deaf vs Deaf | Deaf Awareness Month 

I forgot to mention that _My Song_ is in BSL, but it is captioned in English! Link: www.bslzone.co.uk/watch/my-song/ Another video discussing viittomakielinen, by Drisana Levitzke-Gray: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tcepgTU9fyM.html

Thank you!! I was born deaf to hearing parents and I begged to go to the school for the Deaf and Blind in my state so that I could fit in with kids like myself. I still want to be a part of the Deaf culture but I’m now a senior citizen. Mainstreamed in hearing world and could never escape since I had no support from family. They didn’t even want to acknowledge my being deaf (no talking about it, no deaf proofing the house, etc.) I live in a small town in WV and still do not know even one deaf person. What I’d give to be able to experience my world where I always wished I had a chance to be. I don’t fit in the hearing world still. Thank you so much for tour video.

I'm hearing and NERDA. This video was included as part of my Deaf Culture class. I'm really happy to watch this. My previous ASL teacher had a terrible time growing up because around hearing people she was "too deaf" but around Deaf people she was "too hearing." She said she felt like Rapunzel trapped in a tower all alone.

Thank you!!! for recommending the short film "My Song." I cried so much because I can relate; I'm Hard of Hearing, but I pretend to be hearing for most of my life. It all started when I was eight years old; I couldn't relate to anyone because I was the only deaf person in my family, school, and community that I thought I was not "normal" that I was broken. No one couldn't explain or sympathize. So, I practice on being a hearing person by "speaking well" enough that people can understand me. I lied, denied, & pushed myself away from my Deaf identity. As you explained so clearly; I was genuinely afraid of people labeling me as "I'm too hearing" or "not deaf enough." I already felt like an outcast in the hearing world that I did not want to get rejected in the Deaf Community. So, I thought it was "easier" to say I'm hearing because I randomly decided to become a mathematician by guessing on the probability on what people will say next, reading their body language and emotions, and lip reading because I been doing that for far too long. It is tiring; so, three years ago I finally decided that I'm ready to be true to myself and discover my Deaf identity. I'm glad that Deaf community joins RU-vid to spread Deaf awareness, keep posting videos because it is because you and other Deaf RU-vidrs that I can finally accept myself. Thank you

This hit home! I always struggled with this growing up because in a way I felt like I was given my my identity by audiologists and other hearing people who thought they knew what I "was". I'd get a lot of people telling others, "Oh she's hard of hearing/hearing impaired/deaf." This always rubbed me the wrong way because I didn't know how I personally identified myself. Also it wasn't helpful to see the reactions on peoples faces when they mentioned those terms. (The sad face) Growing up I also started to noticed that people are more scared of the word deaf than hard of hearing because they see deaf as being fully not able to hear and hard of hearing being, "Oh at lest you can hear something." kind of thing. And that made me want to say I was HoH even though I never really felt like I was. A year ago I had a moment where I was like you know this is BS! I never really identified as HOH or hearing impaired. I always liked the word Deaf even if people are scared to use it. I feel like is more me! Now I identify as Deaf and yes I still get the sad face from hearing people and the "You talk too much and don't sign enough" from deaf people and will probably have to deal with these on going negative comments for a long time. But at least now I can finally say I feel more comfortable in my own skin and I finally know who I really am. :) Thanks for this video Rogan!

I truly love the designation "signing community" as an umbrella category. Being inclusive about signers of all backgrounds, who subjectively feel like they have a positive and loving connection to the d/Deaf/HH community and its language could only help ASL and the community itself to thrive. Thank you for bringing this up. Identity is and should be subjective. If you consider yourself _________, who is to say that you're not that.

I really like what you said, Rogan. For a time, I was watching several Deaf RU-vidrs. I also have seen plenty of gatekeeping comments under those videos. Reading those things made me feel like signing is not something for everyone or "should" be for everyone. I was trying to learn ASL from videos (would like to return to it). I got very discouraged and frustrated seeing comments like "if you're not in the Deaf culture, why would you learn sign?" I saw negative comments of "cultural appropriation" being thrown about. It made me feel like signers were part of some unspoken, exclusive club. On the one hand people are fighting to be accepted as equals (which they absolutely are) but on the other hand, there was an air of exclusion and pride in that exclusion, which baffled me. Why does anyone choose to learn another language? Learning a new language broadens the mind as does learning about a new culture! Those who learn a new language want communicate others who use that language and that's what I hoped to do. I am not deaf or hard of hearing but I am an artist & a visual learner. The three dimensional language of ASL really clicked in my head. Sorry for going on so long. This has been bothering me for some time. Thank you so much for your videos and your inclusiveness.

Great video Rogan! I'm about to start my first ASL class in 2 weeks. I'm profoundly deaf and terrified of being rejected by the Deaf community when I already feel so left out of the hearing world. I loved "My Song".. thanks for sharing!

Loved this video, thank you! My ASL teacher (who is Deaf, of course) expressed that they were frustrated by the fact that the Deaf community here was so judgemental of people learning to sign and had a very closed-off kind of group. Of course, I understand that being marginalized for so long can lead you to create barriers, of course! But it sounds (and feels) like a community where no one can enter, which is discouraging for people who are learning and want to communicate in this way. I imagine it would be the same (but far more distressing) for those who are HoH. So it was really great to see you express this message. I can't imagine the struggle of someone who doesn't fit in with the hearing or the Deaf worlds. I remember Rikki Poynter did an awesome video about that.

Thank you for this!!! I’m two years late but I learned something new!

Thank you very much for this perspective. It highlights exactly my struggles with being raised with the hearing community and facing rejection from both Deaf and hearing for not being “enough”. It makes one miss out on life and creating good social memories and acceptance. I typically find it so hard to find the words to explain but you have done it perfectly. Thanks again

See and this is something I've always struggled with because even though I'm medically considered Hard of Hearing and lost that portion of my gearing later in life I consider myself a part of the Deaf Community. I'm fluent in ASL (and Tanzanian sign language just bc I want to brag) but have a hard time using D - Deaf to describe myself because it just doesn't feel right. Does that make any sense. I do however love that the Finnish have a word for that I love words from other languages that fit so perfectly for something English or ASL doesn't have an interpretation for

I am hearing and writing a paper for my ASL class on this subject of d/D HoH. Thank you for your input on this issue!

When I graduated high school I was so interested in everything with sign language and the Deaf community. That was quite a while ago. I am hearing and I wanted to pursue a career in speech-language pathology and specialize in teaching deaf and hard of hearing children to speak. I'll admit I didn't understand the deaf community very well, back then. I knew that not everyone would want to learn to speak, but I didn't yet understand the deep pride that the Deaf have to be Deaf. Long story short: I ultimately didn't pursue that career path because I began to hear about how upset Deaf people got about deaf and HH children learning to speak. I wanted to be a part of that Deaf world but I gave up because I felt I could never be accepted and that I would only be hated for my efforts. THANK YOU for speaking up and saying lets include those who are involved and who love the Deaf community and want to support it and be a part of it!!

Hello; you posted this so long ago, so I have no idea if you will even see it, but it was so helpful to me ❤️ I was hearing for many years, and then, I was in an accident and suddenly lost most of it. This was obviously a huge adjustment for me, and the speed at which my hearing friends and family left me in the dust was head-spinning-I was just all alone. Not that they didn’t love me, anymore. But…well, I am sure-particularly if you have a hearing family-that you know what I mean. Anyway, what I least needed was to be rejected by everyone else, too. One cannot go from hearing to Deaf in a day, or a week, or a month, or even a year (or even years, which is what you are addressing, I know), so I was in a no-person’s land. I certainly was no longer hearing. I already knew a little ASL from when I was a little girl (more than fingerspelling, but still, only a little), and I am already trilingual, so I pick up on languages fast-but ASL is a very different thing, and I was trying to recover from a *brain injury*-yet it felt, the entire time, as though I were getting judged. After I was injured, I devoted quite a bit of time to studying deaf culture and history, so I wasn’t just fumbling around like a disrespectful idiot. Yet, by some, at least, still relentlessly judged. How dare I consider myself part of the community? I did not-and do not-consider myself to be ‘simply’ ‘medically deaf’, as it does not describe my experience in the world at all, any more, nor the connections I have finally been able to make, and so on. But ‘Deaf’, in that full-on ‘classic’ way, that no one disputes? I can never get there. I was not born profoundly deaf, within a Deaf family, having gone to a Deaf school, and so forth. You read: to be Deaf is to have no hearing, to know ASL, and to be part of the culture. But if you lose your hearing, what are you, along the way? A *total outcast*. Don’t do that to us. We have enough of it from everywhere else. So thank you. *so, so, so, so* much for this. ❤️

This is how I feel. I lost most of my hearing due to sickness. But, I consider myself Deaf and to others Deaf/HOH, simply because I have one ear that I can hear somewhat out of. When I found the Deaf community, they were welcoming to me, but I know some who have had a few problems. No one has told me I am not Deaf enough, but I have had friends who were told that. I agree with you Rogan, we are already small we don't need to be smaller.

I realize the newest comment was a year ago and get older, but I think it helps his channel. I am in a different boat. I am not even sure I should even be considered part of the deaf community. I don't even know any deaf people or people in the community, even though i am seeing members more often around town. My situation...Hard of hearing in one ear, but i hear overall good, but my main issue is I am unable to speak. My first language used to be verbal and written English. Since I lost my voice, I have either had to write everything or not say anything. I am tired of writing everything.

Thank you for educating me on this topic

I'm here because I was confused about why people were capitalizing it. Thanks for the information! Btw I'd say the abbreviation "HH" looks a bit... strange... but that's probably just because I'm German

Hi! I'm hearing, and delving deep into Signing, and d/Deaf & HoH Culture. Thank you for all your videos! You have a magical way of communicating your thoughts, and teaching us.

Really enjoyed this video. As a hearing person, I also find myself frustrated with the myopic and limited phrasing built into the language. Thank you!

Yes!! Thank you so much for this message! As someone with Auditory Processing Disorder, I find myself trapped between the Deaf and hearing communities. Although I usually identify as HOH, I too think there should just be one ASL umbrella, rather than a need to put everyone into neatly labelled factions.

Just have to say, I have only seen the name Rogan 3 times. My son is named Rogan ( he's 38), there is a Rogan Shoes in Kenosha WI (but that's a last name), and you! Love your video. Thank you!

Thank you Rogan! I love your videos. You, Rikki Pointer, and Jenna and Jill (from asl stew) are my favorite deaf youtubers! I am a hearing person but I have recently started learning ASL. All of your videos are so amazing. I love that you talk about issues and strive to help the D/deaf community. Its also really insightful for people like me who want to learn. There are so many things you (as a group) go through that most hearing people dont realize. I was wondering If you could do a video that goes more in depth about hearing people who want to learn Asl and encourage people not to be put off by deaf people who "seem rude" at gatherings. I have talked to hearing people who are intimidated or discoraged by things like that. I think it would be more powerful coming from you. Maybe a video about what deaf people think about new signers? just a thought. keep up the awesome work!

I'm glad that I found this video and your channel. I was born hearing but I have gradually lost a lot of the hearing in my right ear and will most likely lose the hearing in my left eventually. I'm getting a hearing aid next week. I know some sign and want to learn more. I am classified as HOH, and I'm fine with that....but I've been told I'm not a part of the deaf community and to not overstep and try to be involved, that it's not for me but for those more deaf then me.

I like your point about the deaf community being too small for these types of divisions. The human community is too small for these types of divisions. Thanks for the link to "My Song"; should have come with a warning about eyes misting. In the end the "Ben" "character makes the best point; we ALL come from unique circumstances, if we can't grow beyond these gates they will trap us in as well.

Thank you so much for clarifying d or D to us!!

I love your point about preferring a term like "signing community" or "signers" because it is more inclusive. I know of some CODAs who prefer to communicate primarily through signing because it's what they used exclusively as children at home, and others with speech difficulties who use signing as their preferred method of communication, despite the fact that they can hear. I really like your idea of a more inclusive term. Your more general comments about gatekeeping in communities also really moved me. As an asexual cisgender woman, I often feel that I don't belong in the LGBT community. After all, there is no A in LGBT. Some people add on more and more letters (a friend of mine prefers "QUILTBAG," which I rather like), but it sometimes starts to feel a little ridiculous and so people often just write "LGBT" instead. I sometimes wonder, "Am I "queer" enough to walk in the pride parade if I'm 'only' asexual?" I wish there was less gatekeeping and more inclusiveness in a lot of communities.

I agree. I was born with hearing issues, speech delay, speech lessons at age 3, and then had to have tubes at age 5. I lost all hearing in my right ear at age 17. My left ear is continually disappearing as I age. What I have cracks and is distorted. So I have to use an ear plug. So where do I stand? I'm deaf. That's where I am. I have hearing in the one ear but it cracks. So if a profoundly deaf person had some hearing in one ear but that sound cracked, that sound was painful, they would block it too but would continue saying they're deaf. Around my family, they don't fully understand why I say I'm fully deaf but I have to. The audiologist understands. I just have to because the sound causes pain. Yes, I hear in that ear. But like today I thought my husband asked if I wanted to "eat dry ice" but he asked "do you want berry soda". Not even close.

Rogan, i love your videos! its so nice to watch a Deaf person join the youtube community and share opinions.. and also its great receptive practice for asl students like me! interesting, and not in a distracting environment and its just a great thing for me to be able to watch. thanks for sharing your videos! my school's ASL program puts on an ASL show each year in june and the Deaf community from all over the place come to watch and help us, and the proceeds go to our club, and the Nyle Demarco foundation. its pretty awesome if you ever wanted to check it out, we are Ocean City High School in Ocean City NJ. im wondering what your opinion on that is? we create a plot around a Deaf character who overcomes something, and we sign with music throughout the show.. a sign language musical if you will. what do you think of that? we take immense pride in our show and we always incorporate the local Deaf community in the production because obviously their support and input is what creates such a great experience. id love to know your opinion. thank you again!

I'm deaf/ DEaf idk which one though but I can hear because I have a cochlear implant and I can talk I go to a deaf school a lot of the kids are like you're hard of hearing! I identify myself as deaf/ Deaf but they're just like you're hard of hearing

❤️❤️❤️❤️loved this video.

Are you familiar with "Introduction to American Deaf Culture" by Thomas K. Holcomb or the concept of DeaF? I saw that way of writing the word the first time in that book and I'm not sure what I think of it. If I'm remembering correct, the notion of the big F was someone who's fluent and fluid in their signing. I keep wanting to draw parallels between your notions of gatekeeping in the Deaf community with those in the queer community.

you said that someone who is Deaf is generally someone who is fluent in sign language, knows about Deaf culture, etc. so does this mean that it could be a hearing person…? i know this is probably a dumb question, but i’m just wondering! for context, i’m hearing, but i’ve been learning about sign language and Deaf culture for years

I know this seems like a dumb question... but what camera do you use Rogan? I was looking for a good one to use for my own videos. I like Rikki's Rebel camera but I was like "ouch!" When I saw the price lol

Didnt understand the sign language

Your videos are SO educational. that you SO MUCH. i just thought u needed to know :)

oof. I have so many conflicting opinions on this topic! I gatekeep my own self, to be quite honest lmao. I can understand gatekeepers wanting to keep out those with harmful mentalities. For example, I see people genuinely curious and dedicated to learning ASL who still have a look of pity when someone tells them they're deaf. However, I also feel any effort is beneficial effort. For example, the amateur, (often incorrect) translation of songs that can really bother deafies, especially if said bad translation are providing them fame/attention & money (culture appropriation). BUT it's also like "hey, they could be sparking the interest of someone who will, one day, to professionally translate " I met a Deaf guy, married to someone (a teacher) who's fluent in ASL but is hearing. the Deafie told me he doesn't want his husband to teach ASL classes, since he's hearing. Teaching deaf children is fine, but teaching like ASL 1 etc. is a no-no. In that particular case, I thought it was being a bit extreme (I thought marriage to a Deafie makes you pretty aware/sensitive/knowledgeable to the culture). BUT, that case aside, in general, I can understand hesitancy of letting someone hearing teach novice ASL learners, especially when it comes to the cultural aspect. again, OOF 😯

Great video!

I disagree with him. Deaf or deaf. It is only captioned in English, but we have to avoid stereotyped, prejudice and audism. Please don't give us label. We are deaf. That is it. No deaf or Deaf. If you see deaf people, you will look down at them.

No we dont forget they are born to hearing parents. Thats the entire issue. Why would a deaf person need to hear? Why does a deaf person need these? Audism is the issue. We see videos like mr breast profiting off making deaf people hear. Can you imagine this? Coverting 1000 gay men straight. Its the same. We have a language. A culture. A community. Thats why we have to make sure hearing parents are being educated correctly and not just used for money. Which is the reason. They make so much money off deaf people ans hearing people who believe deaf ppl need to be fixed. We dont sah you aren't apart of the community but you cant be against audism and have implants. And wear them. Its hypocritical. Sweet nothings in my ear is a perfect film to watch to see this. We dont need metal in our head. Hearing people learn sign language. Its that easy. We are normal. We are just like you. We arent disabled. We are strong and will stand against audism.