Litmus Test Questions for Deaf Community
Amy Cohen Efron talks about her handling difficult questions asked by the deaf community, as if they were giving me the litmus test to judge my character, my beliefs and my stance with sensitive issues.
Heavy laden questions asked, were they necessary to ask? These questions can divide ourselves in the community. We need to remind ourselves that we are always the same, DEAF!
4 minutes long.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
That’s good one! *laughing*
July 28th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Who was the human editor that approved this to appear on DeafRead?
:)
July 28th, 2008 at 12:47 am
aye indeed!!!! excellent vlog. Toss out the friggin’ litmus test and we will see a much better sense of unity in the deaf community!
July 28th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Hi Amy. Your vlog was Champ! I left a video comment on it over at DeafVIDEO.TV. Go check it out!
~ LaRonda
July 28th, 2008 at 1:36 am
Great vlog!!!! ha ha!
July 28th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Wow!!! awesome vlog which I love your mind, thanks for sharing, chuckles!!
Namaste
Susan
July 28th, 2008 at 1:52 am
that s good one !!!! thank you for sharing about “litmus test question “
July 28th, 2008 at 2:16 am
I can understand we are in pretty much similiar situation. U know many deafies can ask any illogical
questions. for they think its ok to ask anything..They need to learn to have a good morale
and use good judgements. Most deafies I met, they
would say to me first thing. Long time no see you and u are fat now. Lord, forgive me for saying this.
I think they are pretty rude in their ignorant way of saying this to me. I always give them nice compliments. I would never hurt anyones feelings. but thats the way they are. we have to remember they are DEAF…thats another litmus test questions. Lol..
July 28th, 2008 at 2:23 am
I’m back, I should have watched the vlog at deafvideo.tv before leaving my comments which I don’t have anything to leave a comment over there. I will have to figure it out how to do the vlogs.
AMY, while I was watching you and other comments brought me to tears as you do really have a beautiful heart and you make us really think about things. As LaRonda said about Change is good, I totally agree with her, we all (not all) do change for the better or for the worst. I have to agree with all the commenters in deafvideo.tv to this vlog.
You are who you are as the key words “respect, acceptance and grow freely without judgement”
I always do look up to you cause you are a gentle and make it easier for us to understand clearly. Please do keep up vlog/blogging as I always check to see if you made one yet. Bless your heart!! You are one in my books!! as well to you too LaRonda.
Namaste,
Susan
July 28th, 2008 at 2:42 am
That was cute. If a person does not consider his/herself to be a leader in the deaf community, then I guess the questions can be ignored. However, leaders ARE usually under the microscope and that is as it should be because they are supposedly leading the way down whatever path as per constituent desires/expectations and as “promised” (”Trust me, I’m a politician” hahahaha) during the campaign.
July 28th, 2008 at 2:51 am
Then please don’t Judge DBC if you do not want to be judged by others! Don’t judge DBC team…their characters, beliefs or how they deal with issues like you have been doing to them lately. Please practice what your preach or go back to your limtus study again. One more…if you do not agree with DBC..move on and do something what you believe in. You will not stop DBC from doing anything. Get it? Leave our DBC community alone. Enough of it.
July 28th, 2008 at 5:00 am
Funny last words at the end. What did you —- opps, I am giving too deep personal question to you.
July 28th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Yep, a very good one about the limtus test! It makes every viewer to think twice what to ask or what to not ask.
While it’s rather normal or expected of anyone asking you any personal question(s) so he/she could then know who or what you believe in. What makes it bit difficult what to expect what result(s) would happen after you answer(s)?
It’s not often easy to answer depending on what question(s) or belief(s)is being asked sometime. I could only say that you ought to expect such questions whenever you are into the public (or even in the private), like it or not. lol
July 28th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Timeline at 2:20 ~ Amen! Your Vlog is a winner of the year…
July 28th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Awesome vlog! Even the comments are part of litmus testing… ;o)
July 28th, 2008 at 6:12 am
None of our business? Yes and no. When you make public vlogs, blogs, and comments, people want to understand where you are coming from and to know if there is an hidden agenda behind vlogs, blogs, or comments. When a person tries to divide the Deaf community, the person will be asked questions like you presented in your vlog.
July 28th, 2008 at 6:36 am
LOL I often feel that way at times when I’m mingle among my peers. I guess they just want to see if we are alike or different but instead of accepting our “difference”. I love your explanation of Litmus test metaphor among the public.. That was CHAMP!! I chuckle the whole way..
July 28th, 2008 at 7:00 am
I remember LaRonda said something about the laddar… where we were in deaf culture’s eye.
Also, litmus testing is usually used for urine for the body’s pH level. to make sure that the body is NOT acid :o) If you eat too much meat, drink too much alcolic, too much sweets, the next morning, use it first thing and you’d see darker color signalling the higher level of acidity. If eating more vegetables, fruits, etc., higher level of alkaline… good! That is my surface knowledge of what litmus testing is. I know, I know, it is off of the point, hee…
July 28th, 2008 at 7:06 am
I think Penny may be a little confused here, a litmus test is actually defined in two ways.
It was how I understood Amy to define this, she was actually showing two definitions of the litmus test although some viewers may not understand that at first.
1) the litmus test that is used in chemistry, which is exactly the kit that Amy showed.
2)the litmus test is also (I am going to directly quote wikipedia here so you know who gets credit for this definition and that I am not making this up) “a question asked of a potential candidate for high office, the answer to which would determine whether the nominating official would choose to proceed with the appointment or nomination.”
In other words, it is frequently used in politics. DBC plays a big part of deaf politics, so naturally its leaders are going to be given this type of political litmus test among the deaf community.
Penny, that being the case, are you sure you really want us all to put DBC through this kind of litmus test again?
July 28th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Litmus tests are useful in politics when one wants to select candidates that support important issues.
In the Deaf community, it isn’t so critical, but it helps us to form ideas and value judgments about things that are important to us. For example, if a parent were to ask you about the CI for a baby, would you be honest, or would you dodge the issue?
Similarly, a Deaf person confused about his position could appreciate your input to help make up his mind (keep in mind he will be asking many people, so you are not necessarily in the position of being THE expert.)
It isn’t a “litmus test” that decides one way or another how one will act, but a “tapping of resources” or perhaps, “picking your brains”. Your opinion matters.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Dianrez, or “nitpicking” ;o)
My, my, aren’t we full of judgement? However, I agree with you having the right to reserve your opinions to yourself. I like Jon Savage’s video comment on DeafVideo.TV.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Awesome vlog I like this… thank you for sharing with us and I will use Litmus Test if I feel I’m being judged with my answer…
July 28th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Dianrez, it isn’t limited to selecting candidates, but it can also include deciding whether or not to support a certain cause or belief as well.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Amy Cohen Efron here:
Wow, I never expected so many responses to my blog. I published my blog late last night because the word, Litmus Test has been bothering me for last few weeks. Now, I am glad I was able to share my innermost feelings about how I have been able to handle these difficult questions via vlog.
First of all, thank you for all of your compliments and I truly appreciate them very much.
Now, let me try to respond to each of you to the best of my ability.
To Paula, Dan, Susan, Bridget, Todd, Daveyin and Fairlady : I am thrilled to learn that you had a good laugh watching my vlog! Thank you for your kind words.
To Valhallian: It would be helpful for all of us to take a pause, and think of questions that can be productive and able to build the community better. Nothing is black and white since everything’s in grey areas. The litmus questions are almost like two absolutes which I was been asked to pick either of them. There is no right answer to these questions. It would be helpful that we can start asking… “There are so much controversy on cochlear implants, and how can we overcome the controversy?” That is solution-focused question, not like, “Are you for OR against cochlear implantation to very young babies?”. That question is very simplistic and burdensome to the responder.
I rather to be asked, “Amy, do you like apples or bananas?”, and I would answer, “Both are fruits, and I love eating fruits!”
To LaRonda: Thanks for your words of inspiration, and I did watch both of your video comments. I made a video response to you. You are my inspiration!
To followthoume: I think people ask these questions because they are curious, as other commenters said on DeafVideo.TV and on my blog. I am hopeful that sometime in near future that asking questions does not necessarily finding the person’s loyalty to a specific belief. Everyone have their own beliefs and values, and we are all different. That makes the world a very interesting place to live! To keep asking questions to ‘draw’ a line between the groups, does not help. How can we start asking specific community-building questions that will draw people together?
To Susan (second comment) : Awww my heart warms up after reading your kind compliments. I would love to watch your vlog sometime soon. You have a positive and radiant spirit in you, and we could use more right now. Smiles.
DT: Ahh… that brings up an interesting question, what are things that make up as a leader? When I start vlogging around August/September 2006, and I found my passion by using computers, art, technology and ability to use ASL to express my thoughts. I found my niche, and each time I create a vlog, it brings so much joy and delight for me. It was fun! Then I noticed that this medium is a very powerful one and it does make a positive difference in many ways. That is responsibility which comes with it. I do make mistakes in time, and always try to learn from these mistakes. After learning these mistakes, I strive to improve. That is my very own process. The process is becoming more difficult when I am under the microscope by people who are watching every word I am saying. That is something that I am learning to deal with it everyday.
To Penny: You are the most vocal and active commenter on DeafRead, and you are not afraid to challenge the vlogger’s opinions, especially mine. I admire your fervent passion for DBC, and that is really commendable. I hope someday that you will decide to create your own vlog, and there will be people out there who will be as vocal as you are. In order for me to truly listen to your comments, I regretfully disagree with your conclusions. My opinions, my suggestions and my constructive criticism are allowed. When a person want to challenge that, I publish their comments, as I always do for you, Penny. Let me know when you are ready to publish your very first vlog!
To Thomas: Yes it is always difficult to be in a position when a person asked me the question. Sometimes I wish I can go back as a private citizen, then I can share my thoughts. Right now, as a public figure due to my passion with vlogs, everything I said is scrutinized and analyzed to death. It ain’t fun anymore.
To Karen Mayes: Thank you so much for leaving several comments. Yes, definitely people who leaves comments on blog are also asking ‘litmus test’ questions too! Mmm… I’d better start eating more fruits, veggies and drinking more water. Then I might be able to think clearly to answer to some difficult questions, eh?
Valhallian (Second comment) : Everything in deaf community is politics! We cannot always avoid politics, mmm? Even, working in deaf education is full of politics too. I can imagine working for video relay industry is full of politics. I envy people on DeafVideo.TV can do a booty dance and doing some wildest things without talking about politics. Wait, wait… should females do booty dance in public? Arrgggh, another litmus test question here!
DianRez: I wouldn’t mind to be asked these questions as long the person is very clear about their intention to gather as much information. I do not want to be the authority or be THE expert. Its too burdensome! No one is the authority or expert on topics alone - ranging from deaf politics, religion, and fruits!
Karen Mayes (third comment): I am thankful that I still have the right to reserve SOME of my opinions to myself.
Boston: Mmm that is something - to deflect the question back to the questioner. Mmm…
Everyone.. thank you so much for visiting my blog and watching my vlog. Please do feel free to pass this along to your friends.
Best,
Amy Cohen Efron
July 28th, 2008 at 9:09 am
*chuckles*
Good one!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Judging, it’s what the deaf do…. it’s acceptance of diversity they get issues with.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Amy, aye indeed, but when you think about it, suppose every deaf person in the community realizes that there is no “one size fits all” and accepts all communication modes, which in itself would promote more unity in the deaf community, there would be a lesser need for a litmus test amongst ourselves?
July 28th, 2008 at 9:40 am
*chuckle*… yeah, Eric. I believe that the concept of “many options” does not make some sense to some people, so hence the need for litmus test. Need to agree on one thing, not many things… which leads to confusion, leading to disagreements.
Ah, well. *shrug*
July 28th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Hi Amy! Love your vlogs — you have this talent for being charming, engaging, informative, and thought-provoking all at the same time! I get the analogy about politics and the deaf community. At the same time, politicians’ alliances do matter and are very important as they steer the direction of the community, state, nation, and world for the next few years. Think about the President and the fact that he gets to pick Supreme Court judges, who get to decide on constitutional law for life! Judges have a conservative or liberal slant and their decisions can drastically affect someone’s life for better or for worse. I’m not saying you’re in the same position of power as a Supreme Court judge. But I would not align myself with a politician or deaf leader until I knew how he or she felt about the serious issues affecting the deaf community today. We can and should be civil and respectful, and work together on *common* issues like telecommunication access. At the same time, it’s perfectly natural and OK to “divide” into groups based on our political and philosophical values. And it’s perfectly possible for us to do this without bashing or demonizing the other groups. We should refrain from mocking or criticizing other people for their beliefs or trying to persuade them they’re wrong. The idea is to discuss and share information, and including one’s own beliefs. That also applies to declining to share them, of course.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am
i love your hair
July 28th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
You and Washington Post have a similar topic today!
“Former officials routinely broke law by conducting political litmus tests”
I wonder if you got the pre-report! Smile!
Great job here!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Hello,
Just the thought hit me…
“We ALL are the same as who we are but we are different as indivual way.”
The Ponder Deaf Man
July 28th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Right on !! People need to stop using the litmus test for DBC or Deafhood supporters. Leave them alone. They have the right to remain silent about CI and continue to support ASL for babies. People asking for transparency needs to watch your vlog.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Amy,
I really appericate you pointing that out! I feel like the same way as you do. I feel limited when people ask those questions. I agree it is not their business. We are ALL the same one only one thing… deaf…. of course we all come from different backgrounds and what what makes deaf people interesting! Let enjoy learning our difference and yet accept each other as deaf indivduals!
Thanks Deaf Dreamer,
July 28th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Amy, I feel inspired because your vlog is very human-friendly with non-judgmental statements. Excellent analogy!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
The hardened Deaf are notorious frank in questions. Many of these questions go way too far.
I’ve been asked questions like that and ignored them most of time.
July 28th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
A good vlog .. This is how the political works everyday and everywhere unfortunately the Deaf Community is very small. Watch my vlogs under Amy’s comment in Deafvideo.tv
July 28th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
DBC supporter, you are confusing two different issues, personal beliefs and business practices
Transparency had been given out by the former DBC core members that Deafhood was extensively discussed within the group. That’s a business practice.
July 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I agree with the DBC supporter
“People need to stop using the litmus test for DBC or Deafhood supporters.”
I am scared of using of the Hearing Handicap Scale as a measure of hearing aid benefit was investigated.
July 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Deafhood is viewed an exclusive issue, and we’d all I think much prefer the inclusive approach, that’s what got the DBC, they were caught out.
You cannot adhere to deafhood and still claim to be inclusive that’s the trouble. the DBC rhetoric at A G Bell was venomous and extremely hostile,maybe tit for tat, but that’s a child’s approach not adult. Small surprise they met a brick wall, softly softly might work a lot better, why don’t they try it ? Or do they get just enjoy the fight ?
July 28th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Mishazena, nobody is confused about two issues. DBC is clearly focused on ASL for babies. People want to know each DBC core member’s position on CI which is NOT IMPORTANT AND NONE OF ANYONE”S BUSINESS like Amy said in her vlog. At least she understands this issue more than you do.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Kim, I’ve asked for transparency with DBC regarding the Deafhood being practiced by DBC only, not about DBC core members’ individual position on CI. Please read more carefully. Thank you
Many people are indeed confused about the role of Deafhood within DBC.
I suggest you check DBC’s latest blog where DBC acknowledges the practice of Deafhood by DBC.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Kim, it is not my intention to start a debate here, so instead I will ask you a question to try to open up a constructive dialog.
Considering AG Bell is the one with the widest access to hearing parents of deaf children, do you think they would want to know the position of these core leaders before deciding to let them exhibit inside their conferences?
July 28th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Amy, your vlog is so AWESOME! I like your metaphor and concept about Litmus.
July 29th, 2008 at 12:29 am
LOL!!!
You make me laugh!!!
I’m DEAF and a native user of ASL but I work with the intelligently functioning mainstream and make a very comfortable living earning a six-figure income.
I never haggle with deaf people who have a first week of the month mindset when it comes to finances (SSI/SSDI/Welfare = 1st week of month) The secret? Don’t waste my time seeking other people’s approval such as this… whatever!
:::snickering:::
July 29th, 2008 at 12:40 am
MZ, it is not possible to “practice” deafhood. Deafhood is one’s personal journey.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:42 am
The question is simply answered by Amy’s vlog. None of AGB’s business. Knowing the mission is more important. That is ASL for Deaf children. Some AGB members I know are against CI, but they are still AGB members. It is none of our business to know whether or not each member is for or against CI. We only care about AGB’s mission. We are not after AGB people as individuals. We dislike their mission.
July 29th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
DBC have two missions: baby signs for deaf babies and deafhood.
July 30th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Amy,
First of all, I have seen some of your vblogs - great job and keep it up!
It’s real tough to be under the microscope for anyone in the public being asked such deep questions by people aka the litmus test that you explained.
At least one needs to expect it. Just think how many litmus tests were used against those presidential candidates! I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes, either. lol
We need the litmus test to know in order to decide better at what to do or who to vote for, etc. That’s a norm… like it or not, friends.
For few out there… you need to realize how gray it became regarding about the Deafhood approach that DBC intends to bring it up along. So we have to expect some dilemma brought up as of late and at least.
So Kim is correct that they have two approaches (missions); ASL for deaf babies and Deafhood, indeed.
July 31st, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I think another term could be used for your vlog: “loaded questions.”
August 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
It is excellent to educate some people, who have a few problem issues with DBC’s core of members. Now, they need to wake up for starting to respect all DBC core of member. They should know that DBC core of member do not have to give the answer to them about their views on CI. It is none their business at all. I can see this one same as your.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Hey Amy… I laughed alittle, yes i know what u mean when we get asked an personal question that hard to answer cuz of fear of judgement… i know the feeling, when someone ask me which president am i vote for, i refuse to answer, but if i wanted to answer, i simply say like i support everything no matter what. we all are deaf period, all same… right on…
August 31st, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I’ve been a lurker on your blog and never really wanted to comment/respond but I have to say BRAVO!
I get tired of asking questions like do I come from a Deaf family? Where did I go to school?
I’m a paradox in some ways. I do come from a Deaf family but went to mainstreamed schools (and so on….) so it’s odd. Sometimes I find myself answering these questions before they’re asked even though I really have no desire to say anything.
It’s better to be judged prior to being asked I suppose but your post was heads on. People need to start thinking about that. I wish I could have an easy way to spread this around the world!
Again, thanks so much for bringing this up!