Audism: a Critical Examination of Prejudice Against The Deaf Community

Audism, a term first used by Tom L. Humphries in 1975, means discrimination and prejudice against people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This kind of bias happens in many ways, from big systems to one-on-one interactions. It often doesn't get as much attention as other types of discrimination like racism or sexism. This essay looks at what audism is, how it affects the Deaf community, and why it’s important to create a more inclusive society where everyone feels welcome, no matter their hearing ability.

What is Audism?

Audism is the idea that people who can hear are better than those who can't. This belief is based on the notion that hearing and speaking are the norm, and anything else is less desirable. Audism can show up in many forms, like outright discrimination or small, hurtful comments called microaggressions. It also includes bigger barriers that keep deaf people from fully participating in society. For example, audism can be seen in jobs that don't provide the right tools for deaf employees, schools that don't have sign language interpreters, and social settings where deaf folks are ignored or left out.

How Audism Affects the Deaf Community

Audism has huge impacts on the Deaf community. One big issue is the ongoing social and economic inequalities it creates. Deaf people often face challenges in getting an education or finding a job, which can lead to lower income and fewer chances for career growth. Plus, not having easy ways to communicate can make them feel isolated, affect their mental health, and lower their quality of life.

Audism also hits at the self-esteem and identity of deaf people. Being around negative attitudes and actions can make them start to believe they are less capable. This internalized audism can really hurt their mental health and overall happiness. The push to ignore American Sign Language (ASL) in favor of speaking and lip-reading adds to the problem, erasing Deaf culture and language. This focus on oralism, or speech and lip-reading, undermines the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the Deaf community.

Fighting Audism: What We Can Do

Fighting audism takes a lot of work and different strategies. Education is key. By adding Deaf history and culture to school lessons, we can help people understand and value the Deaf community more. Training for teachers, employers, and service providers can also reduce discrimination and create more welcoming spaces.

Advocacy and laws are also crucial. Policies that make public spaces, workplaces, and schools more accessible can remove barriers and give deaf people equal chances. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. has helped protect the rights of people with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. But we need to keep pushing to make sure these rules are followed and work well.

Building a strong sense of community within the Deaf world is also super important. Deaf folks benefit a lot from connecting with others who get their experiences. Deaf organizations offer resources, advocacy, and social support, helping to fight the isolation and exclusion often caused by audism.

Wrapping It Up

Audism is a widespread form of discrimination that deeply affects deaf and hard of hearing people. It keeps social and economic inequalities going, hurts the cultural identity of the Deaf community, and creates big roadblocks to fully participating in society. Tackling audism needs a thorough approach, including education, advocacy, policy changes, and community support. By working towards a more inclusive and fair society, we can make sure everyone, no matter their hearing ability, has the chance to thrive and add to the richness of our diverse world.