Deaf Perspective

I doubt there is a bigger malicious stereotype then this one for the deaf community. Any person who has dealings with the deaf knows how untrue this stereotype is. I know deaf who work as Engineers in the defense and aerospace industry, others who are Computer Network Technicians, bankers, businessmen, postal workers, actors, and pastors. I wonder who the real dumb one is then - the stereotype user.

Who or what is responsible for this saying? One of the places where you will find this label being applied to the deaf is in the Bible. Gasp!!!! Let's not be quick to judge, this phrase does not mean the same today as what it did back in 1611, when the Bible was translated into the perfect form we call the King James Bible. The true meaning of this phrase is "deaf and mute" and not that "deaf are dumb." But unfortunately for the deaf, our definition of this phrase has changed into a negative connotation about intelligence. So the blame lies within our culture itself.

Despite this negative connotation, it is amazing to see and hear the many success stories of deaf overcoming adversity and making huge strides in breaking down the barriers of discrimination and inequality. By making these strides, they show how untrue this stereotype, as with all stereotypes, is. As an interpreter, it is one of our ethical responsibilities to defend the deaf community's sense of self worth and pride to society at large by defining to the dumb (- its modern meaning) the correct definition of "deaf and dumb."

To whom this may cncern:

My personal story:

I'm an hearing adult, I live in San Diego, CA. My mother and father, deaf raise four hearing children... I recently quit my job.... I worked for a Screen Printing Company on University, I was hired as an office assistant. Until this event I was praised for my great talents that I brought to this company. Three months ago, my boss ask me to do his corporate taxes. My response to him, #1, I've never attempted a task like this, however if u want to assist me in completing this I'll work with you. I stated most companies hire someone with complete knowledge of corporate taxes to complete such a task. His face became soooo red and he look at me and stated hatefully, "working with you il like the blind leading the blind in a deaf and dumb world". Those words that spilled from his horrible self shot into my soul with the worst hurts. I said to him, sir, my parents are deaf however they are not dumb. What you just stated to me shows me how stupid you are, I refuse to work a second longer with someone like you. He said in a soft voice "it was just an expression". He did not say sorry or anything else. Everytime I think about this, it burns deeply inside of me.

My question: how is a person to handle a situation like this and be able to forgive?

Regards
Connie fm San Diego, CA (12/12/2000)