Chapter 59

       This chapter attempted to compare the Deaf community to a ghetto, including a group of minorities that surrounds themselves with those of the same culture and background.  In this sense, I agree that the community could be compared to a ghetto.  The HPO authors state, "In one sense, the Deaf community is like a ghetto: it is hard for us to establish free, open, and comfortable communication with the hearing community" (pg 351).  This makes perfect sense...everyone prefers to be around others that they can relate to, and in this situation, deaf people would prefer to be in an ASL-based setting where they can freely express themselves without having to worry about the possible judging and prejudice of the rest of the non-deaf world.
       Before reading this chapter, I really had never even considered comparing the Deaf community to a "ghetto that is disintegrating".  I thought it was interesting while reading to see how strong the authors' opinions were concerning the idea of Deaf culture 'disintegrating'.  It seemed so defensive, and they honestly persuaded me to agree with their views.  There will always be deaf people, and "Deaf people like to associate with each other, to be in situations where they can communicate freely" (pg 350).  Therefore, this unique community will probably always come together, even if there are scientific solutions.  But even if there are cures for diseases such as Usher's Syndrome, there will always be deaf children born to untested parents.  As for the cochlear implant, HPO believes that it may just be a medical fad that will eventually fade away.  I think this prediction is extremely interesting, and I'm curious to see what the outcome will be!