Lack of Diversity in NAD? NAD Responds
Two nights ago I got this angry comment in my blog:
# 101. “THERE’S NO ANTI-RACIST TRAINING AT THE NAD CONFERENCE. THERE’S NO RACIST COMPONENT IN THE DBC. It’s a white deaf world.
Here’s a preposterous proposal circulating at the NAD conference:
Title: Deafhood training
Introduced by: Ralph Singleton
Seconded by: David Reynolds
Proposed motion: the NAD board and all headquarters staff shall receive the deafhood training. Additionally, all state associations shall be trained, and also host the deafhood trainings.
Rationale: Deafhood courses are now accepted at some universities and should be widely pushed by the NAD, too. The NAD should cherish the deafhood concept and promote it among its Board members, all state associations and headquarters staff. There are currently 40 trainers available to teach deafhood to all types of audiences around the nation.
Fiscal impact: Minimal, other than presentation costs.
Board comments: the Board supports this concept for the NAD; however, state associations and affiliates make their own decisions regarding training opportunities.
Comments:
As this proposal was circulated, Deaf people of color started to feel sick in the stomach. Is the DBC taking over NAD? The Deafhood movement seems to be led by a radical group of XXX-like white deaf people. Why is NAD allowing itself to give in to the CAD deafhood powerhouses? WHERE IS DIVERSITY????
Doesn’t anyone remember what Paddy Ladd originally wrote about deafhood?” Terry Goffman
.
As I had no idea what was going on, I contacted NAD regarding this issue. I also requesed that they publish their business and motions on their website so NAD members unable to attend the conference will be able to follow on the Internet. They promptly responded to my suggestion to post the informatin at NAD conference on its site. (http://blogs.nad.org/NADConference/). Kudos to NAD for their quick actions and efforts to be more transparent to the Deaf Community!!
The NAD representative gave me a statement along with two links, one to NAD Diversity Statement and the other one for Diversity Training. Any time someone has a concern, please contact NAD Executive President Nancy Bloch at Nancy.Bloch@Nad.Org or Bobbie Beth Scroggins at BobbieBeth.Scoggins@NAD.Org. MZ
.
From NAD representative:
The NAD has a Diversity statement which can be found in its January board meeting minutes at http://www.nad.org/boardminutes. In addition, the NAD board received diverity training during most board meetings during the past year and a half, including at NAD regional conferences, the recent NAD Leadership Training Conference (www.nad.org/NLTC) this past spring, and at the 2008 Biennial NAD Conference. This demonstrates the NAD’s commitment to diversity training.
.
From NAD site:
DIVERSITY TRAINING
Burwell will provide training at the NAD Leadership Training Conference in Austin and at the board meeting in Rochester, and finally facilate at least one panel at the national conference. The NAD remains committed to diversity as a priority, with follow up strategies to be determined by the new board after the conference.
.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
National Association of the Deaf
Approved January 2008 by the
NAD Board of Directors
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) embraces diversity and inclusiveness as core values in achieving its mission. It is the philosophy of the NAD that diversity encompasses a wide range of human abilities and perspectives*. The NAD is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive environment where differences of opinions, beliefs, and values are sought, listened to, respected, and valued. Through inclusiveness, the NAD is committed to expanded membership, participation, and leadership that reflect the diversity of the American deaf community. The NAD also pledges to enhance its policies and practices so that these adhere to the highest standards of diversity and inclusiveness, and to work closely with its state and organizational affiliated to further this commitment (* including but not limited to language, culture, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, and socioeconomic status)
P.S. It just occurred to me that some people may think this as my personal criticism of NAD. Please do not interpret it this way. Personally I think NAD is being very progressive, making many changes for the better, especially in the last several years. In fact, I’m planning to become a member of NAD. MZ
Two nights ago I got this angry comment in my blog:
# 101. “THERE’S NO ANTI-RACIST TRAINING AT THE NAD CONFERENCE. THERE’S NO RACIST COMPONENT IN THE DBC. It’s a white deaf world.
Here’s a preposterous proposal circulating at the NAD conference:
Title: Deafhood training
Introduced by: Ralph Singleton
Seconded by: David Reynolds
Proposed motion: the NAD board and all headquarters staff shall receive the deafhood training. Additionally, all state associations shall be trained, and also host the deafhood trainings.
Rationale: Deafhood courses are now accepted at some universities and should be widely pushed by the NAD, too. The NAD should cherish the deafhood concept and promote it among its Board members, all state associations and headquarters staff. There are currently 40 trainers available to teach deafhood to all types of audiences around the nation.
Fiscal impact: Minimal, other than presentation costs.
Board comments: the Board supports this concept for the NAD; however, state associations and affiliates make their own decisions regarding training opportunities.
Comments:
As this proposal was circulated, Deaf people of color started to feel sick in the stomach. Is the DBC taking over NAD? The Deafhood movement seems to be led by a radical group of XXX-like white deaf people. Why is NAD allowing itself to give in to the CAD deafhood powerhouses? WHERE IS DIVERSITY????
Doesn’t anyone remember what Paddy Ladd originally wrote about deafhood?” Terry Goffman
.
As I had no idea what was going on, I contacted NAD regarding this issue. I also requesed that they publish their business and motions on their website so NAD members unable to attend the conference will be able to follow on the Internet. They promptly responded to my suggestion to post the informatin at NAD conference on its site. (http://blogs.nad.org/NADConference/). Kudos to NAD for their quick actions and efforts to be more transparent to the Deaf Community!!
The NAD representative gave me a statement along with two links, one to NAD Diversity Statement and the other one for Diversity Training. Any time someone has a concern, please contact NAD Executive President Nancy Bloch at Nancy.Bloch@Nad.Org or Bobbie Beth Scroggins at BobbieBeth.Scoggins@NAD.Org. MZ
.
From NAD representative:
The NAD has a Diversity statement which can be found in its January board meeting minutes at http://www.nad.org/boardminutes. In addition, the NAD board received diverity training during most board meetings during the past year and a half, including at NAD regional conferences, the recent NAD Leadership Training Conference (www.nad.org/NLTC) this past spring, and at the 2008 Biennial NAD Conference. This demonstrates the NAD’s commitment to diversity training.
.
From NAD site:
DIVERSITY TRAINING
Burwell will provide training at the NAD Leadership Training Conference in Austin and at the board meeting in Rochester, and finally facilate at least one panel at the national conference. The NAD remains committed to diversity as a priority, with follow up strategies to be determined by the new board after the conference.
.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
National Association of the Deaf
Approved January 2008 by the
NAD Board of Directors
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) embraces diversity and inclusiveness as core values in achieving its mission. It is the philosophy of the NAD that diversity encompasses a wide range of human abilities and perspectives*. The NAD is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive environment where differences of opinions, beliefs, and values are sought, listened to, respected, and valued. Through inclusiveness, the NAD is committed to expanded membership, participation, and leadership that reflect the diversity of the American deaf community. The NAD also pledges to enhance its policies and practices so that these adhere to the highest standards of diversity and inclusiveness, and to work closely with its state and organizational affiliated to further this commitment (* including but not limited to language, culture, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, and socioeconomic status)
P.S. It just occurred to me that some people may think this as my personal criticism of NAD. Please do not interpret it this way. Personally I think NAD is being very progressive, making many changes for the better, especially in the last several years. In fact, I’m planning to become a member of NAD. MZ
July 10th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I am confused
Deafhood is an internal journey Deaf people process and incorporate deafness along with their identity in a full acceptance. Deafhood also encourages embracement of the deaf trait and promotes Deaf empowerment.
yet.. someone posted..
As this proposal was circulated, Deaf people of color started to feel sick in the stomach.
why would Deaf people of color feel sick in the stomach ? I do not see any, if not there is NO reference to race, sex, or anything other than what NAD represents’ Deaf’
deafhood like you said
“Deafhood is an internal journey Deaf people process and incorporate deafness along with their identity in a full acceptance. Deafhood also encourages embracement of the deaf trait and promotes Deaf empowerment.”
I see no race involvement in this.
deafhood is a journey to ‘self’ acceptance, which is possibile one reason why this issue was brought up
100 people in a room, half not accepting of themselves of being deaf, how can this room work together for the rights of DEAF PEOPLE, while 50 of em hate being deaf or not happy in their deafness ?
July 10th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
From my understanding, it seems like the colored community is sick to the stomach because they think DBC is taking over NAD.
correct me if i’m wrong here.
-Ben
July 10th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
To explain what I am thinking: 100% of them are fforded the same rights in ADA. 50% isn’t happy with their deafness the other 50% are in total bliss with being Deaf already have one common goal: the right to access choices.
NAD advocates for 100% of them. Even AVT without ASL. It is a legal right, says ADA, for parents and experts to make the best decision for the child. NAD has the responsibility to defend that right.
A Jewish lawyer from ACLU once defended the rights of Neo-Nazis to march in public. Their rights precedes favoritism for one thing over the other.
It would be a dangerous move to shift from 100% to side with 50%. That’s how I see it.
-Ben
July 10th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I can’t find any diversity in NAD. Board members of NAD are all white deaf people (or majority). That is why, NADC (Asia) and NAB (Black) set up their own. It proved that NAD has a lack of diversity for many many years. Deafhood, DBC puts weigh on NAD to become more anti-diversity.
July 10th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Ugh, looks like I don’t know much about NAD, the history of it, etc., so I am not the right person to leave any comments. But from my understanding, Deafhood is a personal journey for any deaf person… not a group journey. It should be seen as a choice for anyone, not a requirement for a certain group.
But then it is still vague for me to understand… journey to accept diversity in the deaf community OR a personal individualistic journey?
July 10th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
DBC isn’t a “lily white” organization. There are Blacks involved. I know for a fact that one of the leaders of the DBC California is Black.
And, as SW Gringo says, Deafhood has nothing to do with being Black or White or Asian or Hispanic. It has everything to do with being DEAF.
As for the NAD, the NAD was originally founded for the purpose of countering Oralism. Maybe this proposal is aimed at helping the NAD return to its roots.
–DonG.
July 10th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Terry sees that there are no d/Deaf people of different color in DBC and Deafhood seminar teachers.
It is like the XXX taking over an already diverse NAD and trying to impose their philosophy on NAD board members and headquarters staff.
In other words, is NAD really preaching what they practice (diversity) by allowing such a motion as presented by two California delegates who are known to be Deafhood adherents and are Caucasian whites?
Philosophy of any kind has no business in an organization that professes acceptance of diverse views.
July 10th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
DBC was about bilingualism then it stuffed deafhood, anti-CI (by some who used CAD/DBC to advance their views) and now anti-diversity. I’m through with NAD. Shame on you CAD, DBC, NAD!!!
July 10th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Don G.
Tell me who is black or asian or other than white deaf in NAD Board. Who is the real founder / most active activist for DBC?? All white, of course! other races in DBC are just followers and minority.
DBC brings up Deafhood to NAD, it made NAD’s mission more vague and rejecting diversity.
Did you research about Deaf Cults? You are genius, go ahead for it
I noticed that Deaf cults are victims of oral abuses or full of insecurity behind hearing world’s advance. Too much DEAF can cause troubles and obstacles in the future lives, very limited and become one of tribes.
All deaf have that kind of situation??? No! Majority is OK and accepted the hearing facts / world.
Wake up!
Dan
July 10th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I attended a Deafhood seminar given at NTID this past spring. The three “powerhouses” were there and gave what was basically a historical synopsis and how Deaf people were deprived of rights, recognition, and self-determination.
There was some rah-rah stuff about “Deaf can!” and some suggestions on how ASL benefits education and society in general. Some of it was new to me, although much of it was given with citations from literature or from Paddy Ladd’s book.
Essentially, I see no threat from Deafhood and it has some useful information and tips for future work.
The danger is that it could encourage Deaf people to take it too far and become radically anti-Hearing. This happens also with other social movements…they can be useful or used in an extreme interpretation that harms more than it helps.
It can be an interesting viewpoint to expose NAD members to, ALONG WITH other viewpoints to balance it. To make it truly educational, include the empowerment methods used by Afro-American groups, throw in the classic AGBell lines along with their research data, advocacy for womens’ rights, rights of immigrants and rights of the poor.
Each of these has important views that can add focus to NAD activities.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Oh boy! Bobbie Beth Scoggins, when interviewed by Amy Cohen-Efron, she was asked what her goals for NAD were and she explictly emphasized two things: ASL and diversity. She pretty well knows that NAD needs to work on improving diversity as well as strengthening our community power. I have a lot of respect for NAD, they have helped my family when I needed them and they were absolutely great!
Now I feel envious that I was not at the NAD convention! Shucks!!
July 10th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
In studying and dissecting Deafhood, we can also incorporate hearing issues as well, we don’t have to make it rigid if we don’t want to and I’m pretty sure Paddy Ladd who grew up in hearing family would definitely support NAD in making sure that Deafhood does not go to the deep end. It all comes down to us, if we participate in Deafhood, it does not mean that we will exclude hearing people, I’m sure some of people who work at NAD have loved ones that are hearing. Come on….. and NAD will definitely make sure that people of color will feel a sense of belonging. Bobbie Beth Scoggins strikes me as a people leader and a very charmastic one.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
If Deafhood is a personal journey then why is Deafhood Foundation seeking to incorporate their philosophy into movements and organizations? Other confusing message?
July 10th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
For the people of color, do not sit and wait for the position to come to you. If you want to be involved in NAD or DBC, then join the NAD or DBC and roll up your sleeves and get involved in helping the DEAF causes. Don’t waste time whining that there are not any colored people in NAD or DBC. Whining won’t get you to anywhere. You have to make a move by getting involved!!!!!
I am so sick of people whining when they could get off their rear ends and do something. Sitting and whine won’t work! We all are human beings and should not focus on the color and we should focus on the DEAF rights. If you want to whine, you can go to ACLU or NACCP.
I would not want to focus on the color because the Deaf Rights are more important. I think we all identify as DEAF People first. Let NAD fight for you to have captions, etc.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Ziggy,
Maybe they have tried todo something about it but was rejected…
Deaf Colored have been deprieved for so long why can’t they say anything… So if they can’t adovcate for themselves then Deaf should stop advocating period. No one wins then.
The point is leadership has been run by white male for a long time then finally a woman again white but a woman got the leadership role.. It is their turn… They aren’t whining they are tired of the same message.
We already had Deaf Cultures Awareness etc etc what more do we need? Deafhood has gotten out of hands… No I haven’t read the book and I am Deaf a white woman who happened to have two Deaf Asian daughters and a very wise Deaf husband who happened to have a lot of medical issues. So once you get around you kind of keep mind open.. Especially when you travel to another country that are more deprieved than USA.
The white Deaf people (including me) are spoiled… come on let them air it out they have rights too. Because I am looking out for my daughters… And frankly am concern…
July 10th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Interesting point, DR Hocokan.
If Deafhood is a PERSONAL journey, then for what purpose is the Deafhood “Foundation” trying to mandate Deafhood seminars onto other organizations and movements like NAD, DBC, and CAD? I can guess, and I know people are gonna jump all over this one and call me a heretic.
Deafhood is a philosophy being turned into a form of political Deaf radicalism by the few extremists who see it this way.
The Deafhood philosophy itself got hijacked like Islam got hijacked by the fundamentalist terrorists. It is becoming a bad mix of political correctness and questionable tactics.
It’s time that Deafhood is left to the individual person to pursue, and LEAVE IT THERE. As I said before, philosophy of any kind doesn’t have any business in an organization with many members who come from all walks of life.
July 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I would suggest to the people of color to approach NAD representatives and request they set up a meeting to address this issue. It’s important for the people of color to feel free to discuss this openly with the advocacy organization of the deaf.
I realize since I am of white privilege, I may not be so sensitive to racism. In fact, years ago several students of color shared their experiences of racism in the educational system which left me astounded. I had no idea that was still occurring and I felt honored by their willingness to trust and confide in me. It certainly opened my eyes.
I hope this will get resolved to everybody’s satisfaction. I wish you all, people of color and NAD, best of luck. If there is any way I can help, please do let me know. You can reach me at Mishkazena@aol.com
July 10th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Mishka Zena -
You have got to give this thing a break or take a vacation until you have something positive to use for constructive discussion, not negative that would make constructive discussion.
Otherwise, please contact to its source or organization before throw unbelievable “poison pill” to us all.
Repeatedly, I am feeling sort of upset in my stomach by seeing so much presented discussions without even bother to ask or discuss issues with directed source or organization.
You are welcome to discuss if you are actually THERE or dissolve with its directed source or whatever.
Have a good summer vacation. Peace in DR, please! Sigh….
Grace Allison
July 10th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I am just sick of racism. I think it is just a lame excuse. I really don’t believe that racism exists. You have to earn your way by working hard. You can’t just do nothing and whine. If someone wants to be a NAD officer or on the NAD Board, you have to work hard to prove you deserve to be there. Look at Dr. Davila….he does not whine. See where he is now….he proved it by working very hard to get there. If you want to reach the stars, you have to work hard. You won’t reach the stars if you whine. Another example: Bill Cosby is famous because he worked hard by having an education and yet his people think he is not supporting them.
It is dividing the Deaf people….we need to be together as a Deaf group!
July 10th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Grace
Thank you for your feedback. If you aren’t comfortable with this open discussion, perhaps you could take a break and not visit this blog for a while.
This is a sounding board, not an entertainment blog. Other people do have legitimate concerns and it wouldn’t be good to ignore them, nor pretending everything is just dandy fine when it isn’t. Why is it a bitter pill if someone feels racism is an issue? I am really curious.
Apparently someone wanted me to cover this or otherwise that person wouldn’t have left a comment in my blog. I already contacted NAD and they were very receptive. They told me what to put in my blog to reach out to this disenfranchised group. I was more than glad to help NAD listen to one significant group, the people of color, as there is apparently a good number of people of color who feel alienated, not just few. Wouldn’t it be more productive to have a dialogue with them and see if this gets resolved rather than being dismissive of this group?
July 10th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Wow, Ziggy.
How can there be unity if a segment feels ignored by the Deaf Community?
How is discussing this honestly divide the Deaf Community? If some people are hurting, how can they heal and work with us?
How can we move on in a constructive healthy way if the Deaf Community is so fragmented, with many people feeling misunderstood and not accepted? Every D/deaf individual is important and deserved to be heard with respect without any belittlement or ridicule.
I would be interested to hear your answers how we can resolve this.
July 10th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Just as the people who think DBC are going just dandy are frustruated by “crab theory” going on on DR, there are us who are also frustrated by those who refuse to see the truth about what is happening. The DBC convention accomplished nothing, really. They barked, had a rally, gave workshops and guest speakers – but there was no real action. Some people fail to realize that.
I am doing a vlog as to why there was no real action and consequence from that convention other than Deafhood hijacking it and NAD. There is a quite obvious reason why.
Deafchip, if you are personally satisified with just rally, lectures, etc, then you think the convention was successful, then it is your proprogative to do so. DBC could have done more. Something with real action with real consequence or accomplishment. Can you name one, Deafchip?There is reason why it didn’t happen. Yes, true, DBC is just in its infancy, however, if left to the Deafhood leaders, it will not be going anywhere beyond what we had seen at covention this summer.
July 10th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Ziggy,
I’ve been thinking about this. Supposed some hearing people don’t believe audism does exist. They don’t see it nor do they experience that. How would you respond to that?
July 10th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Mishka,
Would it be wrong of me to simply just ignore all this until tomorrow?
Everything seems like a hurricane, a lot of strong feelings everywhere, just a tad bit overwhelming.
Oh boy…
-Ben
July 10th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Hi CY
I read all the way down to almost last one and I noticed my name.
Your question is what is accomplishment? Yes it is. During the convention, we learned new information from presentations and workshop. Now we are expanding new chapters in the USA and even in Canada. That is accomplishment. We will have to spend our time to plan. We now understood how to deal with Infant Hearing Test department in all states. We just learned alot from Bobbie Scoggins, President of NAD. We (not me due to Canadian but we will do that in Canada anyway) will get involved in every state (IHP or similar to that name) to meet with each IHP state representative. I cannot remember real name of position but just give you an idea. Before that, we did not know and now we know. THAT is accomplishment. Hope this helps.
Deafchip
July 10th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Back to about Deafhood, I am reposting my comment here from the previous blog to explain what I think how the concept of Deafhood should be presented.
From Mishka Zena’s blog “DBC: Bilingualism, Audism, and Deafhood” post # 147
I am wondering if NAD Board and staff workers could have just asked for Deafhood workshop for their professional development, simple as this.
I would be glad to attend given in this approach. It does not have to go through delegates’ votes? Or correct me.
I am not dismissing the concept at all, it is just that term Deafhood is unconventional. For example, for school curriculum, it is really still called “Deaf Studies”. Deafhood would be one expansion in that whole picture in regard of o-n-e social theoretical framework. If for an entire semester or a course, it makes more sense to call it a seminar: Deafhood.
For workshop in general, it comes from an open one on weekends or evenings to more specifically designed to cater different needs within of different setting and time like what I mean for NAD Board and staff workers.
The point, many of us do not see it as something like a huge congregation in our town. I have been slowly defining my standpoint, I am asking please respect my and (many of us) our same view.
July 10th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Ben, nope
You’ve had your hands full. Take it easy, Ben
Deaf Chipmunk, I am glad you felt it was very productive. Many Deaf participants shared the same sentiments.
Anne Marie, that’ an interesting suggestion.
Personally I feel it’s important for them to get equal time in learning about all different subgroups of D/deaf people, not just one subset.
July 10th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
First of all, I didn’t have enough opportunities to learn some more about Deafhood. I picked up a bit by bit through here, DeafRead.com. You see I feel dumber and dumber everytime as I read and learn more and more everyday. Thanks to vloggings. I can say that I feel connected to some of Deafhood vloggins from the past experiences that inspired me. I think an inspiration in a life is great, only if it doesn’t harm or hurt anyone.
I guarantee that everybody is so different from each other, experiencing every moment so different in their lifetimes. Yet, ASL, AGB, CI, Oral, diverse backgrounds, educational, values, many other d/Deaf related stuffs hold us together or repellent (yet together). What is it? Culture? ASL? Us vs. them? It seems that everyone wants a right to pursue a happiness (or take it for granted, AM I JUDGING?) and I don’t know! My point is, “Why not if go after an inspiration?”
I suspect Deafhood may be an inspiration to many of us. It makes me want to learn more! So be it!
July 11th, 2008 at 1:33 am
I thank Mishka for putting a spotight on this serious issue. It is a very mistaken assumption that people of color have been doing nothing to change the situation, yet at the same we have our limits. You can keep telling yourself that racism does not exist just like audism does not exist if you want, it doesn’t change the reality any.
Let’s be real here. If you’re anti-gun, I dare you to go to the NRA and convince the delegates to support gun control, over and over and over. Show slideshows, show statistics, do a dance, whatever. At some point, you will reach your limit and realize that the current leadership is not gonna heed you. Let me repeat, you will reach your limit with the organization as it is at the present time. Same principle here.
I posted this earlier today, and I’d like to repost here. This was in response to someone suggesting that deaf people of color “educate” NAD about racism, as they may not know specifics. My response:
They *know*.
They knew when Glenn was eliminated and refused NBDA’s invitation to join them for a press release demanding the process to be redone, only to reverse themselves after Dr. Fernandes’ name was announced.
They knew when two of their board members of color strongly suggested that the organization adopt a zero tolerance clause, and they said no.
They knew when the president of an national organization of a ethnic deaf group sent them a letter just before the convention repeating the above-mentioned points and heard nothing in response to the letter.
They knew when their own conference today does not have any workshops on racism despite several deaf leaders of color having already warning them know not all is well in the deaf world with race. I *know* because I gave a co-presentation at the NBDA conference last year and stressed about this fact while the NAD President, Dr. Scroggins, was in the audience, so if they didn’t know before, they they most certainly know now.
They *know*. They may act like they don’t, but they know. Maybe it goes through one eye and out the other. Whatever, but we are not gonna play their game, this merry-go-round game of “tell me more, tell me some specifics”. What more specifics do they need that what I’ve listed above? They are not kids to be spoon-fed. They have the Internet. They have professors in their network. They have bookstores in their neighborhoods to go to. They have the money to go to conferences like http://www.nameorg.org and http://www.ncore.ou.edu.
They *know* and they still are not taking our advice, so we’re done “talking and advising” NAD. It’s up to them to do the *acting*.
Racism is an equally significant influence on the Deaf community as audism, absolutely it is, whatever ills befall on deaf people of color as a group will always find ways to spread the ills into the white Deaf community, and vice versa. We may not always see the connections, but it’s there neverless. I believe interconnectedness is one of the universal laws.
July 11th, 2008 at 1:50 am
Thanks for bringing awareness by posting this Mishka.
Its unfortunate that the NAD didn’t mention that there was a committee established two years ago, the Diversity Strategic Team, made up on individuals who are Deaf of color. This team worked hard to make recommendations to NAD which included that trainings were needed, and in order to recruit new members of color, the NAD needed to show they were serious abt wanting “all” to join. Many don’t because racism exists in our community and evident at NAD conferences in the past. To show this, the Diversity Strategic Team recommended NAD adopt “zero tolerance” in the Diversity statement you posted. The NAD opted not to do this, no clear reasons were given, only that they want to keep it “positive”. There is nothing positive abt racism. Any attempt to flower and make pretty a statement for the sake of “the people” did not fool the very people the NAD is trying to recruit. Racism is the core underlying current of all the problems we are seeing. And under the racism umbrella are all the other –isms we talk about. Bottom line, when people saw that the “zero tolerance” was not accepted, it set off another uproar. Unfortunately, the distrust remains. Many of us are members of the NAD in spirit for supporting this organizations purpose. But somehow its purpose becomes dilluted when simple actions based on recommendations from the pulse of the community was shoved down the drain.
Someone needs to remind Bobbie Beth of her own quote in my article on Deafdc.com last year. Deaf leaders have zero tolerance for racism. In her own quote she stated, the NAD has zero tolerance for racsim. Why then was this pledge not evident in the NAD’s own statement on Diversity?
Thanks.
July 11th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Sheri,
I totally agree and remember the “new committee” or something two years ago right after the protest at Gally. I haven’t seen anything done but two years ago was too late which NAD knew about all the issues way back in the 30s… Even within our own community.
Ziggy sounds like a lot of angers coming out of you. I used to be that way until I went to China… Oppressions very real it is getting worst over there because of the olympic… no rights at all and millions of people are dying for their beliefs or supporting a cause. That was a wake up call for me.
I am truly ashamed of our country because just recently today in the news Columbus Ohio in a very poor Af-Am were denied of water… they sued the city and won… 2008 not in the 30′s so RACISM is alive and real just as audism and any ohter ISM.
Ann M. had a point.. Deaf Studies can put in their class as a portion of study but it does not have to be crammed down to every Deaf and Hard of Hearing person throat. I don’t want my daughters to be expose to just DEEAFHOOD… They are more just being Deaf…
July 11th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Mmm? I watched movies Lord of the Rings struggle between the FORCES of good and evil? novel by J.R.R. Tolkien likely this ones? my favor quote that lead ( “I will take the ring,” said Frodo, “though I do not know the way) see that happened today?
July 11th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Racism is wrong.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:02 am
This is all about money. They (Eberwein, Gertz, Lentz, et. al) get paid to do the presentations.
I can assure you that the costs are not ‘minimal.’ NAD would have to pay their fees, hotel and airfare arrangements.
Singleton and Reynolds are CAD members and it is imperative to follow the money trail.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Just look at this website…
they have 40 trainers? LOL I only see 3.
http://www.deafhood.us/
July 11th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
E,
Yes. I agreed with you. It’s all about MONEY!
Dan
July 11th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I am laughing so hard!!!! I could not believe that someone think I have so much anger in me!!!! I am laughing too hard!!!!!! Obviously that person does not know who I am. That person is clueless!!!!!
I am not going to add more comments because I am not going to feed the fire with the fire.
July 12th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
“The vision of the National Association of the Deaf is that the language, culture, and heritage of deaf Americans will be acknowledged and respected in pursuit of life, liberty, and equality”.
“The mission of the National Association of the Deaf is to preserve, protect and promote the civil, human and linguistic rights of all deaf Americans.”
Ziggy Says:
July 10th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I am just sick of racism. I think it is just a lame excuse. I really don’t believe that racism exists.
Ziggy, some of us are people who have played by the rules, got the right education at Gallaudet and then some prestigious graduate school, we joined the right fraternity or sorority and hung out with mostly white friends in college and at work. We never confused our identities. We are black, or Hispanic, or Asian, or Native American or White and we are deaf or DEAF and some of us have CI etc. We use ASL or the ASL that we know how to use. Sorry if our cultural heritage is different because it is probably the reason our ASL might not meet yours or others standards but you know, just as there is Ebonics, there is a black way we use this beautiful visual language or signs. Yes, some of us have been lucky to get an education and laugh when even our white friends tease us about “not being like them” because we are “smart and act white”. Been there dear Ziggy and know what? Not many of us want to wait 70 plus years before we can get to where Dr. Davila is as you put it. Why should it take a person of color that long to be considered equal when we are born without any prejudice and born equal? Racism is taught, it is not something anybody is born with. Sexism is taught, homophobia is taught – in fact, all isms are taught – they are not natural phenomenon. Playing and following the rules didnt get many people of color anywhere. Some were unfortunate to be members of the wrong fraternity or sorority, others were “too black” or “too Asian” or “too Hispanic” and “not white enough”. Rules are not designed or enforced by us deaf people of color but we are expected to play by them. Look at CSD-F? They recently filled two important leadership positions right? Among the 4 candidates were two qualified people of color right? Did even ONE of them get it? NO – how come? Not good enough. Right. How do we know that? Well the rules say so. Whose rules? Hmmmmmm.
Racism doesnt exist? Wow! Wonder if you believe anti-semitism and homophobia do not exist too? I do believe you will not disagree with me when I say the Holocaust actually happened as did slavery and the systemmatic murder of First Nation people.
Now kindly look at the NAD Vision and Mission statements. Dont you think perhaps the NAD should change these and remove the culture and heritage line? Perhaps it can be more specific and let us know it is set up as a counterfoil for the oralist objectives of the AGB and therefore its objective is preservation of ASL? That perhaps would be less confusing dont you think?
July 14th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Lindsay,
You think you can be a President without going through the ladders. That is what people think they do not have to start with the entry level. They think they have a right to be the President without any experiences. Start at the bottom and prove that you can do it. You can’t start at the top or you will fall.
Some people get lucky by networking to hook up with the right people to move up the ladder just like you did.
Well, there are many people who think the job should be handed to them without the hard work.