In the analysis of the difference between deafness and Deafness, I chose to contrast the poster below with the Deaf Pride poster that I analyzed in my speech.
Photo by: Elizabeth Rosenzweig
This poster was created by Elizabeth Rosenzweig on AuditoryVerbalTherapy.net in order to “raise awareness of the importance of cochlear implants.” This poster argues that deaf individuals should not accept their deafness, but work hard to make changes in themselves so that they can adapt to hearing society. This is the hearing mentality–deaf individuals must be assimilated into hearing culture rather than taking part in their own Deaf culture. This poster advocates for cochlear implants as a way for deaf individuals to gain access to the hearing world, but the fact is that a deaf person will never be able to hear easily–even a cochlear implant will require a significant amount of work in order to access the auditory sense through this electronic method of hearing. While this poster does appeal to the emotions of the uninformed, general hearing public, its logic is fundamentally flawed–yes, cochlear implants can be beneficial for some deaf individuals, but for the vast majority, that is simply not the case. The Cochlear Implant poster broadcasts a deaf perspective that is incorporated into the greater hearing society, and advocates a view that paints deafness as a problem, something that needs to be fixed, while the Deaf Pride poster asserts that deafness is not a problem, but a unique identity that allows for Deaf individuals to take part in a community of people who have all embraced their deafness and are proud of their culture. Upon examination of the Deaf Pride poster that I analyzed in my speech, one can begin to step into the Deaf culture and understand what sets Deafness apart from deafness–an ideology that is primarily rooted in the fundamental premise that deafness is not to be looked down upon, but lifted up as access into a community of like-minded individuals coming from similar upbringings that can understand the culture and worldview of the other members of this group.
Over and Out!
-Courtney