Comments on: What’s up with the Big-D in Deaf?

By: susan

susan — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:16:11 +0000

marlee matlin uses capital D in her new book, “I will Scream Later.” i was surprise, but i am glad marlee did it. More Deaf people will agree with you, ASC.

By: Position Statement on Autistic Culture « Subtext ::: Deconstructing Neurelitism ::: The Praxis of an Autistic Self among Selves

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:23:50 +0000

[...] This approach to capitalization, which is already being practiced by some Autists, has long been in use within the Deaf community. As explained on the Alternative Solutions Center blog: [...]

By: Tom Willard

Tom Willard — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:34:21 +0000

When I see this sentence:

B) It’s important to know that being Deaf itself is not a cause of depression.

I instinctively think: “It’s important to know that being culturally Deaf itself is not a cause of depression.”

Since the D is capitalized, I don’t even think of those other groups you mentioned. I only think of the deafies who went to deaf schools, used ASL all their lives, consort mostly with one another, etc. You know, the Deaf culture.

You’re facing an uphill battle with this one. I’m just telling you how I honestly react seeing the ‘deaf’ capitalized. I came of age in the 80s when the militants were insisting it be capitalized; I didn’t agree then and don’t agree now.

Feel free to see my blog for further thoughts on this subject.

By: Moggy

Moggy — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:32:13 +0000

At some point a couple of years ago, I think it was, I started capitalizing the term Autistic. I’ve never fully been able to explain why, and at the moment I don’t really have time to try yet again.

I was following links from one blog or entry to the next, though, wandered to ASC On The Couch, and found this excellent post with far more points that I’d even thought of: “What’s up with the Big-D in Deaf?”

I highly recommend it, even if you don’t personally opt to capitalize whatever your disability is. I also noticed that the left sidebar has topic posts that would be good to explore as well, hinting there’d plenty more on the site to check out!

By: Jean Boutcher

Jean Boutcher — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:10:16 +0000

Practically everyone in the deaf community has been asking around as to why there is no deaf/Deaf in dictionaries for about a decade. Eureka! Never have I noticed under my nose for fifteen (15) years until now there does exist a dictionary that contains two separate definitions for d/D. It is in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition, 1992. In the dictionary,
“deaf” is defined as “the lack of hearing sense” whereas “Deaf” is defined as “Of relating to the Deaf or their culture.” We should tell other dictionary makers to add this entry in theirs.

By: raychelle

raychelle — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 17:00:57 +0000

Excellent brain gum. As you can see by my late response, I’ve been thinking about this for quite a while.

Let’s reverse roles. Maybe we do have something to teach others? Our distinction between D and d might spill over to Jewish, African American and Hispanic communities? Maybe they need a way to distinguish between those who identify strongly with the community and those who do not? Do they have a way to identify those differences? Do they want to identify the differences? Hmm.

Personally, I feel this D/d distinction, although divisive, should not be swept under the rug just to please people who feel offended by this distinction. Everyone knows there are big D and d differences – the issue here is how to identify it in English writing.

For instance,
“Those deaf people (who identify with ASL and deaf culture) and those deaf people (who are more comfortable in the hearing world) all are attending the birthday party of the president. Be prepared for a nice surprise as those deaf people (who are more comfortable in the hearing world) are planning a musical for the president”

It’s wordy, and is a lot of work. Confusing too, if used again and again throughout an article. What would you suggest in its place?

But then again, one may argue that those who identify with ASL and deaf culture might want to participate in the musical, and those who are more comfortable in the hearing world might not care for music…

Labels are what they are – they assume a group is what it is. But labels are also a source of pride. I want people to know I’m 100% Woman, down to my painted toenails. But I also don’t want bank loaners to know I’m learning disabled in math or they’ll think I can’t balance my bank account – which I darned sure can, better than Einstein himself.

Ah, I’m rambling here… Bottom line, I think the D/d distinction is here to stay – unless a better replacement comes by. ASL community as opposed to deaf people? Clear? Hmm. I’ll keep thinking about this Adios…

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 13:28:00 +0000

Glad you are back! I miss reading your posts. Good points. Never thought about capitalizing Deaf all the time.

By: anon

anon — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:45:09 +0000

You’ll have to inform the rather sizable contingent of deaf folk who outright state that anyone who does not speak ASL is absolutely not a Deaf person regardless of any level of physical hearing loss.

*That’s* the reason I use “deaf” for all.

By: Ella

Ella — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:36:23 +0000

Thanks. Hope this helps clarify that for other organizations working with Deaf people. And help people be more embracing of the Deaf culture and language and identity.