SBG Debate at Gallaudet

I was at the Capitol Lounge when I learned about the debate between two teams that are running for President and Vice President. Curious about the debate, I paid the tab and sped off with a friend to arrive at the auditorium just on time at 7.

The candidates proceed to introduce themselves and explained their backgrounds. The first question, the second question... and the third question. Eventually, I found myself squirming around in the chair. My foot kept tapping against the floor impatiently. I was thinking what I would do later in the evening with others.

Quickly, I snapped back to the reality and realized I lost interest in the debate because most of the candidates were not trained on how to give a presentation.

One candidate for President kept looking down at the paper on the table. "I believe in meeting half way...(looks back to the table).. one contributes and we will meet them half way.. (looks back to the table)..."

Another candidate for President signed, "Ihavebeen (incoherent finger spelling) withstudentbodygovernmentsincemyfreshmanyearandIhavebeen (incoherent finger spelling) alsoIhavebeena (incoherent finger spelling)..."

Another candidate for VP wasn't too bad. One candidate for VP completely STOOD out. She knew how to hold our attention with her clear finger spelling and ASL throughout the whole debate.

That is when I realized, she does have the experience of being in the front of the audience as an interpreter. That is where she had the most advantage of winning voters.

As for the other three candidates, they desperately needed a Public Speaking class.

Thus the new thoughts in my head. For the SBG President and VP, among the criteria should include a strong skill in public speaking. After all, how is it possible for the candidates to run for the office if nobody is watching?

The ultimate question

What can we do to ensure the survival of our sign language?

Yes, there is a hope

I just read Berke's blog at

And the Deaf Community Shall Survive...

This soothed some concerns and fears I have within me. I love our language. Sign language is beautiful and it should be considered as a gift to the hearing community.

I may have been a bit pessimistic last night when I posted a blog about the end being closer than we all realize sometimes. I am aware that the Deaf children are getting CI everywhere in the world, and not only that, but the Deaf parents are doing the same for their children so they may have a "better future."

Indeed, this is THE turning point.

Now, we as the Deaf community, have to learn how to maneuver our tactics diplomatically to ensure the survival of our ASL.

We need a global coalition. We need to be in touch with every continents and fight against any bigotry. It is time for us to step up and fight for the Deaf children so they will not be lost forever.

The end is closer than we realize sometimes...

"One day in the future, there will be someone discovering artwork of Deaf people. They will be studying our once to be culture, studying it in schools and talking about how colonialism killed us, tragedy." Sojourner

This comment may be true. But... this environment is based on the survival of the fittest.

I am saddened. Fear stirs me. There is a chance that our beautiful language and culture will cease to exist anymore. There is a chance that the scientists and scholars will discuss our has beens and how we, the Deaf people, disappeared from the face of the earth.

Unfortunately, there are thousands of people who went through various types of genocides. Native Americans. Jews. Africans.

This Deaf generation just happens to be the group that can foresee and understand the realistic possibilities of the advanced technology.

It is a dog-eat-dog world.

After all, if you saw a cripple as she hobbled across a street, wouldn't you wish for a cure for her legs?

A step forward.

Hello, Hola, and Hallo!

I’m Elsie Ritchie. I am forever a nomad. I lived in seven different states in the United States of America. No matter what, Africa is where you will find me in a complete Nirvana. I know several languages varying from written to sign languages. Am I fluent? No, I am too restless to become fluent…yet. Right now, I can be found at München, Deutschland, signing Deutsche Gebärdensprache, and writing my perspectives in English.

I am fascinated with various cultures, customs, languages, and life itself. I am thinking about pursuing a career in Anthropology and this is a great step I can make towards publishing my book about Deaf people in the world.

Puss & Kram