Audism And Sexism

The term Racism or Sexism is often used when we think of prejudice or discrimination. These two words are discussed on the news, movies, and during personal conversations. They are used to identify certain personnel who treat people of a certain race or gender a certain way. Most people though, including myself, do not know that people are also prejudice against people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This is identified as “Audism” this can be practiced in many forms such as assuming things that are untrue, not providing reasonable accommodations, or not hiring someone who is deaf. Audism is able to have a huge impact on the deaf community and is something that should be discussed more among individuals. The term Audism was invented by Tom …show more content…
The current understanding of this term is very low, it is not something that many people understand, or have even heard of. No matter who you ask they will know the words racism and sexism, I believe the main reason behind this is because they are used so often and discussed by parents and in schools. If we discussed Audism in the same way we discussed Racism people would have a much better understanding of it. Audism just like other “-isms” words are similar; they are all meant in a derogatory way. I do believe Audism is different simply because it is a word that is not well known. That does not mean that it is not something that is happening, it just simply is not a term that is made a big deal. It is similar in the sense that I believe most people who are racist, sexist, or audist were raised to not know any different. Most of them have not been around that person to understand they are just like anyone else. With that being said, when people who were originally racist, once they realize they have similarities with the opposite race they realize they are more …show more content…
Being discriminated against is something that no one should have to go through. It is sad to know that there are people out there who are prejudice against others who cannot help the way they are. When people are judged and told they are wrong for being who they are it can have a bad effect on them. They are likely to have low self-esteem and blame themselves or others for the way they are. Although this is an outcome I do believe that being discriminated again could make the bond between you are your community stronger. I have started watching a show on Netflix called “Switched at Birth” it is a show about two babies who were switched at birth, they find out when they are teenagers and move in together to get to know their other families. One of the daughters was sick when she was a toddler and became deaf as a result, because of this you are able to see the deaf community that she grew up in and how they view themselves. In this show they are not broken, or depressed because they have to sign. Instead they are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing community, they show that it is true that you do not miss what you have never experienced. At one point during the show their school Carlton opens for not only for Deaf students but hearing as well. Within the first couple of weeks you can see the difference in how happy the Deaf students were