Understanding Audism: Exploring The Dark Side For Deafhood

In today's society, discussions about diversity and inclusion have become increasingly important. While many might be familiar with topics such as racism and sexism, there is one form of discrimination that often goes unnoticed and unaddressed – audism.

Audism refers to the discrimination or prejudice against individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It encompasses the belief that hearing individuals are superior and that deafness is a defect. This form of discrimination can manifest in numerous ways, including access barriers, denial of services, limited employment opportunities, and exclusion from social and educational settings.

Understanding Audism: Exploring The Dark Side For Deafhood

by Shawn DuBravac (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	608 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	121 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Understanding Audism

To truly understand audism, one must delve into the historical context surrounding the deaf community. For centuries, deaf individuals have faced marginalization and oppression due to their perceived differences in communication and language. Sign languages, which are the natural languages of the deaf community, have often been dismissed as lesser or inferior to spoken languages.

The education system has been a breeding ground for audism, with many deaf individuals being forced into mainstream schools where they are often isolated and unable to communicate effectively. The lack of adequate access to sign language interpreters and other accommodations further perpetuates the cycle of audism, limiting educational and professional growth opportunities.

Exploring The Dark Side For Deafhood

Deafhood is a term coined by deaf scholar and activist Dr. Paddy Ladd, which refers to the social, cultural, and political journey of being deaf and embracing one's identity within a society that often marginalizes them. Exploring the dark side of audism is an essential part of understanding the complexities and challenges faced by the deaf community in their pursuit of deafhood.

The dark side of audism encompasses the stigmatization and devaluation of sign languages, the prioritization of oralism (the belief that deaf individuals should focus on lip-reading and speech) over sign languages, and the lack of access to necessary accommodations and communication tools. This systemic oppression takes a toll on deaf individuals' mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Breaking Free from Audism

Breaking free from audism requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, awareness, and advocating for change. It is crucial for hearing individuals to recognize their biases and privilege, and actively work towards dismantling audist ideologies and practices.

Providing equal education opportunities, accessible communication tools, and fostering inclusion in all aspects of society are key steps towards breaking free from audism. Deaf individuals deserve the right to participate fully and equally in society without facing discrimination or limitations based on their deafness.

Understanding audism and exploring its dark side is of utmost importance in creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of their hearing abilities. By challenging audist ideologies and supporting the deaf community's journey towards deafhood, we can pave the way for a future where audism is eradicated, and every individual is celebrated for their unique identities and contributions.

Understanding Audism: Exploring The Dark Side For Deafhood

by Shawn DuBravac (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	608 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	121 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Audism is typically thought of as a form of discrimination, prejudice, or a general lack of willingness to accommodate those who cannot hear. To understand and empathic with Deafhood, this book shows stories and feelings of the experience of discovering Deafhood and unveiling Audism. The oppression of Audism is the notion that one is superior based on one's ability to hear or to behave in the manner of one who hears, or that life without hearing is futile and miserable or an attitude based on pathological thinking which results in a negative stigma toward anyone who does not hear.

Using harsh languages like cultural genocide and epistemic violence, the author's no-holds-barred approach is invigoratingly refreshing. Linguistic minorities, who regularly experience discrimination, will feel relief after reading this book about someone else who has been through the same. It will validate and legitimize your emotions.

This book shares the author's story so you can be free from days of conscious audism and have Deaf Pride.