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.