What do you think of the topic genocide and about Frontrunners?

 Joe Murray (USA)

I think Frontrunners is very good- by wearing the shirts and handing out flyers, you are educating others about genocide and raising awareness. You use the congress theme “Our Rights, Our Future” as a way to focus on the important problem we currently have. I hope that after the congress, you do not stop your activism and let this topic fade away. You have new ideas and like your shirt with the bowling ball, you can get things rolling and continue the fight!

Yerker Andersson (USA)

Historically, the world has viewed genocide as causing death. Now, we are using a different definition by the UN, one that is very powerful: forcibly transferring a group to another group. Now with people who use Cochlear Implants, this is happening. They are not allowed to use sign language and are forced into the mainstream- they basically disappear. That is 100% genocide.

Secondly, genocide can include mental harm. This is a huge problem for us. I have met many oral people who believe that they are fine and do not have any damage. We need more research to find how much truth there is to that. Data is needed to prove that genocide is happening in the Deaf community. We need to change the general belief that genocide only means death and destruction.

Ramadan Gashi (Kosovo)

I think it is very good. I am very happy to come here with many other Deaf people. I am learning from them and about different programs that we do not have in Kosovo. I will bring the information back to Kosovo and educate the Deaf community.

Euphrasia Mbewe (Zambia)

Yes, genocide does happen. Many Deaf people who grow up in the oral schools have lost so much. It is a big problem and I believe it is language genocide. We used to have an oral school but now sign language is accepted. More sign language is being used, but the changes have come too late. The people have problems with their mental development and with communicating. However, nowadays in Zambia, conditions are better and many Deaf people can sign and communicate comfortably.

Cuba & Bulgaria

(In Cuba) we use bilingualism. Sign language takes priority, with written language second and speech third. If Deaf people can sign well, they are able to learn reading. It goes together.

(In Bulgaria) we believe that speech should come first, sign language second and written language third. Speech and sign language needs to be connected and used together. As Deaf people, we are comfortable using sign language but we can’t interact with hearing people if we don’t use speech. We end up depending on interpreters all the time like we are attached to them. We need to be independent and function on our own without them.

 Lars-Åke Wikström (Sweden)

Genocide is a very strong word. It relates to the theory of genetic engineering and destroying the Deaf community. It is a very powerful word that can shock people and they may view it as extreme. I have worked with hearing people for many years and I know that they may view Frontrunners or using the word genocide as extremist. Personally, I accept the concept.

Helga Stevens (Belgium)

As a Deaf person, I support using the word genocide but like one person this morning questioned using this concept. Some view it as meaning destruction- for example for Jewish people in concentration camps. This is not happening to the Deaf community. But there is discussion that we can also identify genocide as having mental harm and having your identity destroyed. At the same time, we have to remember that genocide is a strong word and many people will not accept it. Parents will not accept that they are causing genocide upon their Deaf child. There are two different views and politically, we have to be careful about using this powerful and negative concept. I do understand how this concept is applied to Deaf people but it is very controversial. We do need a group that can cause such an impact and shock to people that they begin discussing the concept of genocide. We can then get politics involved (European Union of the Deaf, for example) to discuss and mediate about the issue. For example, people may view Frontrunners as extremists but we need people like you to pave the way for us. You grab everyone’s attention and have them listen so we can come from behind the scenes and discuss the issue.