why?

Perhaps I'm just not "deaf enough". Whatever that means. Whenever I'm in a group of deaf people, sooner or later, the conversation tends to veer towards real and perceived injustices that they've experienced at the hands of the hearing community.

I am quite sure that some of these incidents have actually happened. I have experienced being shunned, ignored, or mocked by ignorant, mean people. What I simply cannot wrap my mind around is when deaf people dismiss these incidents as "that's hearing people".

Many hearing people are complete asses, true. But, so are many deaf people. And, there are many hearing people who have enhanced the deaf community. Yet, no distinction is ever made between those hearing people who are worthy of being praised and those who are pond scum.

I grew up the only deaf person in my family. I was the only deaf person in my classes, or on my baseball and soccer teams. Sure, I've met many hearing people who couldn't understand me or didn't want to take a couple extra minutes to try. I don't like those people and I will not go out of my way to help them. But, I just can't say "those hearing people" because my family is hearing, and they have never treated me like anything less than an equal. My stepchildren are hearing, my grandson is hearing. I know so many other hearing people from work, play, school, who couldn't give a damn if my ears don't quite work. How can I say something like "those damn hearing people at the store were rude?", then look at my family and friends in the face?

Deaf people, please, use some sense. If someone at a store is rude to you, you certainly are going to tell your friends about it. But, what's wrong with simply saying "that asshole cashier at Wegman's?" Why does it have to be quantified by "that hearing asshole cashier at Wegman's?" I guarantee you that, if the cashier was deaf, there'd be no "that deaf asshole cashier at Wegman's".

If you don't like hearing people, that's certainly your right. But, do you really think they care one way or the other? No hearing person is sitting at home right now moaning "why don't deaf people like me?" Please, stop wasting your time on those hearing assholes who simply don't want to get it. There are many hearing people who don't care that you're deaf, and aren't using it against you. Seek them out. You'll be the better for it.

Deafness

A bit of personal background info: I have a cochlear implant, done in the mid-80s. This consists of a surgically-implanted electrode strip inside the cochlea, which bypasses the dead auditory nerve and allows the user to hear again. Sound enters a microphone worn externally, is transmitted via magnet to another magnet embedded underneath the skin, then to the cochlea and the brain. It is not the same as natural hearing, but with practice and time, the CI user will learn to interpret the sounds much as a "normal" person would.

At first, this device was not well-received by the Deaf population (note the capital "D", a symbol of self-importance). Reasons for dislike ranged from having to wear a walkman-sized box on your belt and having wires down your shirt (understandable--I didn't like it either) to "This is just a conspiracy by hearing people to eradicate Deaf culture!" (ah... OK. Some more aluminum foil on that hat?) The questions I got from complete strangers ranged from "How much is that thing?" (none of your business, asswipe) to "Can you shower with it on?" (no, I take it off before showering. Do YOU shower with your hearing aid on, wanker?) Some people also thought that my use of a CI made me some kind of expert on its appropriateness (or inappropriateness) for deaf children. I'm a firm believer that how YOU raise your children is none of MY business, so don't ask me.

Technology has reduced the previous bulky box and wires to a slim aid and magnet that fits behind your ear. In the past several years, the deaf population has seen an increase in the number of people willing to undergo surgery to acquire a CI. Even people in their 60s and beyond, who practically grew up deaf, are getting this done. It appears to be the "in" thing now, akin to getting a tongue stud or a Porsche. Even my wife has one, and I'm happy to say she's doing better with it than I am.

When I first went to college, I might have been the first student at that school with a CI (if someone can prove me wrong, please do, but I know for a fact that I was the first CI user my audiologist worked with). I attended a get-together yesterday for those with CIs and those who are interested in getting one. Nice people for the most part. But... geez. These are the same people who didn't care that I had one 20 years ago. I'm not really sure why I should care that they have one now.

I would safely bet that most of the people I saw yesterday, if they had been asked back then, "would you consider having a CI?", would have responded with a resounding "hell no!" Those young (and old) whippersnappers have it easier these days. They don't have to put up with stupid questions such as "where's the helmet you're supposed to wear to prevent bumps to the head?" (probably in your dorm room, dumbass) or "how do you feel about promoting the destruction of Deaf culture by having that?" (um, like I care?)