http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061013/ap_on_re_us/gallaudet_protest;_ylt=AiHvhtsM0JRD81offObR771vzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--

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I guess I will never understand the deaf mindset. One has to use only sign language, violently reject cochlear implants, and shun the hearing society in order to be deaf. I just don't get why they choose to live away from the rest of society. I'm sure most everyone would be willing to meet them halfway, but I guess thats not good enough. There seems to be a highly reinforced notion of victimhood and oppression within the deaf community. Guess what folks, ADA was passed over a decade ago. If you have beef, you have all the tools you need to have it rectified. *sigh*

They are protesting because the new president isn't deaf enough?

What the hell? That makes no sense to me. Then again, I'm not deaf. I don't really know what that's like.

"deaf enough"
what a joke

it is easy to see why god cursed them with their affliction

Haha.

You are one weird cat.

From my experiance with the deaf community, many feel that they have a much better understanding within their own community (as a deaf person) than out. It's hard to know what it's like to be deaf, unless you atually are, and even harder to have a group of people who you can truely communicate with freely and easily. That is sacred. I could understand where some might feel that their new president might not represent them.
I'm not sure I agree with their reaction, even though I understand it, but then again, I'm not deaf.

Well, I think that's the case with pretty much any subculture, and you can't have a university president who is deaf, mute, blind, amputated, anorexic, homosexual, transexual, islamic, buddhist, native american, polynesian, canadian, AND overweight.

For the most part, I agree. However because these are human beings that have special needs, their interests are in some cases, a little more pertinant than in a typical subculture like you're talking about. You learn a lot about how important communication is with people in the every day world, when you find that most people cannot communicate easily with you.

Do Presidents usually have significant interaction with the student body? I have yet to see even a photo of my school's president, yet alone the president himself. I think its a him. Is this a publicly funded institution? The article said the school was founded by Congress, but its unclear as to whether it continues to recieve funding.

Well, some of those subcultures do have special needs that are just as important as the deaf's. And it is definitaly possible for deaf people to have their needs met by a president who doesn't pander specifically towards them... I have never heard my university president mention the needs of deaf students, yet I've had deaf students in my classes who have people hired by the university to sign during class. I don't think these particular students have a right to be concerned over the new university president unless he has a reputation for specifically ignoring basic needs of deaf students. I don't think they have to have someone who's specifically been involved with helping the deaf.

Probably depends on the university... My university president here has made himself a fairly prominent public figure, such that people even outside the university know how ambitious he is.

And I've seen the guy once walking on campus.

i have trouble with this sort of separatist attitude.

"not deaf enough" seems like an insult to the incoming president, because she does have a hearing loss, and surely has had to work extra hard to keep up with the hearing population.

but i guess her attempts to integrate is what is making her undesirable to the "really deaf" students.

i don't get it really. people with disabilities have a load to shoulder in life, and it does no good to get angry at other disabled people who may have different coping strategies, or who may have a lesser degree of disabilty. a lot more would get accomplished if they worked together.

See, this is what I don't understand about the 'deaf culture' mindset that abhorrs hearing aids or surgery that will make those easier communications possible. I mean, seriously, WTF? Is it a weird jealously thing? Do they want us all to be required to learn ASL? I'm so very very confused.

Your sensitivity continues to amaze me.

What?

You know what? If asking a question because I'm trying to understand where someone else is coming from makes me insensitive to you, then fuck it. I would assume the opposite, however. I think the stick up your ass regarding this particular subject makes you far FAR too sensitive to answer any questions honestly, anyway.

So THERE.

Yeah, they should just do whatever to make them "normal", yeah? So you dont have to feel uncomfortable any more when they call you on the phone and get you all hissy

It's not that I'm too sensative, it's that you seem to have a lack of empathy for these fellow human beings.

I don't at all. I asked a very sincere question. If it's so hard for them to try and communicate in the 'hearing' world, why do they want to deny those who have options from excercising them?! It doesn't make sense to me. Fuck YES, they should do what they can to fit in - we're not talking about fancy cars, or having the right kind of sneaker. Like you said, we're talking about basic human interraction. That is very important.
Parapalegics don't shun other parapalegics for using wheel chairs, or modifying cars so that they can be driven. Why do deaf people get pissed off at other deaf people who have their hearing restored by medical advancement???

I think that's a legitimate question, and a damn good thing to be confused about.

ok, now you're just grandstanding.

I dont know where you are getting that impression. The issue here is that the students dont feel this person advocates their needs. They arnt saying anything like she did something wrong. Where does it say anything about these students wanting to deny others of making choices for their handicap? The issue is representation, not medical procedures.