Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Why Are Deaf Organizations Crumbling?
One word: Egoism. A spinoff to Teri Sentelle's vlog on giving credit due.
An update: Teri's vlog was about Gary Brooks not giving credit due - here is an update vlog of Gary Brooks' acknowledgement of Teri's vlog. Basically, he acknowledged his oversight to include others, especially Teri, on his film credits. Wave hands for Gary!
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26 comments:
They crumble because they are not inclusive of all aspects of hearing loss and they purposedly exclude those who represent mitigatory class such as the CI or the oralists from participation.
Theres nothing being done to increase the deaf population these days so thats another thing thats causing the deaf clubs to shrink and crumble.
Richard
Davy,
Sorry your comment didnt publish. Sometimes comments don't get published. If I pull back, my signing gets a little blurry so I tend to stay close and try to keep my signs within the frame....
Richard,
There ARE state agencies that serve people you mentioned...I am talking more about grassroot organizations. State agencies do not discriminate, in case you aren't aware...
I, too, feel the same as you. I did get involved with deaf related activities and politics but I never got any notice of appreication for my efforts and was treated as if my time was "expected." I lost interest. It seems only well known and popular members of the deaf community get all the credit, not us regular folks. So I stopped going and getting involved. I just focus on my own life and my own family.
It is sad. Egoisms need to take a backseat and bring back the authentic deaf community leaders.
Ditto, Jenny.
I get weary of egoism. I watched Teri's vlog and agreed with her, although her vlog was too long but I got the idea of what she was saying without watching the whole thing.
Gary Brooks practiced egoism when he only put his own name with no credit to others. This is an epidemic in the deaf communities - all ME, ME, ME. No wonder we are unable to unite and be proactive. We all want recognition for ourselves and trample on others.
I am happy that Gary Brooks put aside his pride and egoism and apologized and gave acknowledgements and credits. They were long overdue. We all can learn from this.
Deafies have to stop being in awe of the well known personalities of the deaf community. It is like judging by its cover. Look beyond the cover and find if they are true leaders and will serve the community and are not self-serving.
I went to Gallaudet and saw these kinds of things happening all the time. It made me so sick. It made me wonder if Deafies are so stupid? Prove me wrong.
I'm with Richard 'Deaf' groups were always exclusive not inclusive, and now because the ones left are under pressure, they are using sign language and their heritage to justify some of the exclusion.
It's now under pressure from access laws it campaigned to create,and human rights laws, that frown on exclusivitity of groups. Recognition is fair enough, but only if that recognition itself is inclusive of all. Most groups (All)< here in the UK carry a 'deaf and HoH' remit, the law tends to insist you don't campaign in ISolation and have to include, and rows continue that HoH groups and 'Deaf' groups ignore this ruling, and channel funds into their own areas instead.
A prime issue is with the internet and modern technology not available 15 years ago, groupings of deaf people are falling, there is no need to travel to meet other deaf people or converse with them.
Thus the interaction isn't as it was. I think the day of the 'select few' who ran the deaf community is over, there is no need to rely on the 'one-eyed', or 'one-eared' more outgoing deaf person to carry things through any more.
MM
Hi Cy,
I'm glad you made this spin-off from Teri's blog/vlog.
Anyway, I'm not sure why this happens. I used to work for an organization for five years, I sacrificed a lot of my time and poured a lot of energy into this organization. A lot of them would sit back and not do much. I felt frustrated. At the end, to my surprise, no one even thanked me or recognized me for my hard work when I left. So when Teri brought it up, it touched a raw nerve in me.
One thing I notice over and over is that when an organization is formed, there is good teamwork but then it just slips away, one or two people end up working very hard to hold the seams in. These hard working people eventually get burned out. Then the organization either falls apart or is at standstill. I'm not sure why it happens. Is it because we lack teamwork or what? Is it because we grew up in oppressed environment that when we are faced with a lot of conflicts which happens in an organization, we simply withdraw or don't know how to handle them.
I'm not sure. But its definitely time for us to be more grateful and think of others and take the time to thank others when needed. Its sorely needed and people will feel good about being in an organization.
People (Deaf), join or form these groups but seem to view them as extentions of the socialsing aspect, that's the first mistake ! The realism if you want to form a campaigning group and get things moving is you haven't time to drink tea...(Or Coffee).
You need people around you who are focused on the aim and not those who think it is a 'good idea' at the time, then start out having days, weeks off for other things almost immediately. DON'T Have friends with you, it gets hairy and campaigning puts you in positions that test you and that friendship. If you have to tell your friends to sort themselves out it isn't a hobby, then it's dodgy...
The first few months everything is fine, then you need extra time for meetings consultations travel to make your point, raising funding, and it aint 'fun' anymore ! the shine has gone off it...
Then think "I'd rather be having a drink or socializing instead, then only the real campaigner is left to struggle on their own, they can't get far, because the numbers have gone, so are viewed useless and don't get thanks either.
Campaigning is a serious business, a vocation, it's not for amateurs.
MM
Michelle,
Yes, I agree with you. The novelty wears off and people lose interest, leaving the majority of activism to others. Wonder why the loss of interest? Lack of recognition and appreciation? Because officers act as if their activism are expected and they are taken for granted?
Or compared with hearing organizations, there are much more people to come in and replace or fill empty spots and the organizations keeps on...with deaf organizations, that does not happen - due to small numbers, they are expected to keep up indefinitely. They get burned out and leave. There would be nobody to come and replace them.
Anonymous,
I think you are thinking more of the general national or state political campaigns while I am thinking more along the lines of local deaf organizations in local towns or cities.
I think campaigners are born not made frankly ! not everyone can do it. The exception is personal trauma or something similar that triggers it. So many deaf groups falter after a short time, because they don't realize what is involved, unfortunately this also squanders lots of valuable funding they claim that gets frittered away and could have done some good.
The deaf here have near 60 different groups most, doing identical things, most getting nowhere, and membership well under double figures, it's appalling wastage.
Perhaps if they weeded out the mean-wells from those who are more likely to keep at it,it would save a lot of time, albeit annoy, a lot of deaf people !
I'd like to see people interested in genuine campaigning and fund raising, taking some sort of qualification, to display they have the wherewithal to at least carry things through without completely wasting people's time and effort.
ALL charities are now employing pros, getting people to part with cash isn't as easy as you think ! (Unless you are a film or TV star or something). I don't think 95% have any idea what they are in for....
I think minorities tend to compete with each other and from that competition, status quo is obtained and maintained rather than shared. Also, the amount of complaining and whining, there is no pleasing everyone. It is hard work to be on top. Nevertheless, we need to take a bottoms-up approach and be thankful to those who participate and volunteer their time. Agreed that it's something everyone in local and national level need to address otherwise they're on their own.
Hi Cy,
Wow, what a great but old news topic to discuss. Me just like everyone was involved with some organizations and it was really hard to remain a positive doer while some committee used crab theory on leaders/followers. Very easy to not to get involved any organizations, just keep yourself. Image no one is involved in any deaf organizations?!?
JRB
JRB
Yep, that's what is scary...one day nobody is running any deaf organizations because everyone is tired of egoism, crab theory, etc, and decide it is not worth their time. What will happen to deaf communities all over??
YOu and I can remember similar situations at Gallaudet being on committees, as chairpersons, and officers, etc. We saw these kind of thing happening all the time. I saw this happening in SBG, on Judicial committee, as SRA, etc, etc. I come home and saw all these all over again in my own backyard.
So, I have pretty much kept to myself and just focused on my own family. I don't get involved with deaf community or events all that much. We don't even go to other deafies' private events either - same things happening in these places as well. It gets so tiresome.
Dear a friend!
Well, Concerning about earing credit and recognizing, a person who helps and involves with any project or program. Again Remember anyone who wants to be involved as a volunteer.It is not necessary to a[ppreicate one's work.If both of them know each other that well. It might be a different story!
In a real business world, anyone wants a credit must negotiate with any company or filmmaking and makes money anyone has right to earn credit, but for Teri's case, she did not negotiate with Gary Brooks that she would want instead of volunteering to help him edit or make that film and I believe Gary Brooks knows the business. If she negotiate with him. He might not want her to help him because he could not afford to pay her and cost him more to print her name on the film for some economic reasons! Who knows. In fact in our Deaf Culures we do not have our own own virtue! Remember V I R T U E! THAT IS OUR MAIN PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME. THERE IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THE WAY OUR DEAF CULTURES ARE! Would you educate your students about the virtue?
Cy,
Yes the agencies do discriminate.
Two of today's clients could'nt get help from G.L.A.D. because of their communication choices and came to my office afterwards.
YES they do discriminate.
Richard
ODOAC,
Is GLAD a state agency? If these clients experienced discrimination, they should take their case to the EEOC or state AG.
Deaf Socrates,
Credit given is often a simple thanks - in Teri's case, she should ve been at least named on the credits - she was the HOSTESS = NARRATOR of the entire film. Gary Brooks was only directing and producing...Teri even made changes in the script. Credit most definietely should have been given to Teri. Credit does not necessarily mean negotiating for money - it does not always involve monetary reward. Credit means giving recognition to someone for their involvement. Volunteers are often thanked during a ceremony, listed on program books or given a token of appreciation.
You're right - it is all about virtue.
Gary Brooks admitted it - he was wrong not to give credit to anybody especially Teri. She was right in front of the camera. Gary might not have paid anyone but he should give credit nonetheless.
I think 9 out of 10 groups that form have no real agenda to follow, they talk access, don't research the cost or usage, or potential take up, and make very expensive and time wasting efforts.
My area, had 8 people (Deaf), who applied for funding to 'research into what deaf people need', (Can you BELIEVE that !), and got £19,000 (About $35,000), for 3 years handed to them, the very first consultation they had 9 people turned up, they were asked to volunteer to do the research and, man the office !
Only two hearing students (!), offered. Presently they have a web site which hasn't had anything on it for 9 months, and hasn't produced ONE statistic or found ONE area where they could make an impact.
Most of the funding only covered a computer, and the office rental for one year only, the first 8 months it did nothing at all, in 9 more months it will close down. By comparison I campaigned alone, got Minicom access in 23 job centres, a dedicated hospital helpline for deaf people, and emergency Minicom access to the police.
I was NOT Ttanked by any deaf group at all, who simply said "He isn't a member of our deaf club". After that I thought why bother ? now they are complaining of the withdrawl of many of these things... and, trying to form another group (!), to campaign for the same access again ! you couldn't script it.
Some deaf do not deserve the time and effort you put in, my only reason for campaigning is for those who can't now. The others can sink or swim, or do the same as I had to !
Dear a friend,
Thanks for clarifing the credits,Agree!Gary Brooks admitted that he did not give her a credit then he might use her for his own benfits. That is very wrong!
One of the major problem is - like where I live - we have like 2-3-4 different deaf organizations trying to do the same thing. Instead of trying to come together and WORK together to make things happen and because of personal beliefs and the system they won't work together. Its sad, but true. People need to learn to put their personal issues aside and look into WHAT needs to be accomplished. Where we live we live in one of the largest cities in the U.S. but probably have the worst deaf recognition/service in all of U.S. I know alot can be accomplished - but no one wants to work on the same page. And Im like alot of people, I felt like I was doing all the work and no one wants to really participate and help so why bother - I have better things to do.
Anonymous,
What an awful shame - after all your hard work to get the grant, start up the hotline only to see the whole thing crumble due to lack of activism, support, involvement, etc. Good example of how often government tax money gone to waste. Worst of all is the utter lack of appreciation by the deaf community - they tend to emit a sense of entitlement - as if the world owes them something just because they are deaf.
Deaf Socrates,
:)
Billy,
Ditto. Why bother? If suddenly one day there is nobody operating organizations to serve the deaf, don't come crying. An organization cannot run by itself - they need everyone and all the people involved must be team players and appreciate each other.
Howdy,
you doing a little better about 95% inside the frame and I did be patience. Not bad for now :)
Yes your subject is make the different that the way of Deaf life of any subject social .....
like Education, sport, club or church and you name it.
But I know several Deaf people are smart out there by thu Vlog and Blog.
Really all deaf people have different level of education and we are hoping more growing on Vlog Deaf people is trying to helping with our any knowledge to teach manner, honest,skills, share of education to one another for the better in the future to grow role in deaf community of USA. It is hard work of course.
Reason Deaf world is so small ..... got to work harder to get good role model of Deaf as human being. That all we can is count for it! The better than nothing!
Davy
There seems an unwelcome growth of arrogance and hostility in some deaf areas. After the hard work of campaigning for rights/recognition/access, a lot gatecrashed systems and pushed aside other deaf people demanding this that and the other on a singular level, the unified access approachonly for themselves, and if that is not part of the overall access that would benefit the most, they didn't care. As a result many deaf are either doing the same, or staying well out of it, so no-one has his fellow deaf or HoH peer in mind. There are so many individual campaigners who are pretty brilliant at pushing forward rights and access, who are under siege from aggressive and ungrateful peers, and dropping out of this rat race..... This has in the UK, deterred any major campaign from happening for the last 5 years. They don't seem to realize we got what rights we do have, via the unified approach, and unless they do the same they are just wasting valuable time... We read of some deaf e.g. going for job interviews very very aggressively, and demanding all sorts, and using threats, while we are entitled to rights and jobs, civility costs nothing, and frankly as a deaf person I wouldn't want to work with these deaf people, they were very hostile, very aggressive, very demanding. There was some assumption being deaf alone was the only right to a job, qand some had no qualifications for these jobs, yet still were pushingtheir way in and threatening all sorts, I didn't, and won't campaign for bullies.
Anonymous @ 1:51,
Wow, things sound hostile in the UK, more than here in the US??
I don't think so, it's the knee-jerk reaction of gaining deaf rights, some are over-making use of these laws to make a point ! In part you can't blame some of them, who have been deprived so long, but they need not be so aggressive about it, the laws are there, use them, not abuse them.
Understand these laws are NOT carte blanche to give you any job you apply for, they are designed to level the playing field nothing else, you will still need qualifications. We found some were arrogant at interviews, making demands and using threats of the access and rights law quite out of context, employers have now trained their personell officers to circumvent the British DDA laws, so in effect, they 'weed' out aggressive deaf and they don't even get an interview, this makes it hard on the rest.
We don't have a 'sue' culture here like America, they're far to clever here for that to give you a chance to sue them. Disabled people recently have gone to courts about discrimination and we're finding they are losing cases more often, clearly this is because of over-zealous use of the law, and the system finding the loopholes and making the most of them.
DEAF ORGANIZATIONS CRUMBLING?
I DON'T THINK SO. I THINK THE DEAF COMMUNITY IS REACHING A MATURE STAGE AND NEEDS TO SHIFT GEARS. THERE'S A LOT OF RESISTANCES GOING ON IN MY VIEW POINT.
I CAN SEE AND UNDERSTAND THAT IT USED TO BE THAT ORGANIZATIONS WERE FOUNDED TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE LIVING AND SOCIAL INCLUSION FOR DEAF MEMBERS.
AND TODAY, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT MANY ORGANIZATIONS STRUGGLE BECAUSE THEIR MISSIONS ARE OUTDATED OR THAT THEIR SERVICES AND SUPPORT IS NOT SO MUCH NEEDED AS IN THE PAST. THERE ARE ALSO OTHER ISSUES SUCH AS OUR DEAF COMMUNITY'S DEPENDENCY ON FEDERAL SUPPORT. MIND ME THAT I KNOW THERE ARE SOME "NEEDED AND BYLAW" FEDERAL CONTRIBUTIONS. YET THERE ARE A HAND FULL OF ORGANIZATIONS, PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS THAT DEPEND ON GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND ONE THAT KEEPS SOME OF OUR PEOPLE IN THE DEAF COMMUNITY VIEWED AS "DISABLED" OR OUR ORGANIZATIONS MISSIONS SERVING THE "WEAK AND NEEDY" WHERE AS WE HAVE GROWN BEYOND THAT STAGE. LOOK AT OUR DEAF WORLD TODAY! LET ME FINISH THIS PART BY SAYING THAT I THINK SOME ORGANIZATIONS AND SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT ABLE TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STAGE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. REASONS ARE MANY AND WHATSOEVER FOR MY POSTING.
I'D LIKE TO THINK THAT WE PROBABLY NEED TO MOVE UP TO A HIGHER SOCIAL STANDING SOMETHING LIKE TOWARDS AN INDEPENDENT AND SELF RELIANT COMMUNITY WHERE THE DEAF COMMUNITY IS EMPOWERED TO LEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS. AND THAT THE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS ARE PROMOTED FROM WITHIN THE DEAF COMMUNITY AND BY DIVERSE DEAF MEMBERS THEMSELVES.
AND I AGREE THAT THE DEAF COMMUNITY WILL NEED TO BE OPEN AND MORE INCLUSIVE TO INCLUDE ALL KINDS OF DEAF BACKGROUNDS AND PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS. I SAY BECAUSE AS A POPULAR SAYING GOES....... "THE MORE THE BETTER" OUR SOCIO-ECONOMIC "DEVELOPMENT WILL BE". AND ALSO I BELIEVE THAT IF WE CHOOSE TO BE LESS COLLECTIVE AND MORE INCLUSIVE THAT WE WILL WORRY LESS ABOUT LOSING CULTURE, ASL AND THE DEAF COMMUNITY THAT EXIST TODAY.
HOW IS THIS FOR OUR DEAF WORLD?
I agree with you totally. I have been through this before. I do miss getting involved with any deaf activities. I just felt that - asking myself this question - why should I keep going if I still don't get recognized or having them to be acknowledged of what I have done for them...? It sure is hard to find good deaf people who have good manners and respect. Many deaf people that I have met have egoism. I can't stand being around them and been trying to avoid this kind of people. I don't need to go through with this again or deal with their egoism issues. It's enough for me.
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