What did you think of the movie "through deaf eyes" last night on PBS?

Question

I thought it was very good. But why didn't it show the negative side to cochlear implants? Kind of ironic the generation who hated going "oral" so much, didn't have anything bad to say about the children who's parents give them cohclear (sp?) implants so that their children could go "oral" as well! I wished the movie had represented the dissent on this topic.

Answer 1

Many Deaf/deaf/hard of hearing people don't really have a problem with cochlear implant technology. What they DO have a problem with are the professionals who tell parents that this technology will "fix" their children. The documentary isn't meant to show a lot of controversy, rather, it is meant to bring perspective to people who may not have had exposure to this group of individuals before!

Answer 2

I find your question very interesting. I am an oral teacher of the deaf, and while I didn't watch the program, this morning my email inbox was full of mail from other oral deaf teachers regarding how one sided the program was towards Deaf culture, in contrast to what you're saying. They felt that it didn't give enough information on oral deaf education. As for your comment on the 'negative side' of cochlear implants, there really isn't one. Yes, there is definitely a controversy regarding getting this technology, but asking to see the 'negative side' of it is like asking to see the 'negative side' of having a cell phone, or a car Having these things are so common, that it's not really discussed. Sometimes technology fails, and sometimes a person isn't compatible with the technology, but there isn't a high incidence of this. If you would like to see more about the actual controversy of people who are deaf getting a CI, then check out Sound and Fury. Make sure you see the sequel too. It might answer your question of why the generation who hated being oral might not necessarily feel that way regarding this newer technology for their children.