http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SQPp7UTyIE
A poem about domestic violence
DeafHope is a nonprofit organization, established for and by Deaf women in January 2003. Their mission at DeafHope is to end domestic and sexual violence against Deaf women and children through empowerment, education, and services.
This mission will be achieved on three levels-by providing services to Deaf women and children who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence; by educating our community and service providers about domestic and sexual violence; and by providing statewide training and technical assistance to establish more Deaf-run services for Deaf survivors.
At DeafHope they rely on the empowerment model. They believe that Deaf women and children are not responsible for violence and they have a right to live in a healthy environment. They believe that Deaf survivors have the ability and right to make their own choices toward living independently and safely. As advocates, they provide support and information, working with her strengths, and only the survivor can make the best choices for her and her family.
Comment on the poetry and what is meant to you. Also discuss how the poetry can be compared to English poetry.
The poem is beautiful. I enjoy english poetry, but this was a completely different experience. I feel ASL poetry is able to convey emotions in a way that is often lacking in sitting home reading a poetry book.
ReplyDeleteThe amazing thing about the medium of ASL poetry is that it is necessary to see it performed. Sure you can go to a poetry reading in english, but many just choose to stay at home and read the book. With ASL poetry a human connection is required, even if it is over the computer screen, eyes can convey what words never can.
As far as the subject matter of the poem. As a psychology major I'm ashamed to say I had never considered what it would be like for a Deaf woman to find help in a shelter where no one speaks their language. The courage of any woman who has the strength to pull herself out of an abusive situation astounds me. The courage of a Deaf woman to do so is nearly unimaginable.
Very well said, Melissa. This was difficult for me to watch, for many reasons.
ReplyDeleteWhile the poem itself was beautifully written, watching her deliver it was poignant. She gave the poem feeling and depth that you would not otherwise experience.
Maybe that's it ... Deaf Poetry is 'experienced,' rather than read or heard...
I, too, had not thought about the additional challanges faced by a Deaf woman, above and beyond the abuse. She finally has the courage and strength to leave the abusive relationship ... but if she has nowhere 'safe' to go, what next? She may have to return, or never leave because she has nowhere safe... very sad.
Hello All,
ReplyDeletePlease find an additional poem to add to this discussion for all of us to watch and comment on. ASL poetry is an incredible experience and I wish for us to explore into this further.
***I know this is a difficult post, but one I felt very necessary. I am a Deaf survivor and I am well aware of the barriers that exist for women and children in these situations. By bringing awareness to this issue, I hope to provide hope and help to those who may greatly need it. Learning the language is not enough, actually using it in a meaningful way with the Deaf community is our goal.
This poem is hard to watch for many reasons. ASL brings this poem to life. Additionally, all of you have reached the level of fluency where this poem is not only receptively understood, it is felt.
I look forward to seeing you all on Friday,
Monica
This poem was hard to watch, I think Monica is right that we not only see the message but we can feel it. I have also never thought of the difficulties a Deaf woman would face if she was to seek a shelter. I hope that someday there will be more shelters that are deaf accesible so that everyone who needs the help can get it.
ReplyDeleteYes it was very hard to watch, at times I felt like I should turn away because it was so personal and private. But like Julie said it is an experience. I cant imagine how hard it would be for a women to get out of that situation, but for Deaf women who does not have the same way of communicating it seems nearly impossible.
ReplyDeleteI have never been the biggest fan of english poetry but being able to watch ASL poetry I have a new found appreciation for it. You feel like you are in a conversation you are able to connect on a deeper level that just reading the poetry and having to give it life, with this you can see the hurt, fear, freedom, love and everything else.
Monica -
ReplyDeleteI can't find the second poem.
So, what do you think that we can do to help? I'm interested in 'making a difference' here ... unfortunately a monetary donation isn't possible at this time. But there must be something tangible that we can do to help make a difference.
Maybe we can make the local shelters aware of the importance of their services being accessible?
Posting our own Youtube video on the subject?
Volunteering our time somehow? Obviously, most of us aren't of the skill level to offer 'interpreter' help, but maybe we could help with deaf children who may be at the shelter??
I'm just 'brainstorming' off the top of my head here -
Any suggestions?
Okay, I have 165 'friends' on FaceBook. This is a copy of a post and link I just put on my page ...
ReplyDeleteJulie Sandstrom Deaf Poetry - DeafHope. This is a beautiful, poignant and emotional poem ... The best way to explain Deaf poetry is that it is 'experienced' rather than being read. This poem can be difficult to experience towards the end, but it has an important message.
Domestic violence and sexual abuse is a heinous crime ... these women need support, and a safe environment to begin the 'rebuilding' process for themselves and their children.
Unfortunately, domestic violance is a reality for many Deaf women. Now imagine this woman having the courage to leave this abusive relationship, only to find that no one at the shelter can help her ... because they are unable to communicate with her, because she is Deaf.
Deaf Hope is a non-profit shelter for Deaf women and their children. Please watch this video - help where you can.
a link to the youtube video follows.
What do you think?
I enjoyed reading all of these comments, as I felt I didn't know how to put what I think and feel into words. Melissa- I really liked what you had to say. Like all of you, I never thought about what it would be like for Deaf people to seek the help they needed. It makes me feel very selfish. Abuse can happen in any type of relationship, whether hearing or Deaf, old or young etc. Services, like Deafhope, need to be more accessible to everyone. For this to happen they need to be stationed in more places across the U.S. and the world.
ReplyDeleteLike Julie said Deaf poetry is most definitely experienced rather than heard or read. It goes so much deeper than just hearing or reading it in English. There are few really good poetry readers, and so to watch it in ASL it's like a whole new experience. It sends out a very strong message that I feel wouldn't be experienced any other way.
Well... I love poetry. I have some of my very own. Watching this poem made me want to cry when she was sad, and I smiled when she showed happiness. Deaf poetry is WAY more expressive than English poetry.
ReplyDeleteI think one way to get this known is to tell churches about it. I know my church would be glad to get the word out, and inform people.
We could also talk to shelters and see if they are accesible to Deaf people also, if they aren't... isn't that against the law? Aren't they supposed to be accessible to ALL people? Maybe not something as drastic as against the law, but maybe some human right or something...
I have thought about Deaf people being victims of abuse. Last year in Dignitas, in putting together disAbility Awareness Day, I though about it when one of the groups had a presentation on abuse. I didn't know, however, about Deafhope.
~L
I think all of us can make a difference just by being aware and educating others on this very important issue.
ReplyDeleteI think Julie has done a wonderful thing. Getting the information out there is so important. That is why I shared it in Deaf Culture class and here. We can all pay it forward. I look forward to seeing how other ideas can be put into effect as well.
See you tomorrow,
Monica
Monica
I love this poem... well I mean I love how it makes me feel more than just words. The expression of the face and movement give the poem depth and a sense of reality. Watching it makes it seem more real, the images can't as easily be erased from my mind as words can. Simply because they impact me more. I agree with Julie, something more needs to be done and information needs to get out there. What can we, as a class, do to spread the word and do our part to help?
ReplyDelete