Audism is quite a familiar topic, but it is a topic we steer clear from. But in order to have an ecosystem as shared on Wednesday, it means trusting that this dialogue is a process and that it is a necessary one to promote a sense of an ecosystem.
A dialogue is different from a discussion. A discussion tells you someone will walk away knowing s/he is right or someone walks away knowing s/he is wrong. A dialogue is the opposite of a discussion. A dialogue focuses on transcending to a new way of thinking about something. It offers a way for growth. A way for understanding. That is the purpose of today’s bulletin. This dialogue is to understand. To transcend. Trust each other that what we say about audism is a way to understand—respect those who experience audism and try to understand their perspectives. Talking about audism does not split a community. Not talking about audism further separates the community. Allowing Deaf people to share their stories, to understand themselves as individuals and their identities is how a community embraces each other. It’s how we foster trust. Be open—be vulnerable.
Audism
You will need to watch this 4 minute clipping, because it is how we can begin this dialogue:
Talk to each other about the following questions:
Imagine you’re in a meeting, and as you (Deaf person) are talking, you notice a side conversation in spoken English, what do you do? How does that make you feel?
What experiences have you had in terms of audism? Were you oppressed? How? Were you the oppressor? How so and how have you learned?
Do you feel you are comfortable pointing out audism in our current environment? Why or why not?
What types of deficit thinking do we practice without realizing it? How can we change?
Have you ever stood in a room with only one person, who happens to be hearing, and s/he uses spoken English, but you do not see another person with whom s/he is speaking with? Is this a form of audism? Why may this bother a Deaf person?
What story do you have that people should hear(see)?
Why is audism an uncomfortable topic to talk about? Is it deeply rooted in ourselves to never challenge the status quo as a Deaf person?
What common statement would you hear from hearing people who do not know or understand Deaf people? Do you correct them, or do you allow them to continue thinking the way they think about Deaf people? Why?
Why is it important for us to ensure we talk about the form of audism in itself—not so much to compare it with other -isms? Why is it critical to educate the component of this kind of oppression in it’s truest form?
How can we ensure our environment is consistently safe when audism is prevalent?
Is audism a lesser form of -ism than other -isms (racism, ageism, sexism, genderism)? Why? Is it a lesser form because it’s least discussed? Or is it truly a minor form of oppression?
If this is hard for you to start asking each other questions, do this:
1. To the first person you see today, ask that person what they think about audism and whether they’ve experienced audism.
2. Ask one follow up question posed above to generate a conversation.
Choosing courage does not mean that we're unafraid, it means that we are brave. -Brene Brown
Choose to be courageous to have this dialogue.
RESOURCES