Culture and empowerment in the Deaf community: An analysis of internet weblogs

Abstract

Although deafness is traditionally conceptualized as a medical problem or disability, about 500 000 deaf people in the United States identify as members of an ethno-linguistic minority that takes pride in being Deaf. This study examined 416 Internet weblog posts authored by nine Deaf bloggers to describe aspects of Deaf culture and individual and community level empowerment strategies expressed in weblogs. Results highlight aspects of American Deaf culture, such as the value placed on American Sign Language and equal treatment of D/deaf and hearing people. Findings also provide evidence of expressions of Deaf culture such as the use of humour and supporting the community that have been less emphasized in previous literature. Community level empowerment strategies evident in posts included disseminating information, rallying the involvement of members and advocating for social justice. Overlap between expressions of Deaf culture and empowerment strategies were also found. Present results inform a growing literature on empowerment strategies that occur without intervention by professionals. Implications of the study for community research and action are discussed.

Becoming a blogger: Trajectories, norms, and activities in a community of practice

“…The findings in this study, such as the manner in which insiders set norms and guide inbound members and the use of the community space to support a combination of social interactions, learning, and personal empowerment, are consistent with those of other studies of not only blogging communities, but also online communities in general (e.g., Hamill & Stein, 2011;Orgad, 2005b). The knowledge sharing that occurs among the bloggers is based on a sense of trust (Chai & Kim, 2011;Lin, Hung, & Chen, 2009), which is developed as newcomers establish their desire to adhere to the norms and participate in the community.…”

“…Blogs merely provide a specific platformone in which individuals may control their own spaces -through which support communities can be established. Homogeneity is common among blogging networks (Kumar, Novak, Raghavan, & Tomkins, 2004), which have been established for sharing around hobbies, lifestyles, and conditions as diverse as knitting (Minahan & Cox, 2007), science (Kouper, 2010), parenting (Morrison, 2011), and Deafness (Hamill & Stein, 2011).…”

Prominent Messages in Television DramaSwitched at BirthPromote Attitude Change Toward Deafness

“…Attitudes toward deafness have been thought to influence the socialization, self-perceptions, education, and work aspirations of deaf people (Hadadian, 1995;Munoz-Baell & Ruiz, 2000;Schroedel & Schiff, 1972;Skelton & Valentine, 2003). Negative attitudes, misconceptions, and ignorance about Deaf culture have led to discrimination in the workplace and in schools, as well as negative stereotypes regarding deaf individuals' capabilities (Hamill & Stein, 2011). Thus, reducing dissonance and perception differences across cultures is important not only for social harmony and community solidarity but also for the ability of deaf people to succeed and achieve in our society.…”

“…Exposure to Deaf culture in media is increasing (Hamill & Stein, 2011), which means that there is a growing likelihood for media to be hearing individuals' first introduction to Deaf culture. As such, media may play an important educative role.…”

“…In the United States alone, roughly 35 million people are considered deaf or hard of hearing (Hamill & Stein, 2011). Yet despite the number of deaf individuals, significant confusion about deafness exists among many hearing individuals in our society.…”