Deafness: I'm not Deaf but I am aware

I am not Deaf but have been an Interpreter in training (not yet certified) for a little over five years. It is a different feeling when in the field in addition to a very good experience. Deaf people are as normal as hearing people with the only difference being that a Deaf person lives in a world without sound. Some Deaf people were not born Deaf but lost most or all of their hearing after contracting something such as meningitis or an adverse effect to a type of medicine. Many hearing people do not think that Deaf people live normally due to the fact that they do not understand how a Deaf person can live in a world without sound. They believe the misconceptions about Deaf people. All of which are untrue.

In my time as an Interpreter I have learned a lot. I knew several things but learned a lot more after I began learning Sign. I now have a lot more knowledge about Sign Language, Deaf Culture as well as Deaf people. Many hearing people are ignorant about Deaf people because they do not understand how a Deaf person lives.

Deaf people are the same as hearing people in that they have normal jobs and lives. The only difference is that they cannot hear. Often times, they are better drivers due to the fact that they are not on the phone talking. Many have college degrees which disproves the misconception that they are stupid. Marlee Maitlin and Matt Hamill are two very successful Deaf people. Marlee is a Deaf actress and was also featured in Dancing with The Stars. Matt is a UFC Fighter and was on The Ultimate Fighter.

Awareness is the first step to knowing. There are two million Deaf or Hard of Hearing people in the United States alone. Five hundred use American Sign Language. Sign Language is different in all countries. ASL (American Sign Language) is used in the United states, BSL (British Sign Language) is used in the United Kingdom while ISL (Irish Sign Language) is used in Ireland. CI is not one hundred percent safe and not for everyone. Hearing Aids are good but also not for everyone. Many parents are fearful because they have not done the right research or given the correct information. In addition, they have been brainwashed by audiologists as well as other outside sources that a CI or Hearing Aids are best for the Deaf child to have a better life. Among other things it is not morally right on account of the child being forced into it with no choice at all when he or she can choose when they are older.

Morals are often broken when a hearing parents is told that their child is Deaf. They want what is best for their child but should let them decide whether or not they want a CI (Cochlear Implant) or Hearing Aid when they are older. By letting them choose instead of forcing them can have a positive impact on not only their life but the relationship between the parents and child. There will be more trust between both parties because they were given the choice and not forced. There are people who had a CI or forced to wear Hearing Aids that do not like it at all because they were not given a choice at all in the matter.

Deafness is not uncommon in the United States or around the world. There are billions of people all across the globe that are Deaf. They are as normal as everyone else with very little limitations. I know what it is like being treated differently from having a medical condition that sets me apart from most. I for one am an advocate for the Deaf. Are you?

Cultures

All around the world there are many cultures that are different from each other. Middle Eastern is not the same as American Culture in addition to South America being a very different culture as well.

Middle Eastern culture is largely based on Muslim and terrorist beliefs. It is also due to hatred towards other cultures as well. There are people that are extremists and will die for a cause that may not necessarily be important to die for. Others want to live their life in peace and harmony. Middle Eastern beliefs have always varied from the rest of the world for various reasons but that is part of life. Middle Eastern belief is often the same in most countries. Many grow up to be militants or successful businessmen that are close minded and believe misconceptions about other countries based on what is put on their television. Thus, they may never realize that there is more than what is on television and learning is by doing. Many cultures vary and will never be the same.

The U.S has a variety of different cultures mixed into one country. There is no set religion or language. Much like High School there are different “cliques” that has their own beliefs. Like all places there are people that are ignorant and stupid. Furthermore, there are also people that are so open minded they will try anything. On top of that, there are skeptics. They are not open minded but not close minded either. Instead, they are a little bit of both. The belief system is unique as well. Many assume things and are brainwashed into believing the multitude of misconceptions about different countries and things that go on in the world overall. In time, many will see that assuming is wrong and making decisions on their own accord is the best thing to do.

South America has many legends such as the chupucabra in addition to tales that are similar to the chupucabra. Many are of some form of Catholic belief and speak Spanish or Portuguese as well. Many in South America live in poverty and want a better life but unable to leave for different reasons. If they are close to the US border they may try to find a way to cross it whether it be legally or illegally. However, many South Americans may also be happy with their life for whatever reason. Being a South American is something to be proud of in different aspects regardless of what part they are in. There are big cities they can travel to in hopes of a better life. South America is unique in its own right and always will be. The belief system tends to be simplistic and good morally. Moreover, many just want a happy life than to think about all the bad that is in the world.

All cultures have their own unique way of celebrating holidays and religion. Among other things they will always be different and unique in their own way. Not only is the Middle East, U.S and South America different in cultures but they have different belief systems as well.

A quote and lesson

“Where mercy is shown, mercy is given”

There is a particular show that I watch that some of you may know of. If you know the quote you know what show I am talking about.

Dog The Bounty Hunter often says that he believes in second chances. You never know what could happen or when people may die. He shows everyone mercy even when someone does not deserve it. To an extent I can relate to what goes on. Things happen in life to where you are at a point in your life where you need to change. For some it is being in jail. For me it was different but I had that epiphany moment that changed my life.

Going to wrestling shows has always helped after a death or just a bad or horrendous week in my life. I've been able to clear my head while at a show. Its also given me insight and change something that needs to be fixed. The friends that I have made in wrestling since I started going have helped more than they ever know or will imagine. They have been there when they did not even know it. I have talked to a few when I did not want to talk at all. They listened and gave me advice and I was able to work things out. There were other times when I didn't go to anyone but still got advice because I was able to think like they do and somehow just know what they would say.

My first big break after I began my quest in the Journalism field was writing for The Pitt. 19 let me write and published most of the things that I have written. His death not long ago hit me hard. He was a mentor that I will be forever grateful for. He always told me to follow my instincts and go with my gut. Write from the heart and run with an idea. The advice I received from him will always be with me.