WEBVTT 00:00:10.327 --> 00:00:14.601 What is it like to be Deaf 00:00:14.601 --> 00:00:17.431 Hello everyone I want to share my experience 00:00:17.431 --> 00:00:19.978 growing up as a Deaf person 00:00:19.978 --> 00:00:21.981 Really, it has not been easy... 00:00:21.981 --> 00:00:27.063 This VLOG called "What is it like to be Deaf?" 00:00:27.063 --> 00:00:32.166 The purpose of this video is to educate 00:00:32.166 --> 00:00:35.421 and spread awareness to the hearing community. 00:00:35.421 --> 00:00:42.250 First of all, I am not here to criticize of hurt their feelings 00:00:42.250 --> 00:00:47.332 I feel the need to express so that - 00:00:47.332 --> 00:00:54.421 the hearing pearents,friends and co-workers- 00:00:54.421 --> 00:00:57.498 can understand how to deal with a Deaf person 00:00:57.498 --> 00:01:04.117 so hopefully this video will help with a better understanding 00:01:04.117 --> 00:01:09.580 as some of you already know I am adopted 00:01:09.580 --> 00:01:11.937 I thank my adopted family 00:01:11.937 --> 00:01:16.412 for everything they have done for me I really appreciate it 00:01:16.412 --> 00:01:18.920 but there was always something missing 00:01:18.920 --> 00:01:23.769 you know what I mean, like a true bond 00:01:23.769 --> 00:01:29.816 the reasons for me saying that in which you will see 00:01:29.816 --> 00:01:34.065 my personal experience that I am about to share. 00:01:34.065 --> 00:01:38.587 While I was growing up, I always loved watching TV. 00:01:38.587 --> 00:01:39.504 but in my household 00:01:39.504 --> 00:01:42.706 my family were not aware of my Deaf needs. 00:01:42.706 --> 00:01:49.334 it's not their fault I don't blame them 00:01:49.334 --> 00:01:56.666 but i wished they knew then it would save my headaches. 00:01:56.666 --> 00:02:02.415 but it's alright I had no regrets anyways 00:02:02.415 --> 00:02:06.859 for example - I was sitting with my family watching movie 00:02:06.859 --> 00:02:10.776 keep this in your mind there were no Closed Captions 00:02:10.776 --> 00:02:13.538 so of course it was difficult for me to folllow the movie 00:02:13.538 --> 00:02:18.461 I had to read people's lips on TV screen which was hard to do 00:02:18.461 --> 00:02:26.581 sometimes I had to be close to the old-fashioned speakers 00:02:26.581 --> 00:02:31.380 to try listen when I had no hearing aids 00:02:31.380 --> 00:02:34.154 and watch TV to try to figure out what was going on 00:02:34.154 --> 00:02:38.899 because I wanted to "hear" and feel the emotions of movie 00:02:38.899 --> 00:02:41.496 but unfortunately half of time I don't get it 00:02:41.496 --> 00:02:46.699 eventually I finally got new hearing aids 00:02:46.699 --> 00:02:49.541 but was still having a hard time understanding 00:02:49.541 --> 00:02:53.299 so when the movie was funny and my whole family laughed 00:02:53.299 --> 00:02:56.921 of course I was the last one to know what's up 00:02:56.921 --> 00:02:59.589 so I asked them "What did it say?" 00:02:59.589 --> 00:03:02.680 and you know what my family members said? 00:03:02.680 --> 00:03:05.857 "Put your hearing aids on" 00:03:05.857 --> 00:03:07.670 Did you just said that?! 00:03:07.670 --> 00:03:15.004 That was one of the things that lingered in the back on my mind 00:03:15.004 --> 00:03:15.951 I didn't expect that from my family 00:03:15.951 --> 00:03:17.936 so right there it made me realize 00:03:17.936 --> 00:03:19.642 is it like that out there in the real world? 00:03:19.642 --> 00:03:28.170 This came from my own family... 00:03:28.170 --> 00:03:33.419 I understand they might didn't feel like explaining at the time 00:03:33.419 --> 00:03:36.736 they could be mesmerized with the movie 00:03:36.736 --> 00:03:37.585 and didn't want to be interrupted you know 00:03:37.585 --> 00:03:40.220 but sometimes you're watching a movie and 00:03:40.220 --> 00:03:41.738 and you don't want anyone to interrupt you? 00:03:41.738 --> 00:03:45.667 Maybe they felt that way. 00:03:45.667 --> 00:03:49.864 To me, I felt something was missing. 00:03:49.864 --> 00:03:53.696 It hurts me, yeah. 00:03:53.696 --> 00:03:55.582 When I was in middle school, 00:03:55.582 --> 00:04:04.164 I went to the bus stop after school where all the kids got together 00:04:04.164 --> 00:04:07.845 to wait for our buses to go home. 00:04:07.845 --> 00:04:13.163 so when my bus arrived as I was getting in 00:04:13.163 --> 00:04:18.150 I forgot my school bag so I told my teacher aide 00:04:18.150 --> 00:04:20.842 that I forgot my school bag and I need to go get it from locker 00:04:20.842 --> 00:04:23.247 my teacher aide told me to better hurry and get it 00:04:23.247 --> 00:04:27.696 so I ran to the lockers that was right across from gym 00:04:27.696 --> 00:04:31.678 I heard bunch of basketballs bouncing 00:04:31.678 --> 00:04:35.015 of course I was curious as it led me to the gym 00:04:35.061 --> 00:04:40.591 instead of finding my bag while the bus was waiting for me 00:04:40.591 --> 00:04:42.776 as I opened the doors to go into the gym 00:04:42.776 --> 00:04:49.016 all the kids were pointing at me telling the coach "that's him!" 00:04:49.016 --> 00:04:53.059 I was like "huh?" I guess they've talked to the coach about me 00:04:53.059 --> 00:04:55.494 because they were my classmates who saw 00:04:55.494 --> 00:04:58.662 how I play basketball during gym class 00:04:58.662 --> 00:05:01.142 by playing with hearing league 00:05:01.142 --> 00:05:04.326 Coach was like "that's you?" and threw the ball at me 00:05:04.326 --> 00:05:06.244 you know what he said to me? 00:05:06.244 --> 00:05:08.938 He told me to do the lay-up and I laughed, "you serious?" 00:05:08.938 --> 00:05:13.458 'cuz that was easy to do and I did that 00:05:13.458 --> 00:05:16.096 you could tell he was impressed then 00:05:16.096 --> 00:05:21.563 he told me to try left hand lay-up and I said, "ok" 00:05:21.563 --> 00:05:23.563 when he saw that he was even more impressed 00:05:23.563 --> 00:05:26.261 he asked my why didn't I join the boys' basketball team 00:05:26.261 --> 00:05:31.239 I told him honestly I didn't know 'cuz I had no idea about this 00:05:31.239 --> 00:05:33.866 I played for hearing league and I was a day student 00:05:33.866 --> 00:05:36.297 I never knew that was going on at dorms and after school 00:05:36.297 --> 00:05:41.950 so he gave me the form for my parents to sign 00:05:41.950 --> 00:05:45.097 by end of the week so I said no problem 00:05:45.097 --> 00:05:46.991 just then my teacher aide came around 00:05:46.991 --> 00:05:49.155 and yelled at me, "What are you doing?!" 00:05:49.155 --> 00:05:53.764 luckily the coach saved my ass and said it was his fault 00:05:53.764 --> 00:05:57.213 for keeping me in the gym long so anyways 00:05:57.213 --> 00:06:00.361 I went to get my school bag and went home 00:06:00.361 --> 00:06:06.693 I gave the form to my parents not paying any mind 00:06:06.693 --> 00:06:10.496 and my parents thought it was a good idea 00:06:10.496 --> 00:06:12.895 because they know how much I love basketball 00:06:12.895 --> 00:06:15.694 I brought the signed form to the coach 00:06:15.694 --> 00:06:19.898 I warned him that I had no transportation 00:06:19.898 --> 00:06:26.975 as my family is trying their best to make ends meet 00:06:26.975 --> 00:06:29.280 the coach reassured him not to worry 00:06:29.280 --> 00:06:31.364 he will take care of it figure out what to do 00:06:31.364 --> 00:06:35.357 I should point out that I was 7th grader at the time 00:06:35.357 --> 00:06:41.655 next thing I know I was approved to stay at dorm 00:06:41.655 --> 00:06:44.689 because they want me to be on the team 00:06:44.689 --> 00:06:50.189 to save trouble for everyone involved: school & home 00:06:50.189 --> 00:06:53.133 by staying at the dorm it will help me a lot 00:06:53.133 --> 00:06:56.936 I was so excited and nervous at the same time 00:06:56.936 --> 00:06:59.494 one day after school I had bags with me ready 00:06:59.494 --> 00:07:02.605 all the kids were excited to have me on board 00:07:02.605 --> 00:07:07.213 so I followed them to where the dorm is at 00:07:07.213 --> 00:07:10.522 as soon as I got into the dorm 00:07:10.522 --> 00:07:15.683 the first thing I notice was TV with Closed Captions! 00:07:15.683 --> 00:07:18.893 You have NO Idea how I felt! 00:07:18.893 --> 00:07:26.051 I was so thrilled! I dropped my bags and went for the couch! 00:07:26.051 --> 00:07:29.815 No one was gonna bother me as I watched the TV 00:07:29.815 --> 00:07:32.439 I was so INSPIRED! I felt connected 00:07:32.439 --> 00:07:34.520 my mind was processing differently now 00:07:34.520 --> 00:07:37.225 seeing all the words and vocabularies I never saw before 00:07:37.225 --> 00:07:44.200 finally I get it and am able to feel like I belonged! 00:07:44.200 --> 00:07:49.213 All students and staff were looking at me like I was crazy 00:07:49.213 --> 00:07:51.689 they thought I didn't have a TV at home 00:07:51.689 --> 00:07:54.763 but they didn't realize I didn't have a Closed Captions 00:07:54.763 --> 00:07:58.434 I asked everyone this TV got a Closed Captions?! 00:07:58.434 --> 00:08:01.017 They said, "of course you're supposed to have one 00:08:01.017 --> 00:08:03.104 because you're Deaf! What's wrong with you?" 00:08:03.104 --> 00:08:06.453 I was like "ooh" and I saw a flashing light 00:08:06.453 --> 00:08:08.352 I asked them what is that 00:08:08.352 --> 00:08:10.814 and they said it's for when someone is ringing the door bell 00:08:10.814 --> 00:08:14.453 wow I immediately learned about everything in dorm 00:08:14.453 --> 00:08:19.599 my staff was a hearing guy and he knew how to sign 00:08:19.599 --> 00:08:24.292 my mouth dropped open and it really hit me 00:08:24.292 --> 00:08:27.734 this is where I finally felt like I belonged! 00:08:27.734 --> 00:08:32.441 This is MY culture and Deaf world! 00:08:32.441 --> 00:08:38.441 So of course I couldn't wait until Friday gets here 00:08:38.441 --> 00:08:40.776 because I stayed at the dorm during the week 00:08:40.776 --> 00:08:45.105 so when Friday came I couldn't wait to tell Mom about this 00:08:45.105 --> 00:08:50.150 so they'll know that being at dorm is perfect for me 00:08:50.150 --> 00:08:53.373 so when I got home I tried to explain to Mom 00:08:53.373 --> 00:08:58.522 about the Closed Captions on TV but she didn't get it 00:08:58.522 --> 00:09:01.135 I told her again I need Closed Captions 00:09:01.135 --> 00:09:05.519 but she didn't hear me out so I let it go 00:09:05.519 --> 00:09:07.895 I don't even bother her about it 00:09:07.895 --> 00:09:10.613 I just couldn't wait until Monday gets here 00:09:10.613 --> 00:09:14.269 So I get back to dorm and enjoy my life 00:09:14.269 --> 00:09:20.056 enjoy being me where I can actually feel 00:09:20.056 --> 00:09:23.456 the sense of belonging without feeling 00:09:23.456 --> 00:09:25.518 something is missing or felling lost 00:09:25.518 --> 00:09:34.293 I had a little sister who had a TV problem at the time 00:09:34.293 --> 00:09:39.500 Mom bought a new TV for her that I didn't know about 00:09:39.500 --> 00:09:44.675 when I got home on Friday as I was passing by 00:09:44.691 --> 00:09:49.972 to my room I was able to see my sister's room 00:09:49.972 --> 00:09:54.974 and I noticed there was a a new TV so of course I got curious 00:09:54.974 --> 00:09:58.815 because I heard any TV that was made after 1995 00:09:58.815 --> 00:10:03.938 had a built in Closed Captions as required by ADA law 00:10:03.938 --> 00:10:07.722 so I checked and there it was-Closed Captions! 00:10:07.722 --> 00:10:10.173 My TV didn't have one! 00:10:10.173 --> 00:10:14.972 Finally this is what I'm talking about and I showed Mom 00:10:14.972 --> 00:10:17.443 and she was like "and?" 00:10:17.443 --> 00:10:19.894 I told her this is what I need so can we switch the TV? 00:10:19.894 --> 00:10:21.910 She said, "no." 00:10:21.924 --> 00:10:25.785 I tried to convince her that our TVs are really the same 00:10:25.955 --> 00:10:30.563 the only differences is mine has no Closed Captions 00:10:30.563 --> 00:10:30.563 but her does therefore I'm gonna need her TV 00:10:30.563 --> 00:10:33.193 but Mom still said no so I accepted. 00:10:33.524 --> 00:10:35.524 So you know what I did? 00:10:35.524 --> 00:10:37.807 I waited until everyone was sleeping 00:10:37.807 --> 00:10:46.204 I snuck around and switched the TV without getting caught. 00:10:46.204 --> 00:10:51.263 I was so thrilled and I watched TV all night long! 00:10:51.263 --> 00:10:54.375 I learned so much by reading the captions 00:10:54.375 --> 00:11:00.050 that's why I write good and able to speak some words 00:11:00.050 --> 00:11:02.126 all that by learning from the captions 00:11:02.126 --> 00:11:07.604 it's almost like reading the dictionary without the meanings 00:11:07.604 --> 00:11:10.325 so when I see the words I don't recognize I write them down 00:11:10.325 --> 00:11:12.834 then look them up in dictionary later and learn about it 00:11:12.834 --> 00:11:15.821 I felt like my brain was popping 00:11:15.821 --> 00:11:20.833 because without Closed Captions I felt I was way behind 00:11:20.833 --> 00:11:27.520 about a month later I was in my room 3rd floor in attic 00:11:27.520 --> 00:11:31.707 still high on the excitement of not getting caught 00:11:31.707 --> 00:11:33.886 as I was watching TV the hallway light was flashing 00:11:33.886 --> 00:11:38.094 that was my mom flipping the light switch getting to get my attention 00:11:38.094 --> 00:11:41.761 as I was checking to see what she wanted 00:11:41.761 --> 00:11:42.664 Guess what she said? 00:11:43.180 --> 00:11:46.375 "You got one minute to put the damn TV back downstairs!" 00:11:46.375 --> 00:11:48.814 I was like shit. I said, "Mom" she said, "ONE MINUTE!" 00:11:48.814 --> 00:11:50.093 She left. 00:11:50.093 --> 00:11:51.760 I was trying to convince her to let me have the TV 00:11:51.760 --> 00:11:59.453 because I don't have to bother them about what's being said 00:11:59.453 --> 00:12:08.791 so what I did was I waited a while to see is she'll remeber 00:12:09.052 --> 00:12:14.409 so I waited an waited sure enough she forgot all about it 00:12:14.409 --> 00:12:19.488 I still had the TV but not anymore now 00:12:19.488 --> 00:12:23.329 but I had that TV for a long time until I went to college 00:12:23.329 --> 00:12:25.705 I even bought the TV with me! 00:12:25.705 --> 00:12:30.122 But anyways, my point is make sure you provide 00:12:30.122 --> 00:12:33.622 your Deaf child needs 00:12:33.622 --> 00:12:38.849 even though you may think it is not that important 00:12:38.849 --> 00:12:42.454 no you HAVE TO give them what they need 00:12:42.454 --> 00:12:51.251 You know TTY? Well I learned about that at Deaf school, too 00:12:51.251 --> 00:12:57.568 one time Lions Club hosted a Christmas party 00:12:57.568 --> 00:13:00.701 that I had no idea about 00:13:00.701 --> 00:13:04.868 they invited us to go 00:13:04.868 --> 00:13:10.957 and there were a lot of kids there especially children 00:13:10.957 --> 00:13:15.001 at that time I was the only Deaf person there 00:13:15.001 --> 00:13:19.969 everyone got presents and I didn't know what mine was 00:13:19.969 --> 00:13:25.167 but it was heavy and I still didn't know what it was 00:13:25.167 --> 00:13:30.369 so I opened it and it was a TTY! I was thrilled! 00:13:30.369 --> 00:13:34.676 Now I have the things I need to get by on daily basis 00:13:34.676 --> 00:13:38.092 TV with Closed Captions and now TTY 00:13:38.092 --> 00:13:42.448 I was starting to fell connected with my Deafness 00:13:42.448 --> 00:13:45.091 but then again not 100% yet 00:13:45.091 --> 00:13:48.569 so when I got home I had to wait because I didn't have 00:13:48.569 --> 00:13:53.345 my Deaf friends' phone numbers since I never called anyone 00:13:53.345 --> 00:13:57.100 so when I got to school I told everyone I got a new TTY 00:13:57.100 --> 00:13:59.758 they all looked at me like that's nothing new they all have it 00:13:59.758 --> 00:14:03.760 but I thought TTY was a new thing to have that only some had 00:14:03.760 --> 00:14:08.708 I didn't know every deaf student had one 00:14:08.708 --> 00:14:13.174 so what does that tell you? I was very behind. 00:14:13.174 --> 00:14:16.368 Anyways, they gave me their phone numbers 00:14:16.368 --> 00:14:18.129 and I waited until I got home on Friday 00:14:18.129 --> 00:14:23.009 then during the weekend I'd call them and chat 00:14:23.009 --> 00:14:24.890 I learned how to use TTY 00:14:24.890 --> 00:14:27.969 there were times when I was out and about 00:14:27.969 --> 00:14:33.490 or even when I'm in the house doing stuff 00:14:33.490 --> 00:14:36.672 so when I get to school my friends be like 00:14:36.672 --> 00:14:41.681 "you just got TTY and you didn't even pick up the phone" 00:14:41.681 --> 00:14:45.131 I was puzzled 'cuz I had no idea they tried to call me 00:14:45.131 --> 00:14:46.608 they kept saying you're not home you're not there 00:14:46.608 --> 00:14:58.463 wow I was home and no one ever pass along the message 00:14:58.463 --> 00:15:00.970 that they called for me 00:15:00.970 --> 00:15:07.758 I felt like why didn't anyone communicate with me 00:15:07.758 --> 00:15:10.568 I was like ok fine I'll wait until I get home to get bottom of this 00:15:10.568 --> 00:15:12.811 I asked them did anyone called for me 00:15:12.811 --> 00:15:14.328 they were like, "ohhh yeah yeah they did" 00:15:14.328 --> 00:15:18.598 I was like (hiding disappointment) "okay" 00:15:18.598 --> 00:15:24.004 It hurts, yeah, it hurts. 00:15:24.004 --> 00:15:31.084 That's why being Deaf is really tough to live with 00:15:31.084 --> 00:15:36.338 you have to depend on others to inform you about anything 00:15:36.338 --> 00:15:40.917 even about those you didn't know about 00:15:40.917 --> 00:15:43.511 it would be nice if you helped me live 00:15:43.511 --> 00:15:48.328 the same way you live in a hearing world 00:15:48.328 --> 00:15:54.128 Another example when my family were talking in living room 00:15:54.128 --> 00:15:58.840 and I happen to pass them by to the kitchen 00:15:58.840 --> 00:16:03.842 as soon as I walk by them they would cover their mouths 00:16:03.842 --> 00:16:11.006 you could feel the weird vibe in that room 00:16:11.006 --> 00:16:13.424 (whispering) 00:16:13.424 --> 00:16:17.772 so of course I automatically I knew they were talking about me 00:16:17.772 --> 00:16:24.450 they don’t realize that it is so offensive 00:16:24.450 --> 00:16:29.421 very offensive when they do something like that 00:16:29.421 --> 00:16:32.338 so the message to hearing people out there 00:16:32.338 --> 00:16:38.688 do not try to hide your mouth when talking to someone else 00:16:38.688 --> 00:16:40.448 whenever a Deaf person is around 00:16:40.448 --> 00:16:42.374 even though you’re not talking about them 00:16:42.374 --> 00:16:44.334 it’s about RESPECT 00:16:44.334 --> 00:16:49.286 let’s say if I was hearing I’ll be able to hear what you’re saying 00:16:49.286 --> 00:16:52.596 even if you’re not talking about me but about something else 00:16:52.596 --> 00:16:54.927 would you still cover your mouth? 00:16:54.927 --> 00:16:57.261 You understand what I mean? 00:16:57.261 --> 00:17:02.127 It is important to make sure you welcome any Deaf person 00:17:02.127 --> 00:17:04.110 and be part of the conversation. 00:17:04.110 --> 00:17:09.252 Another thing that has happened in which 00:17:09.252 --> 00:17:11.843 I remembered everything like it was yesterday 00:17:11.843 --> 00:17:15.927 during my junior or senior year I dated an ex-girlfriend 00:17:15.927 --> 00:17:18.129 who was hearing and very beautiful 00:17:18.129 --> 00:17:20.368 anyways that’s beside the point but 00:17:20.368 --> 00:17:24.906 every Friday really every Thursday night 00:17:24.906 --> 00:17:27.602 I would sleep over at her apartment 00:17:27.602 --> 00:17:30.892 ‘cuz I had a basketball practice every Friday at 6am 00:17:30.892 --> 00:17:33.213 At New Jersey School for the Deaf 00:17:33.213 --> 00:17:36.206 I know some of y’all be like “6am?!” but yeah 00:17:36.206 --> 00:17:37.714 she would drop me off every Friday morning to gym 00:17:37.714 --> 00:17:42.831 but anyways when I got to her place that Thursday night 00:17:42.831 --> 00:17:45.618 I saw her friend on the couch watching movie 00:17:45.618 --> 00:17:48.096 with my ex-girlfriend who was sitting with her 00:17:48.096 --> 00:17:50.442 her friend and I greeted each other 00:17:50.442 --> 00:17:53.685 I made myself comfortable eating, drinking and watching TV 00:17:53.685 --> 00:17:56.976 My ex-girlfriend always leave her phone nearby on the floor 00:17:56.976 --> 00:17:59.100 so when it rings she’ll answer right there 00:17:59.100 --> 00:18:04.464 I was never the type of person to inquire who’s calling 00:18:04.464 --> 00:18:08.465 I trusted her 00:18:08.465 --> 00:18:14.777 I don’t spy or check on her 00:18:14.777 --> 00:18:17.214 maybe I was naïve at the time 00:18:17.214 --> 00:18:20.175 I didn’t know so much about relationships 00:18:20.175 --> 00:18:25.575 anyways, she answered her phone as usual 00:18:25.575 --> 00:18:29.265 still sitting next to me unsuspiciously 00:18:29.265 --> 00:18:33.931 but the question is who was she talking to? I had no idea who 00:18:33.931 --> 00:18:39.681 she got up abruptly and went to the kitchen with her phone 00:18:39.681 --> 00:18:45.455 but I thought nothing of it and she stayed there for a while 00:18:45.455 --> 00:18:52.981 I actually thought she was cooking or washing the dishes 00:18:52.981 --> 00:18:59.188 Her friend tapped my arm and told me to check on her 00:18:59.188 --> 00:19:01.135 I asked her why 00:19:01.135 --> 00:19:05.021 she said my girl was talking to someone else behind my back 00:19:05.021 --> 00:19:07.294 and that I was clueless because I couldn’t hear 00:19:07.294 --> 00:19:11.896 I muttered under my breath “ok fine thanks” 00:19:11.896 --> 00:19:15.816 as soon as I walked into the kitchen and when she saw me 00:19:15.816 --> 00:19:20.059 she opened the refrigerator freezer door to cover her face 00:19:20.059 --> 00:19:23.414 so I wouldn’t see her mouth movement what she was saying 00:19:23.414 --> 00:19:28.279 obviously something was up, right? 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:30.630 so what I did was swung the freezer door 00:19:30.630 --> 00:19:37.056 and told her to tell her boyfriend that he can have her 00:19:37.056 --> 00:19:46.185 and as I was leaving I told her friend, “thank you” and left. 00:19:46.185 --> 00:19:51.282 my ex came running desperately tried to plead her case 00:19:51.282 --> 00:19:54.169 but Silence is the Loudest Sound 00:19:54.169 --> 00:19:56.088 since I found out the truth 00:19:56.088 --> 00:20:01.168 it hurts me ‘cuz I was with her for a long time 00:20:01.168 --> 00:20:04.376 I wondered how long have they been talking to each other 00:20:04.376 --> 00:20:09.375 and what have they been doing behind my back? 00:20:09.375 --> 00:20:15.399 That really hurt me a lot ‘cuz I got played 00:20:15.399 --> 00:20:18.695 even though I was and always has been a good man 00:20:18.695 --> 00:20:22.294 I don’t have to go further on how a good man I am 00:20:22.294 --> 00:20:24.616 but I deserved better 00:20:24.616 --> 00:20:27.695 not everyone are meant for each other 00:20:27.695 --> 00:20:32.939 or it’s just that some hearing people are ignorant 00:20:32.939 --> 00:20:35.457 but it’s not their fault 00:20:35.457 --> 00:20:40.383 since they were never educated about Deaf culture 00:20:40.383 --> 00:20:44.259 she learned her lesson at the time 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:46.926 and guess what? We remained friends 00:20:46.926 --> 00:20:48.841 she realized it’s all part of growing up 00:20:48.841 --> 00:20:53.502 we can’t stay angry and bitter if they did something wrong 00:20:53.502 --> 00:20:56.483 it’s our responsibility to educate hearing people 00:20:56.483 --> 00:20:59.174 as long they really want to learn about us 00:20:59.174 --> 00:21:03.296 that’s wonderful attitude for us 00:21:03.296 --> 00:21:05.815 I know many Deaf people are frustrated 00:21:05.815 --> 00:21:08.376 and going against hearing people 00:21:08.376 --> 00:21:10.341 but we can’t do that 00:21:10.341 --> 00:21:15.965 we have to reach out to them and vice versa. 00:21:15.965 --> 00:21:19.615 I make friends easily with hearing guys 00:21:19.615 --> 00:21:22.502 from playing basketball together, of course, definitely 00:21:22.502 --> 00:21:25.660 but some guys don’t realize that I’m Deaf 00:21:25.660 --> 00:21:28.741 sometimes my Deaf friends came to park and join us 00:21:28.741 --> 00:21:33.017 my friends were new to them when they saw us signing 00:21:33.017 --> 00:21:40.710 ‘cuz I rarely had any Dear friends over when I was younger 00:21:40.710 --> 00:21:47.334 there were times when hearing guys were weirded out by us 00:21:47.334 --> 00:21:53.800 and tried to be funny by making fun of us 00:21:57.430 --> 00:22:01.856 Guess what I did? I fought with them. 00:22:01.856 --> 00:22:03.587 I demand RESPECT. 00:22:03.587 --> 00:22:08.057 That’s my language and my culture. 00:22:08.057 --> 00:22:13.577 I want you all hearing people to understand 00:22:13.577 --> 00:22:16.827 that’s very offensive when you do that. 00:22:16.827 --> 00:22:18.951 Here’s another similar example 00:22:18.951 --> 00:22:21.974 at my old job Bruce Street School for the Deaf 00:22:21.974 --> 00:22:24.787 You know what that is at? It’s in Newark 00:22:24.787 --> 00:22:26.981 I miss working there it’s a great school 00:22:26.981 --> 00:22:31.535 Mainstream program school with hearing inner-city kids 00:22:31.535 --> 00:22:36.702 that day there was a special assembly with a clown 00:22:36.702 --> 00:22:40.696 Deaf students sat in the front row 00:22:40.696 --> 00:22:42.125 While all hearing students sat in the rows behind 00:22:42.125 --> 00:22:44.409 and the interpreter stood nearby the stage 00:22:44.409 --> 00:22:46.389 interpreting what the clown was saying 00:22:46.389 --> 00:22:51.158 but guess what? When the clown saw the interpreter 00:22:51.158 --> 00:22:55.989 he thought it was funny and made fun of signing 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:02.675 deaf kids were shocked as they looked on 00:23:02.675 --> 00:23:08.159 some hearing kids laughed while others were disappointed 00:23:08.159 --> 00:23:12.734 very shocked and none of deaf kids laughed 00:23:12.734 --> 00:23:17.931 Know what I did? I shouted, “Hey, what you think you doing?” 00:23:17.931 --> 00:23:20.653 the clown was bewildered 00:23:20.653 --> 00:23:25.619 we could tell that he didn’t really mean it but wow 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:29.407 this has happened in school! 00:23:29.407 --> 00:23:30.906 I don’t know what happened afterward 00:23:30.906 --> 00:23:34.990 I’m sure the principal and staff reprimanded him 00:23:34.990 --> 00:23:39.092 not to do that again next time ‘cuz that’s our language 00:23:39.092 --> 00:23:41.489 the interpreter is there to interpret what you’re saying 00:23:41.489 --> 00:23:43.489 so that we can understand what you said 00:23:43.489 --> 00:23:45.322 if it wasn’t for the interpreter 00:23:45.322 --> 00:23:47.906 we would not be able to laugh at your jokes 00:23:47.906 --> 00:23:50.534 that we would make you think you’re doing a lousy job 00:23:50.534 --> 00:23:54.238 ‘cuz you probably wondering why Deaf people not laughing 00:23:54.238 --> 00:23:55.540 that’s because you don’t have an interpreter 00:23:55.540 --> 00:24:00.164 so for you to make fun of interpreter is uncalled for 00:24:00.164 --> 00:24:03.331 Don’t do that. 00:24:03.331 --> 00:24:06.744 Anyways, I think I’ve shared enough stories 00:24:06.744 --> 00:24:10.586 Really I have some more to share but I’m gonna save for later 00:24:10.586 --> 00:24:14.852 and give y’all an opportunity to share your stories 00:24:14.852 --> 00:24:19.611 so that hearing people can see what we had to go through 00:24:19.611 --> 00:24:22.054 to at least have a better understanding 00:24:22.054 --> 00:24:25.496 as I mentioned earlier we are not here to criticize anyone 00:24:25.496 --> 00:24:28.200 we have to help them that’s our responsibility 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:31.744 to educate them what we are about 00:24:31.744 --> 00:24:37.770 and why it is important for both of us to be on the same page 00:24:40.830 --> 00:24:47.020 I know the issue of “what is it like to be Deaf?” is sensitive 00:24:47.020 --> 00:24:53.968 So please listen to your Deaf child 00:24:53.968 --> 00:24:59.017 Whatever they need for their deafness – give it to them 00:24:59.017 --> 00:25:02.691 Especially when you have a new born baby 00:25:02.691 --> 00:25:07.729 teach him/her sign language right away 00:25:07.729 --> 00:25:14.517 y’all don’t have to be Deaf to learn sign language 00:25:14.517 --> 00:25:18.894 ‘cuz they’ll grow with the richness of both worlds 00:25:18.894 --> 00:25:23.328 as soon as the baby is born it will learn sign language so quickly 00:25:23.328 --> 00:25:26.658 if you think teaching them sign language is insignificant 00:25:26.658 --> 00:25:30.492 you got that wrong. 00:25:30.492 --> 00:25:33.616 I love you all one deaf luv thanks for watching us 00:25:33.616 --> 00:25:39.103 Part 2 of “what is it like to be Deaf?” VLOG coming soon 00:25:39.103 --> 00:25:41.774 but I would like to hear from y’all, too 00:25:41.774 --> 00:25:45.129 so if you’re interested in filming VLOG let us know one def luv