Audism is a term that was coined in the 1960s by Dr. William Stokoe, and it refers to the discrimination of deaf people based on their ability to hear. There are many different signs that indicate audism is happening, and in this article, we will discuss five of them.
What is Audism?
Audism is a form of discrimination or prejudice against individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It can manifest in the form of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that exclude, marginalize, or oppress individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Audism can be perpetrated by both hearing individuals and members of the deaf community. It is often perpetuated by negative attitudes and assumptions about deafness and the capabilities of deaf individuals. These attitudes may lead to communication barriers, unequal access to education and employment opportunities, and social isolation.
Additionally, audism can present itself as an individual believes that one way of communicating is superior to another or that spoken language is superior to sign language. It can also manifest as a lack of understanding or respect for deaf culture or the unique experience of being deaf.
Five Signs of Audism
There are many different signs that audism is present, but here are five of the most common:
#1 You Believe That Deaf People Are Disabled
This is one of the most common signs of audism. When you believe that deaf people are disabled, you are viewing them as less than capable and not worth your time or attention. This attitude can lead to communication barriers and social isolation.
#2 You Believe That Sign Language is Inferior to Spoken Language
This belief is based on the false assumption that spoken language is the only or best way to communicate. This attitude can lead to communication barriers and unequal access to education and employment opportunities.
#3 You Don’t Understand or Respect the Deaf Culture
Deaf culture is a unique and rich experience that should be respected. If you don’t understand or respect the deaf culture, you are missing out on an important part of the human experience. This attitude can lead to social isolation and a lack of understanding or respect for the unique experience of being deaf.
#4 You Don’t Believe That Deaf People Can Be Successful
This belief is based on the false assumption that deaf people are not capable of success. This attitude can lead to unequal access to education and employment opportunities.
#5 You Believe That Deaf People Are a Burden
This belief is based on the false assumption that deaf people are a burden to society. This viewpoint may result in unequal educational and employment chances.
Internalized, Conscious and Metaphysical Audism Explained
Internalized audism is when a deaf individual has internalized the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of audism. This can lead to communication barriers, unequal access to education and employment opportunities, and social isolation.
Conscious audism is when an individual is aware of the discrimination against deaf people and consciously perpetuates it. This can manifest in the form of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that exclude, marginalize, or oppress individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Metaphysical audism is when an individual believes that the deaf experience is inferior to the hearing experience. This can lead to communication barriers, unequal access to education and employment opportunities, and social isolation.
If you see any of these signs in yourself or others, it is important to work to change them.
How to Prevent Audism?
There are many ways to prevent audism, but it starts with understanding what it is and how it manifests. Once you are aware of the signs of audism, you can work to change the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that perpetuate it.
Additionally, it is important to create inclusive environments that appreciate and value the deaf experience. This can be done through education, outreach, and advocacy.
Moreover, it is important to support deaf-owned businesses, organizations, and programs. This ensures that the deaf community has a voice in the decisions that affect them. With modern technology, these education efforts can be done online while using platforms such as social media, podcasts, and video conferencing so it’s much easier than ever to get involved.
Finally, try volunteering in the community. Community outreach and service opportunities are available for those who wish to fight audism and educate themselves about the deaf community. Auditory people often gain a new understanding of deaf culture through these experiences, and they are valuable resources for evaluating and eliminating internal audit tendencies.
Conclusion
Audism is a form of discrimination that can have serious negative consequences for those who are affected by it. By increasing your understanding of audism and working to change any negative attitudes or behaviors, you can help create a more inclusive and respectful world for all.
