Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Identity vs Symptom


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Using a dwarf-based scene from the "House" TV series on DVD, Jay Krieger shows that many of our personal and community struggles parallels so much with theirs. We all have our own adversities to overcome. Although it is not Jay's intention to change anyone's views and opinions on any issues, Jay hopes we set aside our beliefs, just for a brief moment, and view this vLog with an open mind. You may find it quite interesting to see that we are not unique.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow...

*shake head and wipe away my tears*

Wow! A very powerful message for all! So many meanings, analysis, thoughts, viewpoints to be found from this rich vlog post!

My man, you impressed me!

DeafKathy (Wilson) said...

I kiss-fist being involved in Deaf Freak world! LOL ;)
It is just so amazing how the path between little people (dwarf) and deaf people are so similar. Not just the experience but we share same common, guess what it is???? We have same "D": Deaf and Dwarf... hahahaha

Platonic's Eye said...

Yes, very interested subject what you saw in tv! I do believe adversity often make Deaf community stronger! Just like dwarf people. Identity and Symptom, I chhose identity as long as I have adversity that make life more interest. Who is that person to judge? I do believe Symptom people often become outcast and loner if they are fixed!

John Lestina --- said...

Response to Jay: CLICK HERE

Anonymous said...

Have you watched Little People, Big World on TLC channel? It is one of my favorite programs. I see a very similar parallel in Deaf World and Little People's World.
Little People had to educate the Big World.....Deaf People have to educate the Hearing World.

Anonymous said...

Language. This is one very distinctive feature which distinguishes and separates the Deaf community from the rest of the Disabled communities. They each do not have a language of their own; they each do not have a cultural history.

What they have is a synchronic-generational group sharing a medical/pathologized condition. "Synchronic" means here as the event which happens at any one single time; it is not diachronic, which connects from an event to another, as in a transition or transformation.

What they share in common is an accumulating data of experience associated with the condition.

Just tiny shiny two cents.
-Eyefang

Anonymous said...

what an interesting viewpoint!

I didn't realize that it was long until you said so. ;))

mishkazena said...

There are a lot of similarities between the little people and deaf people. As of now, I only know two groups who don't consider themselves handicapped, just different and they both fiercely protect their uniqueness.

Unknown said...

Good vlog!
I found the very last statment the mother made very interesting. She said, "I want you to have what I never had" (or something like that). It made me think of those proud Deaf parents of Deaf children. Would they really say that to their children, "I want you to have what I never had," *translation* "I've been deaf all of my life. I could never 'hear' and would want you to be able to." That would mean Deaf parents would encourage CIs, audio- and speech-trainings, whatever else that would help them to be as normal as possible. I doubt most Deaf parent would say that to their Deaf children. Maybe a few. Anyway, thanks for this vlog. It was interesting!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this comparision! Working with a dwarf on my job and reading occasional materials from the Little People of America society, I have noticed strong parallels with Deaf people and Little People.

Some Little People wish to have Little children and are overjoyed to welcome them in their family, for example. When a Little runs across another Little, there is the camraderie, sharing of stories and exchange of information that Deaf people do.

The difference I saw in this clip, though, is that House proposes a simple solution and that growth will obliterate all the practical disadvantages of dwarfism. No side effects, things going wrong, special treatments, nothing like this mentioned. There may well be, but this was never emphasized.

Wheras with the CI, Deaf parents are immediately concerned about the risks, long training and possibility of failure. If it were as simple as a pill with no side effects or risks, I think you would see a great many Deaf parents willing to go for it and even taking the pill themselves.

While one cherishes identity, one can see the advantages of having the same powers that the majority does.

Dr. House typifies the ignorance of Hearing people: he cannot see the value of being different, the richness of the Little People lifestyle, and thinks it is a freak show, a disability that is medically undesirable. I'm left with the feeling that something is missing in the story because he was not challenged on it. I wanted to see the mother win!

Anonymous said...

Dianarez, very nice but the Mother didn't win; in fact, she conveys a lot when she tells her daughter that she wanted for her what she didn't have. I'm not making a stance here one way or the other; it's just something that IS, at least in this movie.

Kim said...

When I was in China adopting my daughter, there was a family who are dwarf ~ mom, dad, bio daughter and new Chinese dwarf girl. I truly enjoyed being around them ~ because they are exactly like us, the Deaf family (not in height, my husband is 6'4"). They acknowleged us with the familiar look everytime we bumped into eachother in the hotel.
Great Vlog!

Anonymous said...

Interesting ..

Little people don't accept they have a disability and Deaf people do. But Deaf people have their own language, schools and universities while Little People have nothing more than a collective culture of people like themselves - little people.

The amazing thing is so many of you Deaf are absolutely proving the contradiction that is called "Deaf culture," because many reject the idea they have a disability.

Great. Let's hope none of you Deaf people collect Social Security Disability benefits while you oogle over little people.

:o)

Paotie

Anonymous said...

Good video....never seen that show, since there's a name "Dr. House" in that show and your title of this video....click this link and see the coincidence.

http://www.houseearclinic.com/houseJW.htm

Anonymous said...

Good issue! I love to watch House Series, seem like I missed that series.

That issue really impressed and interested me. Thanks for bring up the issue! I have waiting for someone bring up the good issue! =D

Tips - You can go to www.fraps.com You can download it for free, but limited 30 second to record movie. You can pay $37 to use full version

OR

Use video camera, and set it very perfect then record. THAT what I used to doing it all time. Hope these tips help. =D

Take care,
-AJR

Anonymous said...

"dwarf-based"? Sounds written like a scene made only for dwarfs. if it was of deaf actors, we'd say deaf-based? Now watching a scene on CSI by hearing-based actors.

Anonymous said...

Paotie,


Some of us collect social security- and we deserve it- it's reparations for constant discrimination. So, shut up.

Deaf people do not consider themselves disabled. It is clear that you don't understand Deaf people, so keep your ignorant comments to yourself until you are enlightened.

People don't have to be disabled to have a culture. We don't 'speak' the same language as you do. We have our own history. We have our own university. We have our own community, therefore, we are a culture.

I find it interesting that people like you that wants to deny the concept participate in it.

So, oogle on, you twit.

Anonymous said...

Jay thanks for the EYE OPENER.. and yes I can see the parells,,
It may have been long,, but it was worth watching,, i look forward to more of your vLogs.
You always have something to share and educates so many, especially with MEANINGS of certain words, that may have gone over some peoples heads..
This was probably one of the best vlogs I have seen in a long time.
Just Jodi in the Netherlands

Anonymous said...

Interesting topic but true we re different n unique cuz we are all invisible handicapped till we ask for pen n paper. All the sudden we re special and make others looking down to our toes to our head looking for any more differences.Nothing else but inner ear drums are either dead or damaged.
It made me feeling good knowing I m special.
Walking away with a smile leaves others wondering with thousand unanswered questions.
Cool?!?
C-

Beaux Arts de Boutjean said...

Paotie,

May I please suggest that you
read Edward Dolnick's article.
"Deafness as a Culture" in
'Atlantic Monthly' (September
1993)? You can find it on the
Internet.

ASL Risen said...

Jay! Thanks so much for your very HIGH RICH educating us! WOW! Perfect POWERFUL example! Big hugs, Shawn

Jay said...

All:

This discussion happen to involve the Little People, and some of your comments discussed them as well.

However, it was not my intention to compare Deaf with Little People (sure there are many parallels as you pointed out), but if we replace Little People with, say, an one-armed group of folks, or, a group with something different, there shall always be people who view us having our own identity or having a symptom. Their behavior will differ accordingly as well.

Marie said...

My favorite saying "normal is just a setting on the washing machine!" says it all. Everyone has a quirk about them. Thanks for the great viewpoint and insight!

Anonymous said...

Awesome Vlog!! I have to go to the Public Library to view your Vlogs since our computers cannot access to view your Vlogs.

I always enjoy viewing your Vlogs. Keep on vlogging!!!

Looking forward to viewing the 2008 Vlogs, I am.

Sandra Goldstein