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Would you rather have no hearing or no legs?
- Thread starter Gaith
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Nowhere Man
Commodore
So we are to never have discussions on a subject or ask questions because it may be offensive? If that were the case we'd still be living in caves no human progress would ever be made. I can't ask whether you would like to be an indentured servant with a promise of freedom or a slave with no hope for freedom? Both are pretty bad and I've never been either, but I can make an educated guess as to which one I'd like better. If nobody asked these questions then the human condition would be static. Look at Trek, they ask those questions all the time. Which would you rather have, two worlds at war with destruction and death or gave a computer decide who dies? You get into a machine that vaporizes you, but no destruction. Sorry if I offended you, let's not talk about now. Sorry that's not realistic. Even though we haven't experienced things, doesn't mean we can't make an informed decision. I've never had a baby, but I can say that I wouldnt want to squeeze a watermelon out of my ass. The great thing about forums is if you don't like a topic, you don't have to reply to them. Please allow others who do wish to reply, do so.
My questions aren't captioned? That doesn't make sense.^I wouldn't know. It's not captioned.
You're not the only person here. But if you are interested in the lyrics, here's a link.
Of course it is worse to have disabilities. That's why they call them disabilities. It is disrespectful and rude to imply that people who spend their whole lives living with the inconveniences and overcoming the challenges of having a disability are not doing anything special. And, rather than being disrespectful and rude, the questions that this Thread raises are more likely to make the average person more appreciative of the accomplishments of the handicapped. It boggles my mind that a discussion such as this could in any way be considered inappropriate-- I'm reminded of Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs, where the word "cancer" could only be spoken in a whisper. I would like to think we've moved beyond that. How can it be rude and insulting to ask a question that intrinsically empathizes with someone? As a member of the Human race, when I see a blind person, I feel sorry for them, admire them and wonder how I would deal with it if it happened to me; anything less than that is the worst kind of political correctness.
Well said and seconded macloudt.
I worked in the cafe of a gym that had a wheelchair user. He was training for the Paralypmic games, building up his arm muscles, but when he was in the gym many other users would just look the other way when he couldn't reach the equipment.
He would come in the cafe after and say "I just can't reach it, if only someone would have pulled it down for me".
Is it embarrassement? For whom? Yourself or the guy that just cannot reach up for the weights?
We held a fundraiser for him and got enough money for a lightweight wheelchair for him to compete in.
I hope, in some small way, that helped others understand that he was a committed athlete, like them.
Maybe it's just me, but i don't see this as being a tasteless question. It is somewhat thought provoking and totally hypothetical...i mean, he's just asking which would you rather be, not which would you rather fuck? That would be tasteless.
I taught American Sign Language for many years. When working for my degree, ALL of my teachers were Deaf. Not a single one thought they were handicapped, nor did any think they had anything wrong with them. They were proud of their Deafness and were proud of their community. Of course, i am talking about deaf vs. Deaf.
Anyway, this question reminded me of when i was a kid....we'd ask each other these types of questions all the time. "Would you rather be blind or deaf?" "Would you rather lose your arms or legs?" It would spur hours of conversation. We probably did more critical thinking when discussing these types of questions than when we were in school.
Anyway, i read all the answers here and found them all very interesting. At first thought i answered 'my hearing'. But after giving it a LOT more thought...i think, i'd rather lose my legs. I really really really treasure music so very much. I can't imagine life without it. As for my legs....they give me so much pain anyway...it might be a blessing.
*(Now i am knocking wood that this should never happen).
I'm going 'lose hearing'. Because as you say Randi, I don't see being deaf as a 'handicap'. I know basic sign language and can take in enough from body language to know when someone is laughing or cross or whatever.
Anyway ~ my legs are too gorgeous to give up
I suspect loss of mobility would be easier to accommodate in my current job than loss of hearing, though realistically I expect I would still end up taking a different position in my company than the one I currently have, because I'm not sure that reasonable accommodations would be possible. They definitely would not be if I lost my hearing given that being able to participate in conference calls and take phone calls is an essential job function.
Realistically, though, I suspect that in the case of hearing loss, I would take a leave of absence and get a cochlear implant. Given that I was born with hearing, that would be restoring part of what I am already used to. I do believe I could live without hearing, but that's probably the course of action I would take. Under either circumstance (whether or not a CI would work on me), I do think I would take great pleasure in taking ASL courses. Loving languages as much as I do, this would give me a challenge to take on during the adapting phase that would give me a sense of purpose. Especially since I would be missing music so badly (yes, there are other ways I could perceive it but I am synesthetic, so what I hear also results in visual stimuli as feeling it would not), giving me something NEW would be very meaningful, since even more than music, language is my greatest love. My thoughts are typically in writing, though, so while I would miss voices, I would not be missing out on reading, or on the opportunity to learn sign (and actually HAVE to practice and spend the time on it, which my lazy self cannot seem to manage at this time between other activities ).
If I lost my legs, I am sure it would be possible to adapt to that. I already happen to live in a one-story house that was made with fairly wide doors. This is in part because my neighborhood attracts a lot of senior citizens, so this was already a consideration in the architecture of the houses. No need to move--the house could be fitted with necessary devices without too much trouble. A definite remodeling job would be needed to get work spaces at the proper level and to make the bathroom usable, but that's all. Not so sure about driving. I could get a car with hand controls, but knowing my pathetic hand-eye coordination, I'm not 100% sure I'd ever get qualified.
As a job in both circumstances I would probably (assuming I couldn't find work in my company) take on something writing-related as a full-time job, be that editing or some sort of work-for-hire (freelance journalism, technical writing, etc.). If I took some refresher courses in Spanish (something I may do anyway once I get into a job that does not require travel), translation work would also be an option. And I see no reason why, assuming I was given written assignments and could do most work via e-mail (though of course relay services exist for the occasional phone call), that I could not be a translator if I were deaf.
Basically, I think I could be happy under both circumstances, though no doubt there would be challenges and difficult emotional periods. Flip a coin--I'll adapt to the result.
Realistically, though, I suspect that in the case of hearing loss, I would take a leave of absence and get a cochlear implant. Given that I was born with hearing, that would be restoring part of what I am already used to. I do believe I could live without hearing, but that's probably the course of action I would take. Under either circumstance (whether or not a CI would work on me), I do think I would take great pleasure in taking ASL courses. Loving languages as much as I do, this would give me a challenge to take on during the adapting phase that would give me a sense of purpose. Especially since I would be missing music so badly (yes, there are other ways I could perceive it but I am synesthetic, so what I hear also results in visual stimuli as feeling it would not), giving me something NEW would be very meaningful, since even more than music, language is my greatest love. My thoughts are typically in writing, though, so while I would miss voices, I would not be missing out on reading, or on the opportunity to learn sign (and actually HAVE to practice and spend the time on it, which my lazy self cannot seem to manage at this time between other activities
).If I lost my legs, I am sure it would be possible to adapt to that. I already happen to live in a one-story house that was made with fairly wide doors. This is in part because my neighborhood attracts a lot of senior citizens, so this was already a consideration in the architecture of the houses. No need to move--the house could be fitted with necessary devices without too much trouble. A definite remodeling job would be needed to get work spaces at the proper level and to make the bathroom usable, but that's all. Not so sure about driving. I could get a car with hand controls, but knowing my pathetic hand-eye coordination, I'm not 100% sure I'd ever get qualified.
As a job in both circumstances I would probably (assuming I couldn't find work in my company) take on something writing-related as a full-time job, be that editing or some sort of work-for-hire (freelance journalism, technical writing, etc.). If I took some refresher courses in Spanish (something I may do anyway once I get into a job that does not require travel), translation work would also be an option. And I see no reason why, assuming I was given written assignments and could do most work via e-mail (though of course relay services exist for the occasional phone call), that I could not be a translator if I were deaf.
Basically, I think I could be happy under both circumstances, though no doubt there would be challenges and difficult emotional periods. Flip a coin--I'll adapt to the result.
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I'm thinking about starting a similar thread: "Would you rather have no brain or no penis?"
Of course, for women, the answer is a no-brainer.
Of course, for women, the answer is a no-brainer.
To you Nerys or anyone else for that matter: If you have even the slightest interest in ASL (or BSL, or whatever is used in your country) GO for it! Learning sign language is really FUN. ASL (and the others) are beautiful expressive languages and taking classes is something i highly recommend. It will open up a whole new world for you!
My questions aren't captioned? That doesn't make sense.^I wouldn't know. It's not captioned.
The video is not captioned. I had no trouble understanding that.
Wow...um...wow. Especially considering you were addressing him directly, and he was the main party you were addressing, that's something I would never, ever have dreamed of saying.
I don't see how the video was supposed to work without the lyrics in the first place, since the lyrics are usually part of the point of a song. (Even fluffy lyrics...well...convey the point of fluff, so shouldn't they be accessible?)
And this may just be my own personal preference, but even though I can hear, I do not do well with deciphering lyrics until I see them in front of me. That's why when I share a video, I either find one that has lyrics in the description or video itself, or provide the lyrics...I myself just could not make do otherwise, unless the vocalist is VERY clear in what he/she sings.
So often, people without disabilities can also benefit from accommodations like closed captions, ramps, etc.
Take a couple examples I have encountered in my job. At my last job, there were no curb cuts for wheelchair access. Not only was this a royal pain in the ass for anyone who needed a wheelchair, but people did shipping in that shopping complex. You try lugging heavy boxes where you can't see your feet, and go up the curb. Honestly, it's a wonder we didn't have more injuries.
In my current job I travel from location to location a lot, and have to carry a rolling bag with me. I very much appreciate places with alternatives to stairs because I don't have to stop, put in the handle of my bag, and drag the damn heavy thing up and down the stairs when...let's be honest...my balance SUCKS. And I truly mean SUCKS, as in, if I even take my eyes off my feet when going down stairs or try to go fast, or not hold on to the rail, I will trip and fall down them.
The point: basically, you might benefit more people than just a small subset, when providing accommodations.
Once I am no longer required to travel so frequently (meaning I would miss classes), that is something I would enjoy.
Provided that someone was very, VERY patient with me. As I alluded to in my post just a few minutes ago, my coordination is crap even when I know what I need to do. So, I would need someone very gentle and encouraging to help me. But with that, I think I could learn.
I may be misunderstanding....but i think Finn said his girlfriend is hard of hearing, not he himself.
Once I am no longer required to travel so frequently (meaning I would miss classes), that is something I would enjoy.
Provided that someone was very, VERY patient with me. As I alluded to in my post just a few minutes ago, my coordination is crap even when I know what I need to do. So, I would need someone very gentle and encouraging to help me. But with that, I think I could learn.
I wish we lived near each other. Although it's been 10 years or so since i taught (and ASL is one of those "use it or lose it" things), i'd jump at the chance to teach you. I LOVED teaching ASL. It is so much fun. And there is so much that makes SENSE about the majority of signs, that if you have a good teacher, it all comes very quickly to a student. That is the one thing about having a hearing teacher teach it as opposed to full immersion with a Deaf teacher teaching you. A hearing person can make the connections to a student easier than a Deaf teacher can. But, without a doubt, full immersion taught by a Deaf person is the best way to learn. It is their language after all. That said, i'd jump at the opportunity to teach you!
Finn is profoundly deaf. His girlfriend is hard of hearing.
Yes, Cardassia Prime is a long way away, isn't it?
My fanfic Cardassians have their own native sign languages, BTW. And in their culture, since all Cardassians are a bit hard-of-hearing by human standards (which would probably make them quite hard-of-hearing or even deaf by the standards of some species, given that human senses are usually not considered to be very acute in the Trekiverse), those sign languages, and the various dialects thereof, used by different communities, assume a more prominent place in their culture rather than being considered a province of a subset of the population.
Eventually, though, I would love to learn for real. I have tried to at least study the linguistic theory so that I am not talking out of my butt about it, but real experience would be helpful. And neat for its own sake, too.
Although it's been 10 years or so since i taught (and ASL is one of those "use it or lose it" things), i'd jump at the chance to teach you. I LOVED teaching ASL. It is so much fun. And there is so much that makes SENSE about the majority of signs, that if you have a good teacher, it all comes very quickly to a student. That is the one thing about having a hearing teacher teach it as opposed to full immersion with a Deaf teacher teaching you. A hearing person can make the connections to a student easier than a Deaf teacher can. But, without a doubt, full immersion taught by a Deaf person is the best way to learn. It is their language after all. That said, i'd jump at the opportunity to teach you!
I imagine there are benefits and drawbacks both ways. I have heard that you are forced to learn faster if you aren't allowed to use your voice. Learning theory and grammar would probably take longer that way, though, until you reached more advanced levels.
At least, that's what I would assume.
He did say that his fiancee is hard of hearing, but Finn himself is deaf and he has also mentioned this on a number of occasions.
Ah, i did not know that! Thank you for clearing that up for me. I don't know how i've missed that in the past!
I'd rather lose my hearing than my legs. I could cope with it better than not having body parts. That's just too freaky and I couldn't deal with it because a part of me would be literally missing.
My son would disagree. He was born with moderate cerebral palsy. One day I asked him if he was offered a cure for cerebral palsy would he take it. He said "No' adding that cerebral palsy had helped make him who he is. He also mentioned that if he didn't have cerebral palsy he would have to leave his current job which is at an assisted employment printing firm. He also once mentioned to a doctor that he was OK with CP because it meant that if there was a war he couldn't be drafted. But the biggest advantage he reckons is that as a child and teenager he didn't have the pressure of competition that other kids had (especially at sport but in other areas to).
After my son told me this I read a newspaper article about son profoundly deaf parents who were refusing to let their also profoundly deaf son have a cochlear. The reason for this was that they wanted their son to feel he belonged to the large deaf community that this couple belonged to. They thought that a hearing boy living in that deaf community would find it much harder to cope with than being deaf.
I started a thread about this couple and most people thought that the boy should be taken from his parents and given the cochlear implant. In fact, most people thought that the parents were abusive but I tried to understand it from their points of view just like I tried, and succeeded, to see my son's point of view.
The point: basically, you might benefit more people than just a small subset, when providing accommodations.
Very true.
A lot of disabilities are created by inaccessibility and not accommodating physical spaces. My daughter's best friend has achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism) and their secondary school had one of the science lab tables lowered so she can access the same equipment and do the same coursework as her classmates. Since the classroom is fully accessible to her there are no disability issues. It's different for my son as his condition means that he has sensory processing issues and cannot handle many social situations, which is why I stated earlier that I believe his quality of life isn't at the level of neurotypical kids (the outside world is a scary, confusing place for him), but when it comes to many disabilities understanding and accommodations can make a huge difference.
