DFST 375 - Deaf History (Martha's Vineyard)

We have learned how Deaf people were historically viewed in the past. What were some of the attitudes in 1890? (p. 98)

• Deaf people were normal.

• Deaf people were accepted and integrated in society.

• Deaf people were viewed as brutes, idiots, and “half men”

• Deaf people were awesome!

In the nineteenth century, Deaf people were not encouraged to have rights or responsibilities as a citizen as they were seen as “defectives.” Deaf people remain an isolated group by choice or prejudicial actions by hearing people. Why is that? (p. 98-99)

• Ignorance was the main factor

• Hearing people viewed them as capable

• Society was inclusive for Deaf people

• Deaf people were world class citizens

The earliest written records on Deaf people were from a law that restricted their rights. What law was it? (p. 99)

• Socrates

• Justinian Code

• Babylonian law

• Aristotle

Who commented that Deaf people could not learn because “speech was the primary vehicle of thought and education?” (p. 99)

• Socrates

• Aristotle

• Babylonian law

• Justinian Code

Another record from the sixth century made a distinction between Deaf people from birth and late deafened regarding their rights. Who made this historical record? (p. 99-100)

• Aristotle

• Justinian Code

• Babylonian law

• Socrates

Despite Deaf people not being allowed to marry, have a voice in politics, or inherit property, one philosopher, Cardan, made an argument about Deaf people. What was his argument? (p. 100)

• Deaf people could not read and write

• Deaf people had the ability to learn; were capable of using their minds

• Deaf people had no abstract thoughts

• Deaf people had the ability to drive

A group of settlers from the Weald had already been on the island for a decade when one of the first books on Deaf Education was published. Who wrote these books? (p. 101)

• John Bulwer

• Aristotle

• Gallaudet

• Clerc

Educators of the Deaf did not visit the Vineyard or even consider these Deaf islanders’ lifestyles. Comparisons between Deaf people and Native Americans had been made. Despite Deaf people being able to be educated, what was the attitude shown in literature about Deaf people? (p. 102-104)

• Positive attitudes were made

• Deaf people were viewed as "wow!"

• Society believed Deaf people were normal

• Negative views and ideas were still made about Deaf people

Educators were the ones who instigated the propensity to be prejudiced against Deaf people unlike the people on the Vineyard. Such thinking influenced the general public. What prevented Deaf people from using their full abilities? (p. 104)

• Use of sign language

• Unemployment and underemployment

• Attending school

• Technology

Despite having a Deaf subculture, how have Deaf people bonded to have a tight knit? (p. 104-105)

• Use of sign language

• Shared experiences

• Marriage to other Deaf people

• Membership in a Deaf organization

• All of the above