Folks, I need to recant some words I said on my previous post regarding the Bay Area Gala...After viewing the clips that Joey Baer posted on his blog, I was thrilled to see some people that many would view as "oralists" or non-native signers appear in front of the camera to give their comments about the gala. There WERE diverse people there.
I still feel the gala was unnecessarily expensive and inaccessible to many because of the costs...but I changed my mind about the gala being limited to professional people because there is evidence on Joey Baer's clips that there were diverse people and I am thrilled about that.
I still feel the gala could have invited more guests of honor, but so far the explanation is that these four are recognized and appointed leaders by FSSA. That seems like acceptable and appropriate decision to invite just these four. I think I ought back down on this one....
Based on the comments made by the non-native signers that were selected to be on Joey's clips, they all were so inspired and thrilled to be part of the celebration and that is enough for me. They were there and part of it all.
I only wish Joey had posted the clips of the gala before Chris Leon posted his comments about the gala that led, as of now, to 209 comments. The clips would answer many of questions the posters asked on Chris' Bay Area thread. If Chris had seen the clips, he, like me, probably would not have even brought up the issue at all. All in the timing, I guess. We jumped the gun.
As always, Joey, excellent job.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
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6 comments:
Thank you. However, as for your wish that Joey had posted before Leon's blog. Well--- I wish Leon had waited before posting his very hurtful blog. Damage's been done. All he has accomplished is scaring any future Deaf leaders and other communities from hosting their own galas. With the Deaf against Deaf thing, who needs enemies?
Thank you for honest assessment. We already learned some things that can be improved for next time.
Happy New Year!!
Joey
I need to mention here that I checked the time and date of Chris Leon's posting. It was around noon on December 22. The Gala was several hours later that very day. I was frankly disappointed at the lack of accountability of that post. I think he made a poor judgement with that posting. However, I am impressed with how you are willing to recant your criticism. That is the spirit we all should have. We should speak out or act upon any wrongdoings to Deaf people, preferably after careful consideration or research, and if we realize we make mistakes, we should apologize or at least admit we learned from that. Thanks.
I also wish for continued "challenging" from the community..thats how we will grow together...but there are destructive or constructive ways to do that... I prefer the latter. And it takes constant careful consideration of our approach in both English and ASL. Many of the bloggers and vloggers have done that and I appreciate that. Some of the others I would like to see more consideration....to show if you are truly for positive growth for community towards Deaf unity.
Thanks! I was with you and had been the same stuff you said on Chris' blog....but having viewed the gala video on Joey's blog, I have to agree with you. I feel a little small here! I agree we jumped to conclusions and should not have jumped on Chris' wagon without knowing facts. We have a nasty habit of doing that!
Ella is right - there is constructive way of handling negativity, or "challenges" as Ellia likes to call it...I call that constructive negativism. Bringing up unpopular and negative issues can be constructive in way people are made to realize, to learn and to grow from it.
Ella, you are a neat lady!
WOW. Chris' Bay Area thread is STILL going strong at 223 comments!
Thanks, Joey and Ella, for reading and commenting. You both are great leaders and people of the community. I know Joey, but I wish I have the opportunity to meet Ella. Perhaps one day??
Like Tulip said, I feel sort of small after viewing the clips. That's what I get for jumping the gun. I'd not pay that much to attend but hey, this is America. You spend your money any way you please. My only real beef was whether the gala was elitist, accessible to just professional people with money as well as certain groups of people. Joey's clips disproved that.
Tulip,
Yes, I've used "constructive negativism" term myself in the past and this does apply in here. I believe I used this term in my older posts on my blog. I think it is a good word. We DO learn from it. Ella also used a good word with similar meaning, "challenges."
HNY, folks!
I am eating out with a group of friends at a fancy steakhouse. THIS I am quite willing to pay $50 for! Just kidding. That tab would be for both my husband and me.
Thank you, Cy. I truly appreciate your apology. The insistent harping on elitism, when it doesn't exist (except perhaps in the choice of location) was hurtful and unnecessary. It takes a mature person to be able to recognize mistakes and publicly apologize.
Thanks again. (smile)
Happy New Year, and here's to a more inclusive, open, respectful 2007 for all of us!
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