Giving in to ASL-Only Demands Is Not The Answer

Just found out about the coming of Deafside. I do not think this is a good idea. It smacks of giving in to the ASL-only demands of certain readers of Deafread.

Isn't it enough that Deafread has added a "customize" feature? What about subscribing to preferred blogs via a RSS reader? Firefox has a built-in RSS reader.

Furthermore, it further divides the deaf community which is divided enough already! If you are going to have an ASL-only aggreggator, then what about a cued-speech only aggregator? a cochlear implant aggregator? an auditory-verbal aggregator? an interpreting aggregator? a deaf education aggregator? a parenting aggregator? a signed english aggregator?

This is a "dangerous" slide. Give in to the ASL-only demands for a "safe" place, and soon you will be dealing with demands for other specialized aggregators. There is a reason blogs have tagging ability! Tags let you view only blogs that relate to your preferred topic. DeafRead could accomplish much the same by creating tags that say "ASL," "Auditory-Verbal," "Cochlear Implant," "Hearing Aid," "Captioning," and so on.

Expanding the use of tags on Deafread would also prevent confusion among those who don't fit neatly into categories. What about an ASL-using cochlear implantee? What about a cued speech user who also uses ASL? What about an auditory-verbal child whose parents are secretly learning ASL on the side? What about a deaf education teacher who teaches bilingually and has students with both cochlear implants and hearing aids?

Deaf people are humans with many varied facets. Don't divide us further.

Jamie Berke
an ASL-using Cochlear Implantee with Oral Skills

Hatchet Finally Buried with RLM

Tonight, I ran into RLM (Robert Mason) at an ASL dinner. We had a three way discussion - him, Robert Goodwin, and myself. As a result of that discussion, we were able to come to an understanding regarding the things he had posted online, and he was apologetic. We came to a peaceful resolution, and for the rest of the night, were even able to have some friendly conversation.

Cease and Desist Letter to Robert Mason

The following Cease and Desist letter was just posted on Robert Mason's blog:

Dear Robert L. Mason:

It has come to our attention that you have made malicious statements about Jamie

Berke on your blog site.


You have been told before, in February 2007, to stop this type of behavior on your

blog site, on my blog site, and any others' blog sites.


We demand that you immediately cease and desist from this or any other malicious

statements about me in the future. Your behavior goes beyond the standards of

decency. If this behavior does not immediately cease, we shall take further action

against you.


Very truly yours,

Jamie Berke
Robert Goodwin