepsi employees who are deaf (the
commercial aired during the pre-game
show). AG Bell stated in their letter
to Pepsi that “today’s hearing
technology, coupled with early
screening identification and
intervention, has led to incredible
advances in listening and spoken
language skill development.” AG Bell
went on to encourage Pepsi to
“highlight positive role models who
have met the challenges of this
condition and thrived using spoken
language” in future marketing efforts.
AG Bell received a considerate response
from Consumer Relations at Pepsi, which
stated “you can be assured that the
important issues you raised will be
shared with EnAble [Pepsi's
employee-based diversity consortium],
as well as our senior management team,
for consideration during future
projects. Please accept our deepest
thanks for your thought-provoking
comments.”
AG Bell requested and received feedback
from its members about our
communication with Pepsi. Members were
evenly split between being in support
of or against our letter to Pepsi. Some
member comments included:
“I do think [the commercial] is a funny
storyline, but…it does make you think
that [sign language] is all there is
available for deaf people…I’m glad
you brought this to their [Pepsi's]
attention.” (Parent of an oral deaf
child)
“I am weary of the argument between the
two camps – signing vs. oral…there is
a proud deaf heritage that needs to be
respected and acknowledged.” (Educator
of the deaf)
“Your viewpoint is understandable but I
am glad [Pepsi] is showing ASL and deaf
people who communicate with this
beautiful, visual language.” (Oral and
ASL deaf adult)
“Thank you [AG Bell] for being willing
to stand up and be heard rather than
avoiding conflict or trying to be
‘politically correct.’” (Parent of an
oral deaf child)
“I think you are on point about the
stereotype factor…being orally deaf
and working in the film
business…people assume I’m not really
deaf at all…I have to constantly
prove that I am deaf.” (Oral deaf
adult)
“I thought the commercial was pretty
funny…it looks like something my son
and his friends would do…” (Parent of
an oral deaf child)
“[The commercial] was a celebration of
an aspect of deaf culture many people
know little about. I celebrate [my
child's] ability to connect and
communicate with both deaf and hearing
peers.” (Parent of an oral deaf child)
We appreciate our members’ input and
encourage you to continue sharing your
perspective with AG Bell leadership so
that we can better serve you in the
future.
Commentary: With this e mail to its members, this professional organiztion is now doing damage control by showing favorable comments from its members… in an attempt to justify its letter. In other words, it is not remorseful for spreading derogatory misconceptions about “sign language isolating deaf from the rest of the society”. Nor is it apologetic for its failure to accept the diversity among the deaf people. Their bias against ASL and Deaf people using ASL continues to this day. This intolerant attitude from an organization serving a segment of deaf children is disappointing. The deaf children and their families need to be taught to respect each other for their communication diversity without putting down or ridiculing each other. After all, despite our communication differences, we all have one thing in common: we are deaf.
I still have a dream:
AGBell Association will drop its bias against ASL and deaf people using ASL,
hearing people will accept all deaf people, regardless of their communication methods,
and there will be no intolerance nor bigotry among the D/deaf people. MZ
Clarification: I am not against oralism, if the child hears well enough. I am against the promotion of cultural prejudice and deliberate use of misconceptions as scare tactics, belittling ASL and Deaf people.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Yeah. I’m not satisfied. AG Bell didn’t admit it made a mistake. Just that their members were split on the issue. This is NOT a retraction.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Yes I totally agree. It simply was a way to cover their tracks yet they have not made one attempt to apologize to the millions of people who they insulted with their letter to Pepsi.
DBC has been bringing up AGBell’s intolerance of ASL and bigotry (like you say) towards Deaf/deaf people for the past year. It took AGBell’s letter to Pepsi for more people to see clearly and understand even better why it is important not to allow this type of language racism and audistic attitude to continue.
If we want things to change, we need to all get on board and become united to do what is necessary to let the world know that this is no longer acceptable.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Of course, AGBell rarely or never admit they made any mistake. They simply cover the tracks and sweep everything under the rug. They would act as if nothing is happening.
AGBell still continues to look down on the ASL users while “begs” for $$$$ to roll around. They still steer the parents of deaf children toward speaking and hearing skills without allowing anybody to give the prospective parents any options to other methods of communications.
I’m with Mishka’s dream, too. My dream is AGBell breaks down and allows ASL to be part of the method of communications or be disbanded for good.
Misha
February 7th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
As a former parent who used AGBell’s services, I say I AMNOT SATISFIED!
A letter of APOLOGY is demanded.
WHY?
Karen Youldeman insulted some of us by saying our language ISOLATES us from the greater society.
THAT is SOFT BIGOTRY. No, that is blatant bigotry!!!!
Some of us MUST hav sign language for commnication because of our disability. This enabls us to more access to the world. Ironic , but true.
I am still pissed off.
AGBELL, please just issue a letter apologizingfor past oppression of the signing Deaf community and for the one sentence that got me and man others reeling mad.
A mother to an oral CI child who knows sign language.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
WHAT?????
A giant organization still won’t acknowledge their mistake. It is terrible price to pay.
I don’t accept their bigotry and condescending attitude on Deaf people and ASL users.
Listen up: its not mob mentality some of you portray us to be. But intelligent People empowered themselves to be proactive activists. No longer have we remained in silent. Thank to bloggers and vloggers network.
*head-shaking sideways*
Count me in.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Yep!! Tired of so many covered up from AgBAD’s striking attitudes for so MANY YEARS since 1880!!! Enuff of AGBAD oppressed us, the Deaf!!!!
Finish with AGBAD for good once in all!!! No excuses from AGBAD!!! The AGBAD always look for taking advantage of us, the DEAF!!! AG Bell once a theft of stealing telephone from Italian Meucci and lied to the world that he knows how to tell so many lies himself, an ego smart aleck, AG Bell is a telephone inventor!!! (AG Bell is not a telephone inventor)… He taught so many hearing supermacists how to tell many lies to the parents of Deaf children!!! It’s time for Go America to stop donating the money to AG BAD because AG Bell did brought up to fired so many Deaf adults from teaching Deaf schools… That’s how we got BROKE!!!
February 7th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I am not happy. AGBell need to stop giving an evasive statement and just issue a sincere apology. They need to acknowledge their mistake. No well… No but… No if…
February 7th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I have an idea. Why don’t we do an one day boycott of our cell phones, pagers and relay services? We need to show AG Bell and the world just how we’re NOT isolated from the world because we use American Sign Language. Hearing allies are welcome to join.
But I think we should send a loud message by holding an one day boycott or longer of our cell phones, pagers and relay services.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Supposing if AGBell had it their way and this commercial was done by oral deaf actors. Being deaf, the joke still applied where they honk the horn to find the house, but they spoke to each other instead of signing to each other.
The hearing audience would not have understood the joke at all because they would not have realized that they were deaf if they spoke to each other instead of signing. That being the case, it is a moot point when they say that these deaf people should speak to each other instead of signing. This joke would simply not have been as effective if deaf actors spoke instead of signing.
I am both an oralist and a signer, the difference is that I am oral when I am communicating with hearing people and I am a signer when I am communicating with deaf people. Signers should not complain if I choose to be oral with hearing people, just the same way oralists should not complain if I sign with deaf people.
I sign a heck of a lot more than I am oral, simply because I am around deaf people way more than I am around hearing people.
That being the case, in this commercial, it was two deaf people in the car so they should be signing to each other so Pepsi did the commercial perfectly and should be commended for it.
I have been a member of AGBell, I have attended their conferences (just the same way I’ve been a member of NAD and attended NAD conferences) and I have used ASL with other AGBell deaf members and a good number of AGBell deaf members do sign, especially when they have their “deaf section” meetings.
I am only stating this because I am actually embarassed by AGBell’s letter to Pepsi as I think it was totally uncalled for. That was a great commercial and I enjoyed it. I also hope to see more commercials like that.
If both the signing and oral sides would realize and accept this, where we should let them choose whatever communication mode they want to use, then let them. Dont make their choices for them. Its obvious the primary language among deaf people is ASL, if they choose to be oral with hearing people then let them do that, if they choose to use ASL with deaf people, then let them do that too. We would have a better chance of unifying the deaf population and become a much more powerful force to be reckoned with if this were to occur.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
We need to hire the civil rights lawyer to file against AG Bell and its letter.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Hypothetically, I have the same values, except that I am not a card-carrying AGB member due to its prejudices. I hope you have contacted AGBell Association to express your displeasure and also encourage your other deaf oral friends to do likewise.
I agree… we will get along better if we accept each other, oral or manual
February 7th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Anyway there’s a proof that I got some nasty comments from AG Bell’s Anons on my vlog lately!!! All is I can do is MOVE ON because I got tired of them try to make me HUSH UP and do nothing!!! I just accept their nasty comments and ignore them who criticized me!!!
MZ, thank you so much for this blog!! hugs, Shawn
February 7th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I have written to AGBell and indicated that the letter has caused division among its members. It also caused a division in the area of respecting diversity. The Pepsi commercial did not show anything about the ASL users being disrespectful to non-ASL users.
The simple fact is AGBell was trying to divide the country of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. It seems AGBell authors do not respect diversity.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Inform you that I already read Hearing Exchange’s blog recently! The world BIG PROBLEM is what???? Since AG Bell did already destroyed ASL education and then we got not enough Deaf Professional. That’s why the AG Bell do not want to have Deaf Culture and Deaf History to be educated in Deaf schools for so many years… That’s why there are not enough Deaf Professionals for our sufferings from our emotional.. Enough of AG Bell.. I do NOT understand why the Hearing Exchange pointed to the Deaf Militants!!! I feel that she needs to understand why we suffered for so many years!!! Enough of that!!! That’s why I knew that we do not have enough Deaf Culture Studies in our Deaf schools for so many years!!! That’s how we got lost respect!!!
February 7th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Well, are we really surprised?
One would say that at least they “listened” to their members….
But what DID they say for themselves?
“Here’s what my members have to say….”
February 7th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I don’t like the word militants. However, I can understand why Paula is upset. Threats are not to be condoned.
We can educate civilly without restoring to threats and coercion. Neither tactic is acceptable.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Tough to teach the old school people!!
Pathetic, isn’t it?
February 7th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Paula doesn’t seem to be a credible person. She might be exaggerating for effect (about supposedly receiving a threatening e-mail).
She was apparently doing Google searches of the key words Pepsi and “sign language” and was making comments on the blogs that appeared on the top of the searches in order to draw people to her blog. This is not a naive person merely trying to run an ordinary blog. This is a very skilled person who has very savvy publicity skills and may (or probably does) have ulterior motives.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Paula refuse to change a new person as she is stubborn. It isn’t my problem.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Deep Ears,
Paula received an email threat and has referred this to the police. Don’t piss me off by attempting to taint HER character when she is the victim. I suppose it’s the girl’s fault in a date rape case, in your opinion,as well. Jodi
February 7th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Calling us Deaf Militants??? Iam a victim too!! I just moved on to enjoy my own life by ignore the threat comments and email also!!! What’s the point???
February 7th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
“I don’t expect to see you here in Milwaukee in June. Ok? Stay away. We are VERY serious about it.”
This is not a threat?
Stay away? VERY serious?
That says a lot right there.
Absolutely NO-NO.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Who’s the “We”?
I would have been very nervous if I had gotten that email myself!
February 7th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
ASLisRisen… I don’t like the term “Deaf Miltants” either…
But the group has to step up and say this threat is not acceptable and does not represent them.
I have yet seen this. Have you?
February 7th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I think it was more about bullying than threat. A threat has to have an intent to injure, so there wasn’t any intent to injure from what I can gather. I see a general statement saying stay away, but don’t see any threat. It is a threat if a person was saying “stay away” and had a weapon in his hand. I don’t see any intent and I don’t see any weapon, but it is bullying at its worse, and it worked on a sensitive person, unfortunately. The conference/protest is going to be very interesting, indeed!!!! There’s still, what, 4 or 5 months to go?
February 7th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
threats or bullying – that’s an interesting observation.
Right…
But it could be an implication of the “or else…” threat if one decides to go ahead anyway.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
why can’t that person ask why “stay away”??? I feel that the person need to ask why “stay away”!
I feel that need to be explain why “stay away”!!
We need not anymore “conflict of interests” from the AG Bell supporters or confusing AG Bell members who have not know about Deaf History and Deaf Culture studies… That’s my opinion… “Stay Away” is not crime!!! I did sometimes told my kids to stay away from bullying and not to be involve with the bully kids!!! Not worth to hang around the bullying kids..
February 7th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
ASL Risen, oh, yes you were a victim, having been horribly abused at the oral school. Your stories about the mistreatment you received there haunt me I never implied that you weren’t.
I think you misunderstood me. I do not condone the word militants and feel it wasn’t fair for anyone to label all of us Deaf Militants.
That’s not what I meant before .. what I said is that I can understand why Paula was upset. If I was threatened, I would be upset, too. Wouldn’t you if you were threatened?
Deep Eyes, I don’t condone this e mail. This is a serious allegation about Paula exaggerating. Why do you say this? Not even a professional promoter deserves this kind of e mail.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
ASL Risen, Paula isn’t your kid. Nobody has the right to order another person to stay away. Capitalizing the word in this phrase VERY serious was designed to scare someone away.
Threat or bullying, it was interpreted as a threat by the receiver. That’s why the police was called. Perhaps the person sending this e mail didn’t realize how its tone may appear to a stranger.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Because Paula is very involved in what she is doing and the people don’t want her to come to the conference, thus the threat.
How would you feel if I was a pro-oralist and not an ASL signer, and you wanted to go to the biggest ASL conference… and you are one of the well known people.
I email you and say, “Do not even think about going to the ASL conference!!! Ok? Stay away!! We are VERY serious!”
You would be looking over your shoulders when you get there, wouldn’t you?
I know you have gone through SO much and you have been vlogging about it to let people know what you went through! That is very important!
February 7th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Can you see my point?? AG Bell did oppressed ASL Education and we do NOT have enough ASL Professionals for so many years!!! We lost ASL for so long time since AG Bell had the power threat over ASL education for so many years since Milan 1880. That hurts! Can you see my point clear???
February 7th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I know, ASL Risen…
But it still does not justify what this person did to Paula.
Neither did you deserve the treatment you got.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Possible misunderstand communication between 2 person from email or something not clear???? Oh well, I better go sign off my PC and get ready go work on my bday! I feel too old already! Deep sighs! Thank you IamMine for understand! hugs,
February 7th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
ASL Risen…
Do you realize that hearing parents are here now to do something about this, but we are moderate voices and we do not want to hear radical voices condoning threats or boycotts…we would like to have open dialogue about rational ideas that unite the two factions, not further divide them. Li-Li’s mom has made suggestions, Mishka suggested a forum for deaf kids using all different approaches. Why hasn’t anyone taken the time to set that up instead of blowing steam through blogville? These are positive, unifying ideas, let’s get to work on something productive for the future. Personally, I’m computer illiterate and it’s a miracle I can even keep my blog up and running, but start using your resources in the Deaf community – I am not familiar with the go-to people, but you guys are, get something productive and positive moving that is a joint effort and the union will grow from there…all of this negativity just pulls the groups down the drain together and nobody wins. Jodi
February 7th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Hey MZ, Mike’s video caption not clear for me to read!!! Hard for me to read his RED subtitle!!
Jodi, I am trying to understand your point but I do not have visual concept from what you are trying to explain to me??? Sorry I have to go get ready work becuz I m too busy… Thanks for your comment…
February 7th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Jodi,
It would help tremendously if AGBell Association members tell the administration promoting bigotry against ASL and Deaf people is unacceptable. This is why so many Deaf people are upset. Progress was already being made before AGBell divided the community again with its derogatory letter to Pepsi Cola Company.
How can we continue if a professional foundation don’t want to see us developing constructive dialogue and building bridges between the two communities?
February 7th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Oh one more thing MZ, please do NOT FORGET there are some Oral Militants all over this world!!! OK? I just hope that you do NOT forget that there are still some Oral Militants!!! bye for now! hugs, S
February 7th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
ASL Risen , to give up discussing about Paula’s blog and Mike’s blog, you move on. I’d like hear more news about AGB and Pepsi here.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Right. There are ‘militants’ or strong advocates which I personally prefer, in ALL groups, including CI groups.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Yep right on ChrisH!! Sorry got to go now!
February 7th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I hold practically the opposite views of Paula over on HearingExchange but that email is simply unacceptable. We have every right to protest, unlike Paula likes to claim, but we don’t have the right to make threats, insinuated or otherwise.
If Paula sent Ella Lentz a similar email, you can bet there would be a HUGE uproar and the police would be called as well. It goes both ways. While that email did not have any outright threats, there sure were implied threats.
I have no problem with the police being involved in this situation. People need to be more responsible with their words.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
There are not many Deaf nor Oralist Militants…probably so few and far between. But that is not the case. However, being a militant would NOT help in both cases. That would cause more chaos rather than peaceful and rational.
We (deaf, hard of hearing, CI (with/without ASL), oral deaf, deaf-blind) constantly are educating the public to be more aware. It can be tiring and trying BUT we should not give up until they understand the conception of deafness and deaf culture.
Misha
February 7th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Back from outside with my car running on my driveway!! We MUST always remember to ask ourselves: Who is the first person that invents Militants? Of course, AG Bell because he has plenty of money from stealing telephone profits!!! Lets move on with Pepsi and AGBAD!!Thanks for accepting my quick comment! Bye S
February 7th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I just spoke with David via e mails. He said he never implied the e mail to Paula to be seen as a threat, more like go away. I don’t know him personally but a friend who knows him very well said he is not a dangerous person, not at all.
It’s ok for ASL Risen to talk about other topics. We are already talking about Paula’s blog.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Misha,
I totally agree, the more awareness, the less misconceptions. And that goes for the entire spectrum. Just trying to put some info out there with some humor, not trying to change the world…hoping to help make it a better place..oops, Jordan is calling, gotta go…night-night all, Jodi
February 7th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I hadn’t seen the e-mail when I commented. Now I have read it and I think that Paula is misinterpreting it due to language misunderstandings.
If the person who wrote it was more skilled in the English language, he should have written something like: “Why do you want to attempt to interfere in what is strictly our business?…” Etc.
In other words, the writer was not skilled in expressing himself, and Paula was not skilled in interpreting his e-mail. She obviously does not have much experience in second-language usage situations.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
A Deaf Pundit, you obsessed over Ella Lentz
February 7th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I agree with most of them about taking that threat seriously. Paula has every right to turn it over to the police and also defends herself from a possible harm. A threat (empty or not) is wrong on many levels because it could hurt anybody in a long run.
You can’t stop anybody from going too a certain place just because you don’t like it. You can’t do anything about it.
How would you feel if somebody emails you with that similiar thread? Think the scenario:
Oralist emailed me: “You should NOT go to Deaf Expo in AnyCity, AnyState. Stay away. We are VERY
SERIOUS!!!” Signed, Oralist
What do I do? I would turn it over to the police because I do not want to spend all day long looking over my shoulder at Deaf Expo. HELLO!!!!
Just think about it.
Misha
February 7th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
ChrisH, nah. I just use her as an example since so many of you guys worship her.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Why does it have to be either or with them? As it turned out the passenger in the car can use his voice. If he wants to use sign language too, that is his right.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
i dont like the word miliants,either. my folks donated to AGB AND CLARKE while i was a studnet at clarke now they dont support them because of money .
IamMine and DP,
I grew up in michigan. i live in east cost
thank you for sharing
February 7th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
A Deaf Pundit, you are a nut person. I see that you are a boss woman. get lost
February 7th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Nope. Won’t get lost.
By the way, NAD sent AG Bell a letter! http://blogs.nad.org/president/?p=14
February 7th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Quick, everyone….
There is a letter to AGBell from NAD President. It’s on the front page of DeafRead. Go check it out!
Misha
February 7th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I went back to read Paula’s blog. There are several things I wholeheartdly disagreed. We are NOT the Deaf Militants, no way in HELL.
Protest??? Oh come on….that is not that protest. They’re peaceful people trying to give the parents of deaf babies more options for any methods of communications. We want to include ASL as part of methods of communications.
Let’s see how would she react if there are the CUED Speech deaf people at AGBell’s Convention trying to educate the parents of deaf children about CUED Speech as part of methods of communications? Would she call them CUED Speech Militants? Probably so…..
The point is every deaf with various of methods of communications gives out the options. That’s all.
Calling us Deaf Militants? Oh, my arse! That is somewhat stereotype! Oh well……BAH!
Misha
February 7th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Call me an odd cookie, but I really don’t see what all the hubbub is about. I’m deaf and ASL is my primary means of communication, but I don’t feel the slightest bit bothered by AGB’s letter. I just chalk it up to their ignorance and/or belligerence and I’m quite sure that Pepsi, having worked with NAD and deaf actors in the commercial, realize that AGB’s comments are nothing but hogwash.
AGB does not have the power to make ASL magically disappear, don’t worry about that. ASL will always be alive, it is not dying. As long as NAD exists and as long as NAD gets support from ASL users, there will always be a counterbalance to AGB. NAD will always be there to educate people about ASL and deaf culture. Some people will choose oralism, others will choose ASL, and still others will choose both.
You know what? That’s absolutely okay!
My biggest fear right now is that the deaf community is playing right into AGB’s hands. They’re laughing and pointing at us saying, “see what I mean?”
Relax before your blood pressure gets out of control.
Don’t worry, be happy
February 7th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
M, I don’t know why, either. I wish there wouldnt be so much animosity. However, AGBell Association needs to start cleaning its act. Deaf people have been quiet for so long, but now they just had enough abuse from AGBell.
Ouch, ChrisH. DeafPundit supports ASL and Deaf Culture.
Slacking Penguin, it is sad that you are willing to tolerate bigotry, prejudice, and oppression from a professional organization serving deaf people.
Stuffing emotions are very unhealthy, leading to depression and high blood pressure. It’s healthier for them to assert themselves and demand respect for their existence and their language. Hopefully AGBell realizes its outdated mentality is no longer tolerated in 2008 when people are embracing the diversity among themselves.
Empowered, we are happy
February 7th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Hi Misha,
Thanks for your reply.
Nah, it isn’t sad, I just have thick skin.
If you think that idiots out there who are intolerant, prejudiced, bigoted, or even self serving are ever going to cease to exist, I’m afraid you’ve got another think coming.
I’m not stuffing emotions at all nor am I depressed and my blood pressure is fantastic.
Just for the record, I am plenty empowered. When I want something, I get it regardless of what AGB says about me.
Let NAD represent us, let NAD do their job. Bobbie Beth has done a wonderful job telling AGB what’s what and that should suffice. We, the average Joes, don’t really need to get our collective panties in a bunch over this…we’re providing the so called bigots some real entertainment here. Not only that, we’re providing them with ammunition which they could use against us in the future.
Put it this way, if I were to claim that you were a crazy, unbalanced, violent person and then I proceeded to poke you in the belly and then you reacted by punching me in the face.
I’d say, “see what I mean?”
Blow them off. I have faith in NAD to take care of this in a professional and respectful manner…in a manner we, the deaf people, could be proud of. That’s what NAD is there for!
Cheers Mishka!
February 7th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I have a thick skin, too, Penguin. However, if someone goes too far, I exercise my right of speech as a full-blooded American and holding them accountable for their unacceptable conduct. I don’t punch people. I contact their sponsors and tell them this organization is labeling culturally Deaf people as inferior and being constricted by its language. It’s not individual people.. we cannot change them all. However, if it is a non-for profit organization, it has certain responsibilities and it means being professional instead smearing the image of Deaf people, its culture and language in order to promote oralism.
NAD is now doing the same thing… following our reprimanding AGBell that we started last week.
However, I disagree with you about letting NAD do its job while we average joes continue our merry ways and do nothing. It needs us to be proactive, too as NAD cannot do everything. NAD needs our help in making Deaf Community empowered.
Cheers, Penguin
February 7th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
To avoid being ignorant, but I got lost when Paula got in the picture… her blog? Can someone let me know her blog so i can look at it… thanks.
NAD’s letter is GREAT!
Imagine I was part of that *shiver in disgust* group ODAS (very early 1980s) ugh and at that time I was learning sign language and they disapproved of me learning sign language so with that kind of attitude, nah, i’m outta there! Like NAD stressed, we are humans and we have our rights to ASL.
I think AGB is a group of oppressors who try to oppress people as they did try to oppress me by disapproving of my learning sign language. I am SOOOO glad i got out of the group into Gallaudet
yippeee!
February 7th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Jodi, in that case, maybe you will want to read a post now on the DR main page, titled: “What AgBad Doesn’t Want You to Know”.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
*Checking my blood pressure* (beep) I’m alright!
good.. My rant… #$%^#$^FGdfhsfdsfadgadf
(relaxing mode)
Karen Youldeman insulted some of us by saying our language ISOLATES us from the greater society.
I’m not approval Karen youldeman’s written Letter… She is seek clean her nose and kept throw the positives things.. *ahem*
Where is the deeper apologizes..? isn’t sufficiently!
By the way, I’m glad NAD made written formal letter which “where respect?” Very strong word..
How’s about lawsuit against Agbad? Anybody make the action yet?
*hmmmm*
AGbad need time to go.. *shut the down* (press red button)
February 7th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Mishka,
You know, I’ve been thinking about this for a bit and something has been bothering me about it, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
Suddenly it dawned on me. What’s bothering me is how the deaf community is accusing AGB of bigotry or intolerance. I’m realizing now that that accusation is wrong.
The statement that seems to have gotten the deaf community upset is the following:
“Your advertisement perpetuates a common myth that all people who are deaf can only communicate using sign language and are, therefore, isolated from the rest of society.”
In my mind, this isn’t a bigoted statement. In fact, it is somewhat true. First of all, not all deaf people use ASL. Second of all, deaf people who don’t speak, but only use ASL as a means of communication are, indeed, somewhat isolated from the rest of society. This is why we have interpreters to bridge the gap between the hearing society and the ASL community. Oral deaf people, on the other hand, have an easier time mingling with the hearing world.
What I gather from AGB’s letter is that they feel left out by Pepsi’s commercial. This isn’t to say that I think their gripe is a legitimate one, but I do understand why they’re upset. This also isn’t to say that I don’t think that the “isolation” aspect of the statement wasn’t a low blow…it was. But…bigotry? No, I don’t think so.
One who touts their position or philosophy as being better than another’s is not committing an act of bigotry. They are merely touting their philosophy as being better than another’s. Most Americans would probably tout democracy as being better than communism because a democratic society allows its citizens more freedom whereas a communist society restricts its citizens. Does that mean Americans are bigoted towards communism? No, it means that they feel democracy is better than communism.
Personally, I think ASL is much better for the deaf than oralism for a number of reasons, would you accuse me of being bigoted against oral deaf people or AGB?
I hope not.
Cheers.
P.S. – Think we could all stop with the “AGbad” stuff. It’s petty childishness, wouldn’t you say?
February 7th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
SlackinPenguin,
You wrote, “First of all, not all deaf people use ASL. Second of all, deaf people who don’t speak, but only use ASL as a means of communication are, indeed, somewhat isolated from the rest of society.”
It demonstrates attitude AND ignorance issues.
1.) Please google Charles Swindoll on “Attitude.”
2.) Martin Luther King said, “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”
3.) Susan B. Anthony said, “Failure is Impossible.”
February 7th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Penguin, wanting to tout their philosophy to be better is not the issue, though this was an extremely childish pettiness that no professional organization should have undertaken in the first place. To contact an corporation and bash another group in order to push its agenda is in very poor taste. The fact that most members of this organization find no problem with this act makes it clear that they condone this extrermely unprofessional conduct, which isn’t helpful in improving relations with the Deaf Community. In other words, they are guilty for the persistence of cultural tensions. They should look at themselves before they point the fingers at Deaf Community.
The issue is that they actually negated Deaf people and ASL with this derogatory statement: Sign language isolate Deaf from the rest of the society. Feel free to check my analysis of that sentence in my previous post “AGB: ASL Isolates Deaf From Rest of Society” These few words carried powerful statements carrying negative innuendos, promoting stereotypes that these administrators knew perfectly well to be not completely true. This highly unethical act shows the organization to be lacking an essential character… integrity. Contrary to what you claim, it is an act of bigotry, not just in my opinion, but in many other people’s opinions. The fact that you think it’s not bigotry along with the statement below give me a good idea what your thinking may be.
You also show another stereotype: oral deaf people find it easier to associate with hearing people. This isn’t accurate either. I can present you a good number of cases where oral deaf people are socially isolated. This is the reason I don’t use stereotypes. It’s not professional nor is it classy. It also isn’t conductive in improving community relations.
Why are you asking me to stop with this AGBAD stuff? I will appreciate it if you refrain from jumping into another stereotype by grouping me with others. Had you read my blogs faithfully, you would have known this: never did I ever use AGBAD.
February 7th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Right now we all know that AgBAD (sorry I had to say it
) have just shoot their feet! That leads to the end of story! We just need to sit back and wait to hear from them with their apology to the public…
NAD just posted their open letter to AgBAD and like you said Mishka, members are now reconsidering their membership! They are losing.
My 2 cents thought
Just Tom…
February 7th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Hi Mishka,
I agree, AGB’s actions and their statement was in poor taste…it was a low blow, but I still don’t think it was bigotry.
I also agree that they should clean up their own backyard before they start pointing at the mess in other’s. I don’t subscribe to their oralism theory because I do think it is oppressive. I mean if a deaf person wants to be oral, that’s fine and dandy, but I don’t agree with their tactics in forcing oralism upon deaf people nor do I agree with their tactics in putting down ASL.
However, as beautiful and liberating as ASL is, I do think that ASL users are isolated if that is the only way they can communicate. They are isolated in the same sense that a Spanish speaker who doesn’t know English is isolated in an English speaking society.
You said:
“These few words carried powerful statements carrying negative innuendos, promoting stereotypes that these administrators knew perfectly well to be not completely true.”
I think we’re on the same page here. If you’ll notice in my previous post I said “somewhat true”. That’s quite similar to “not completely true”, wouldn’t you agree?
As for the bigotry deal, I still don’t think that AGB’s statement was a bigoted statement. I guess we will have to agree to disagree on that one.
I still believe that oral deaf people have an easier time than deaf non-speakers to mingle with hearing people. I’ve seen this time and time again throughout my life. This isn’t to say that oral deaf people get along with hearing people smashingly, far from it, but they do have an easier time than deaf people who do not speak at all.
The AGBad comment wasn’t directed at you, per se, it was directed at everyone in the community. This is why I said “we”, but I suspect you knew that. No, I haven’t read your blogs faithfully, I have only discovered DeafRead recently.
Cheers.
February 7th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Hi WAD,
Wow, accusing me of being ignorant and stupid…real nice
Cheers.
February 7th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I’ve never heard of any significant number of deaf ASL users who don’t know a good amount of written English.
You’re showing your bigotry by assuming that there are a significant number of such people. Just because some deaf people write with grammatical errors, doesn’t mean that they cannot function just fine with English. On top of that, growing up with ASL since birth usually enables a Deaf person to acquire native or near-native skills in English. It’s the semi-lingual deaf people who were forced to waste time with speech lessons who are the ones who have problems with English (and ASL).
February 7th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Hi Deep Ears,
Just to clarify, was your last post directed to me?
Regards,
SlackinPenguin
February 8th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Hi Penguin,
We can agree to disagree about AGBell’s bigotry
I am not against oralism, if the child has enough hearing and if the parents feel it’s the best fit for the child, after recieving full information about the communication options. It’s my concern if the child will thrive well or not, though, and hope it won’t turn out to be a mistake. It’s a constant worry as I’ve seen too many ‘oral failures’. I would hope the parents will be willing to add ASL, especially for deaf babies with immature voice boxes, but again it is the parents to determine what’s best for their kids.
I am somewhat puzzled. Are you implying that Deaf people who use ASL aren’t familiar with English? They are. Many Deaf people can communicate easily with hearing people. It depends on their personality. Aren’t you aware that the passenger in Pepsi ad grew up orally and uses a c.i. ? ASL doesn’t restrict a person from the rest of society. That is a misconception. I grew up oral and I can say ASL expands my world. I acquired another tool of communication as well as a new language. How neat is that?
Welcome to DeafRead. It is a very interesting agregator. I would say you will learn a lot about Deaf people and ASL.
February 8th, 2008 at 1:10 am
Hi Mishka,
Glad we could agree on something
I’m not against oralism either even if I do prefer ASL. In fact, I don’t treat oralists any different than I do ASL users. I include all deaf people under the umbrella of deafness regardless of their chosen method of communication and regardless of whether they us the CI, hearing aids, or nothing at all.
Like you, I fully support the right of parents to decide what is best for their deaf children. I may not agree with them, but I fully support their right to choose for themselves.
Am I implying that deaf people who use ASL aren’t familiar with English? Not even close. I use ASL every day to communicate with my friends and family and I have done so for almost 30 years now, yet while my English skills aren’t anything to write home about, they’re halfway decent….I get by.
I agree, DeafRead makes for some very interesting reading. I’ve been coming here almost every day since I found it approximately two weeks ago. Even though I was born deaf, have a deaf family, attended a deaf school, attended Gallaudet, used ASL for almost 30 years, I’m sure I still have a lot to learn about deaf people and ASL. There’s always room for improvement
Regards,
SlackinPenguin
February 8th, 2008 at 8:57 am
So Martin Luther King is not being nice?
February 10th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
there is petition about AGB!!
WANT to REMOVE his Plague and REname the dorm, Alexander Graham Bell Hall AT NTID/RIT??? then SIGN THIS!!!!
KEEP THIS IN OUR MIND, AG BELL IS HILTER TO DEAF COMMUNITY!!!!!
http://www.petitiononline.com/RMAGBELL/petition.html
sign this!!!
February 19th, 2008 at 12:16 am
I’m a member and I never got an e-mail about this. But I get all their other e-mails. Hmm. Makes me wonder if they sent it out to a select group?
I am not happy about their juvenile response to Pepsi at all!!
February 19th, 2008 at 12:21 am
PS The AG Bell convention this summer actually does have an entire pre-conference seminar about learning cued speech.
March 4th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Cued speech isn’t a bona fide language, unlike ASL. AGBell has a loonng history of vilifying ASL