Chapter 37

"Is it OK to use the term "deaf-mute" in reference to a deaf person who can't talk?"

        After reading this opening question, the answer for me was obviously no.  I think that by labeling someone who is deaf as a "mute" is not only completely disrespectful, but also incorrect.  Mutism can be defined as "a medical or psychological condition-the inability or refusal to produce sounds" (pg 213).  Just because some deaf people do not speak does not mean that they do not have vocal chords and voices and jumping to conclusions can be offensive and rude.
        In this chapter, I was extremely surprised to learn that some people dislike using the word "deaf", believing that it gives off a sense of negativity.  Instead, some other terms mentioned include "hearing-impaired", "hearing-handicapped", "hearing-disabled", "auditorily handicapped" and "non-hearing" (pg 217).  These newer terms are disliked by many people because they promote the idea that those who are deaf are broken.  Its interesting to see how there are many ways that deaf people want to portray themselves in society.
        In addition, this chapter gives an informative overview of common words and labels used to describe deaf people.  The label deaf-and-dumb was explained as being completely incorrect.  It is crazy to think that originally, this term was normal for many people.  In the past there was always the "misconception that deafness caused the inability to speak-if you were deaf, there was also something amiss with your capacity for speech" (pg 222).  Obviously, this is not true and in the present day, it is incredible to think that some people would still be using this insulting term.
        I also learned that the label, hearing-impaired, can be defined as "having a diminished or defective sense of hearing, but not deaf" (pg 230).  It was helpful to learn that this term is resented by many people, based on it promoting "in terms of broken or defective ears" (pg 231).  With this negative connotation, I learned that the more acceptable label should be deaf/hard-of-hearing.
        This chapter was so beneficial, showing how labels can affect others and how we can change in order to make sure that we are not degrading others.  Everyone has their own opinion concerning what image they want to promote about themselves. "Some of us prefer the term "hearing-impaired" to "deaf" or "hard-of-hearing."  Some deaf people still insist on using the term "deaf and mute" (pg 220).