5/02/2008
Colonized - African Americans and Deaf People
It is not hard to relate to the history of Black people. The whole process for them was the exact same process we, Deaf people have been experiencing. Unfortunately, we are still in the process.
Here is a powerful statement of one of my all time favorite theorists, Fanon.
"I have no wish to be the victim of the Fraud of a black world.
My life should not be devoted to drawing up the balance sheet of Negro values.
There is no white world, there is no white ethic, any more than there is a white intelligence.
There are in every part of the world men who search...” (Fanon in Black Skin, White Masks, 1952)
One conclusion is that behind the attitude behind the colonies is fear, fear what would happen if the colonized try to go against the system. Black people actually went against the system and they prevailed.
It is not hard to relate to this statement. Don't you think?
Read on...
"I have no wish to be the victim of the Fraud of a deaf world.
My life should not be devoted to drawing up the balance sheet of Deaf-mute values.
There is no Hearing world, there is no Hearing ethic, any more than there is a Hearing intelligence.
There are in every part of the world men who search...” Paraphrased of -(Fanon in Black Skin, White Masks, 1952)
Sometimes I wish it is our skin that prides us Deaf, not what is inside our ears. How about Purple? :)
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- Ali Tyler
- "There are few things in the world as dangerous as sleepwalkers." - Ralph Ellison, Photography, University of Nevada in Reno, pinetrees, dogs (Bear, Scout, Max, Taffy), sunsets, a walk in the snow during full moon, smell of roads when it rains...
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8 comments:
Franz Fanon has been one of my greatest influences ever since discovering his work back in the 60's. Right off, I could identify with what he wrote about in the plight of black Americans. Its quite interesting that it has taken so long for "colonialization" to become a buzz word in the Deaf World.
And...I always enjoy ur blog posts. Keep em coming, please.
Hey - that German Shepherd in your foto albums looks exactly like the one that lived with me - it's an incredible likeness!
Cheers!
EasyRider
EasyRider, first of all, thanks for mentioning his full name. :) Sure am glad you enjoy my blog.
I would love to see a picture of the German Shepherd that lived with you. This one is one of the best thing I've ever experienced, her name is Bear.
Thanks for posting your great comment.
:)
Ali
"Let no man pull you low enough to hate him."
Martin Luther King Jr.
US black civil rights leader & clergyman (1929 - 1968)
Great to see this similar topic that I had raised in my previous vlog.
Interesting to see how Deaf people have delayed response on catching up with the concept of colonization. It is hard because we are talking about their hearing families who often have lack of understanding about the issues whereas for the Blacks, they already have the support from their families.
Anonymous,
Good quote :)
Martin Luther King Jr. was a very good leader because he believed in diplomacy but that changed little before he died. He changed because nothing was improving. The Civil Rights Act of 64’ and 65’ didn’t change anything. So Martin Luther King Jr. became more powerful and related much more to the Black Panthers, Malcolm X.
Barb,
True... Black people had support from their families.
I am the only Deaf person in my family but my mother is an interpreter and works at GIS (Gallaudet Interpreting Services). She learned sign language right after she learned I was Deaf. I am very lucky and this is the reason why I relate to Black people. I also believe that we can make a very important change, having Doctors present both - Deaf Education and CI to hearing parents. As soon as we, Deaf people are regarded culturally in the laws, we will be much similar the Black community. Right?
-Ali
Ali, parents who quickly immerse in an ASL environment and have greater understanding how the Deaf is perceived as a social-cultural minority group are more likely to give support. It seems that your mother is very involved and I wish that there are many who are like that. One of the DBC core team members is a hearing mother who was actively involved in pushing for bilingual approach in ISD back in the 80s.
The key is for DBC to further educate the hearing community and provide resources available for the parents. I would like to see doctors make a referral to an appropriate person to discuss ASL and Deaf Culture/Community.
Barb, I agree with you completely. I do not want to take my mother for granted because too little of that exists. I really want more lucky Deaf children out there.
Hopefully the resources are going to exist in hospitals as soon as possible. I am willing to help in any way possible.
Thanks Barb,
Ali-
I *love* this post. I am one of those that does not believe in a hearing or deaf world. It is one world, one place that we have the privilege of living our one life in.
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