Add the word "Audism" to the official dictionary.
Add the word "Audism" to the official dictionary.
The Issue
Racism, Ageism, Sexism, Heterosexism, Classism, anti-Semitism, Ableism and etc., are all included in the dictionary. These 'isms' are all forms of oppression and discrimination people face daily and these terms should be defined so that we may educate ourselves on these various forms of oppression. We cannot fight oppression if there is no dialogue created to do so. Audism was coined in 1975 by Tom Humphries to describe the oppression of peoples who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing/deafened and etc. by a hearing majority. To favour a group of individuals based on the capacity to hear is a continuing issue all over the world!
In North America, both the United States and Canada have laws which dictate the rights of persons and prohibit discrimination (Americans with Disabilities Act, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, respectively). However, on a daily basis the Deaf are being discriminated against when society refuses to accommodate the Deaf Community by ensuring the provision of ASL and LSQ interpreters.
By including the term ‘Audism’ in a renowned dictionary, we will open a forum to discuss the discrimination that the Deaf Community faces because they are a language minority – and this is a step (albeit small) in the right direction. It will raise awareness about oppression and discrimination that still occurs on a daily basis, and has been for more than 200 years. The American Heritage Dictionary is the first and only dictionary to contain the word Audism. It is time for Merriam Webster to follow suit. If we cannot hold a dialogue about this oppression, how can we begin to fight back against it? Make laws against it? Each year the Deaf attempt to have this term added to the dictionary, and each year they are denied access – because they are Deaf? That’s audism!
People will not listen to you if you are not white, male, able-bodied, and the list goes on. As hearing individuals, who are privileged to be a part of the Deaf World we are taking a stand against this oppression - will you join us?
DavidDeafEnnis. (Artist). (2014). Audism is Wrong Poster [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.zazzle.ca/gallaudet posters
Written by Morgan O'Connor & Rogue Benjamin. Edited by Megan Youngs.
The Issue
Racism, Ageism, Sexism, Heterosexism, Classism, anti-Semitism, Ableism and etc., are all included in the dictionary. These 'isms' are all forms of oppression and discrimination people face daily and these terms should be defined so that we may educate ourselves on these various forms of oppression. We cannot fight oppression if there is no dialogue created to do so. Audism was coined in 1975 by Tom Humphries to describe the oppression of peoples who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing/deafened and etc. by a hearing majority. To favour a group of individuals based on the capacity to hear is a continuing issue all over the world!
In North America, both the United States and Canada have laws which dictate the rights of persons and prohibit discrimination (Americans with Disabilities Act, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, respectively). However, on a daily basis the Deaf are being discriminated against when society refuses to accommodate the Deaf Community by ensuring the provision of ASL and LSQ interpreters.
By including the term ‘Audism’ in a renowned dictionary, we will open a forum to discuss the discrimination that the Deaf Community faces because they are a language minority – and this is a step (albeit small) in the right direction. It will raise awareness about oppression and discrimination that still occurs on a daily basis, and has been for more than 200 years. The American Heritage Dictionary is the first and only dictionary to contain the word Audism. It is time for Merriam Webster to follow suit. If we cannot hold a dialogue about this oppression, how can we begin to fight back against it? Make laws against it? Each year the Deaf attempt to have this term added to the dictionary, and each year they are denied access – because they are Deaf? That’s audism!
People will not listen to you if you are not white, male, able-bodied, and the list goes on. As hearing individuals, who are privileged to be a part of the Deaf World we are taking a stand against this oppression - will you join us?
DavidDeafEnnis. (Artist). (2014). Audism is Wrong Poster [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.zazzle.ca/gallaudet posters
Written by Morgan O'Connor & Rogue Benjamin. Edited by Megan Youngs.
Petition Closed
Share this petition
The Decision Makers
Petition created on March 18, 2014