the deaf and hearing on campus

So as I may or may not have mentioned, Galladuet is a Deaf community. It is the hub of loads of Deaf advocates, activists, radicals, extremists, etc. I love 'em! This is what got me interested in Deaf culture. The balance and cooperation between the Hearing and Deaf worlds. How does this (invisible) minority -and others- make their way to gain what is called "functional equivalent" communication technology, how do they use their "voice" to maintain equal rights, how do they (in general) make their lives within a larger Hearing world.

But many of these Deaf rights and functional equivalencies are not relevant in the Deaf-majority community on Galladuet's campus. All the residents get a chance to lose that greater-society-implied label of "disability." Hearing is no longer an advantage. Sound is irrelevant. Campus is all about visual communication. Lights as doorbells, fire alarms; hitting the table let's your buddy feel the vibrations and can call his attention; glass windows, doors, and walls are no barrier at all for a brief chat with your partner before class starts.

No one is bothered by loud music at night, burping is less obnoxious (?), the TV can't be too loud, and no one is blabbering on their cell phones!!

But what about the hearing kids? Wait a second. Are they ever bothered by loud music at night? Do they find your burping obnoxious? Do they want the TV down while studying? And don't they talk on cell phones? What happened to equal rights?

Here is the deal.

As I was told week 1, no one should be talking on their cell phones on campus. If you have to, find a private place! Preferably indoors. Or in your own room. People might give you looks. Might (as I heard yesterday) though shit at you in the cafeteria! In fact, there is no talking on campus at all. Get those hands up! I've been told it's because of the limited access to communication when you are talking. I'm not which is more taboo- phone or talking- but I'd be interested to learn.

May it reminds these radicals of their "oppressed" lives off campus? Growing up? They can't use the phone the way hearing kids can? and ya know what, I totally respect that! It's like you visit a buddy's house and start speaking a foreign language on the phone during dinner. Just rude. How dare you come into MY house, MY territory. Where I can FINALLY be among people of similar experiences, similar views, similar language!!! And you walk in and bring in a piece of that outside world that tried so hard to change who I was and how I live.

My two cents.

But the thing is, people who react to phone conversations by throwing shit have a lot of growing up to do. Those hearing kids should have their rights, too. They wanna make a call? What's it to you? This ISN'T your house. It's a community. We all live together. Obviously that hearing student isn't ignorant about Deaf culture, the social experiences you may have been through, the norms people may have tried to force you into. That kid chose GALLAUDET to complete his study. I'm sure he has some idea about where he is. And why he is there.

People will always be talking on phones. Some people will always be hearing. It's not their fault, just like being Deaf is not your fault. Let it be his choice to fully immerse himself in Deaf life or to simply enjoy living in (and accepted by?) the Deaf community. Is it impossible? What do you think?