Irrationally speaking

To Mary, who encouraged me to share more personally. The problem with arguing rationally about issues of identity is that one risks missing the forest for the trees. In a formal sense, a position should stand exclusively on the merit of its arguments. But often the central reason for arguing is personal and irrational. In …

Language with a bionic ear

Last week I wrote about a very specific notion, deafhood, which I thought would help clarify the debate that exists over cochlear implants. Since then I've realized from talking with people that many aren't familiar with the debate itself. Rather than restate objective information that is published elsewhere, or attempt to characterize information I don't …

Deafhood unheard

There's a poignant sign to start my story if I were telling it in ASL. You take your index finger like a hook, and drag it across your forehead. It figuratively suggests having something scarred in your brain, and translates to "I'll never forget." The reminder is of the importance of Deafhood, and lately, of …