Boston Globe

The Boston Globe has learned that you are taking a class at Northeastern dealing with Deaf people. Assuming that you might have special knowledge of, or access to special knowledge of Deaf people, the editor has contacted you and asked that you contribute a referenced article reflecting on the following two quotes. Your response may include comparing and contrasting their views, using one to offset the other, or analyzing the underlying assumptions of each.

"The deaf believe that they are our equals in all respects. We should be generous and not destroy that illusion. But whatever they believe, deafness is an infirmity and we should repair it whether the person who has it is disturbed by it or not."

Prosper Ménière

Saying: Deaf people think theyre just as able as hearing and we should not destroy that perception of themselves . Regardless, we know the truth: We know deafness is a physical weakness and it our job to repair whether they want it or not.

"We know that equality of individual ability has never existed and never will, but we do insist that equality of opportunity still must be sought."

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Saying:  we know different people vary in their ranges of individual ability, however the field of opportunity should still be fought for a reached.

The rules of submission are that the piece be typed using Times 12 point typeface, doubled-spaced, one inch margins and no longer than three pages (the third being references). Your response should include references to class readings. You are to email your paper to d.cokely@neu.edu. You must use the subject heading "DPIS paper #1" followed by your initials (e.g. DPIS paper #1 ABC).

An average response will reference some of your assigned readings. A strong response will include references beyond the readings that have been assigned to date. References should be placed on a separate page. In order to be reviewed for publication, your submission must be received no later than 10:30 am on

Jordane Perry Smith

Deaf people in Society

10-1-12

Human beings are born attempting to communicate. Whether its through crying, movements, or sounds, one is always looking for an effective way to convey his/her message. While growing up and engaging in a world that defines their culture by its inherent language, the idea of communication entangled with self-identity over time becomes prevalent and almost second hand nature. Just like the hearing, deaf people experience this same concept with one minor difference; Their experience is not auditory. Over the years, deaf communities and signed languages began to grow in force. Likewise to the hearing languages, this fostered and created a sense of unity and identity, and allowed them to see the world differently than the hearing; they came to see it visually. Both quotes mention the auditory difference. However, quote 1 views this difference as justification for changing and conforming the deaf, while quote 2 counter balances by criticizing the system: it is what needs revision and change.