Public Relations War on DVTV
The ongoing saga on DeafVideo.TV is a convoluted tale, beginning with AFA’s inception in early March, prompting Barry Sewell to accuse AFA of being an extension of DBC, which has been denied by both organizations.
This led to CherylfromMA and InsaneMisha, two prominent vloggers/commenters and strong supporters of Barry, to gradually over time, question his motives when it came to AFA and DBC. Barry’s comments increasingly turned personal and it was clear to observers that he was deliberately pushing people’s buttons to incite a reaction. CherylfromMA and InsaneMisha’s break from Barry, however, was not apparent until they attended the AFA rally against AG Bell on April 3, 2009, sending shock waves through the vlogosphere.
Afterwards, the lurkers, commenters and vloggers witnessed a vicious, tragic deterioration of Barry’s friendship with the two, particularly with CherylfromMA. One of the most stark examples of this rift is Cheryl’s video comment calling Barry a controller and a destroyer.
Despite this loss of support and friendship, Barry continued his ‘questioning’ of AFA and thier supporters, ultimately leading to more of the Signing Circle supporters to withdraw from him. Not surprisingly, AFA celebrated the defection of CherylfromMA, InsaneMisha and the others, which only led to Barry being further incited against the organization.
At this point, it seemed that AFA was winning the public relations battle on DVTV, due to Barry’s rapid loss of supporters and mass defections to AFA. Things took a twist however, when Cobi, Barry’s son created a vlog mocking AFA by using the Aflac duck commercials. That vlog can be found here.
At first, people thought it was Barry who created the vlog, but when it was revealed that it was actually his son, people were outraged. They could not believe that a fourteen year old would do this, solely on his own, as Cobi and Barry claimed. Many also viewed this as a perfect example of how prejudice comes into existence.
People at first engaged Cobi in a dialogue, particularly Ella Mae Lentz. However, this turned heated, when some of the commenters began telling Cobi that his father needed to grow up, that they found his family disgusting and so on, for allowing him to do this. One commenter even stated to Cobi that controlling parents can lead bright and mature children to kill them.
This led to some other commenters to call for a halt to this, since they felt this was bullying Cobi. The comments targeting Cobi slowly reduced after that, and Barry and Cobi remained steadfast, refusing to apologize or take down the vlog. This in turn, led to Aidan Mack creating a vlog discussing brainwashing, and in that vlog, she accused Barry of brainwashing his female followers. That vlog was then removed by Tayler, and Aidan uploaded the same vlog, only with the accusation against Barry edited out.
Aidan went on to accuse Tayler of censorship, prompting him to make this vlog, pointing out that only .09% of the vlogs, have been removed. Less than a half percent.
As things stand right now, the dispute between Barry and AFA continues with both sides pressuring Tayler to keep Aidan’s brainwashing vlog up, or to remove it. Tayler made another vlog here, discussing the pressuring emails.
Not only that, but Barry’s relentless questioning of AFA and DBC has led to public acknowledgment by Ella Mae Lentz and others that they do consider cochlear implants to be audistic. There’s a private sentiment amongst observers that this has turned into a televised Roman amphitheater, and I share that sentiment. However, I would not be surprised if someday, years from now, historians or anthropologists pieced together this saga into a documentary. On the surface, it might seem merely like a sordid public display of friendships being torn apart and personal vendettas and grievances…
But upon closer examination, one does realize that the current saga provides an unique insight into Deaf culture, deaf identity politics, audism and most of all, into the human psyche.
137 Comments
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Insane Misha said,
May 1, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Deaf Pundit….
Yes, everything in this blog you wrote is true. He doesn’t seem to accept the reasons that AFA isn’t really affiliated in DBC at all as I discovered in D.C. Yet, he continued to bash Cheryl and me. That left me feeling sickening and angry. He wouldn’t let up on Cheryl which is NOT fair. Even he allows his “groupies” to keep targeting her and others as well as me. Now that has died down slowly so far…..
However I’m none too pleased to see Cobi’s attitude toward me when I told him in rational way that his dad shouldn’t use his account to leave his comments and his dad should set up his own account in order to make the vlogs and comments. He said his dad is protesting DVTV until DVTV puts in a new version 2.0 which he’ll consider on setting up his own account. Well, I disagree because that caused more confusion and rift among people who assumed it was Barry’s to begin with because he uses that same account more often than Cobi does. I’ve contacted Tayler in regards of account issues. To this day, he still hasn’t responded at all, that bothers me.
Thanks for the blog, Deaf Pundit!
Insane Misha
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 1, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Hi Insane Misha
Hm. I personally have a hard time believing that AFA and DBC are two totally separate organizations. Many of the people leading DBC are also involved with leading AFA. So I do agree with Barry on that part that they are affiliated. BUT… I don’t find anything wrong with that. Many organizations are affiliated with each other.
And I don’t agree with Barry’s approach. His approach is totally inappropriate, in my opinion. I already complained about his approach in my blog post about asking him not to contact me again. It is obvious to me that he has a personal thing against Ella and others, and… that won’t get anyone anywhere.
I do think that though, everyone involved needs to step away from the computer and cool off. What’s happening on DVTV is very sad.
Robert Alfred Hawkins said,
May 1, 2009 at 6:03 pm
::: Chuckling ::: One way or other life goes on. I’ve always wanted a more unified front presenting Deaf, ASL and Bilingualism as a viable option in addition to others we must acknowledge civil liberties afforded human beings similarly concerned.
To use an analogy I use the Apple Macintosh Operating System and have for decades. I feel this is the best for me. Yet, I’m smart enough to acknowledge the existence of other hardware, software and operating systems as used by the massive majority of the U.S. and global populations. The deaf should be much smarter, not naive world beaters.
We should educate others while being solid on our track records. I’d love for deaf pupils deposited at the state-run schools for the deaf to have a fighting chance in much greater numbers for non-token admission to Ivy League and other respectable outfits. Hard numbers is what we need to see. I don’t want fabricated, misleading statistics. It has been a long time since first of pure ASL/Bi-Bi pupils (fully K-12 at same school) have came along. I want numbers.
I wonder why is it really necessary to form more organizations and compound confusion. I’m pressured to attend this and that rally. It’s as if I miss one I’m anti-whatever. Many not realize that back in 1988 the DPN movement was very large and the fact many were unemployed contributed to this. After the 18-year coma (Bridgette Bourne-Firl’s word: coma) more deaf are in work (despite the claim that 80% are unemployed) and can’t make it to rallies back in 2006. See my drift? This is why I find it naive that few tried to compare this and that across different eras and generations.
For a certain project of my own I surveyed numerous Deaf who’s solid in ASL pride like myself. Every one of them privately acknowledged they’re growing increasingly disillusioned with the seemingly constant albeit confusing “re-branding” efforts involving proponents of ASL and bilingualism.
Constant spats including that of the Unity for Gallaudet are making a cottage industry benefiting aggregators such as DR and its heavily grassroots DVTV sidekick. Rallies are benefiting lodging establishments, restaurants and what not but do these establishment give back to us? Why didn’t we receive support from the USPS like we did back in 1988. What gives?
I read and carefully studied Dr. Ladd’s book on Deafhood, Many (both grassroots and non-grassroots) ran around in circles rallying in excitement about Deafhood doesn’t even have a clue about what his noble work really comprises.
Seriously, I want educated advocacy, not bandwagon advocacy. Get on with the smart program, please.
While at it please see to it that the DBC be a stand-alone non-profit attaining 501 (c) (3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. I don’t live in California. I’m not a member of California Association of the Deaf and I can’t have any say in this situation involving CAD and the DBC. They have a huge precedent up theirs especially if ASL-CI proponents band together and come to the California Association of the Deaf asking for their assistance in a nationwide effort promoting ASL-CI.
::: Shaking my head :::
Insane Misha said,
May 1, 2009 at 6:10 pm
DP,
Actually, AFA is being run by the people from N.Y. while DBC is being run by the people from Bay Area, CA. Therefore, DBC and anyone else can be the members of AFA if they choose to while AFA and anyone else can be the members of DBC if they choose to. DBC endorses AFA, that’s all. DBC wasn’t AFA’s first choice to attend the rally, NAD was the first choice however NAD couldn’t make it due to conflict of schedule that they couldn’t cancel. That’s how I found out when I got there.
I agree that Barry’s approach is not very appropriate. He’d get more personal with Ella and Barb Digi rather than discussing on the pertaining issues. He should lay off of them and others as well at the same time he should discuss the issues without being so negative.
Insane Misha
Charles the Rogue said,
May 1, 2009 at 6:43 pm
My simple answer… We the Deaf Community ARE not RESPONSIBLE for Barry’s cause with DBC/ AFA. We need to support everyone’s cause over serious issues such as Deaf Rights and Audism. Barry need to handle with his OWN problems with DBC/ AFA, not us.
Sorry if I am too blunt and straightforward talker.
Cheers
Charles
Jacey said,
May 1, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Barry need to sniff on the ground back to the doghouse! Grin
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 1, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I have a feeling when this is all over, DBC, AFA, *and* Barry all will be in the doghouse.
Joseph Pietro Riolo said,
May 1, 2009 at 7:27 pm
It saddens me to witness immaturity, intolerance and misinformation that occurred at DeafVideo.TV once in a while. But, I should not be too judgmental for they are part of the process of becoming more mature over the long time. I will just keep my opinions about DeafVideo.TV to myself.
I would like to response to the comment made by Mr. Robert Alfred Hawkins who wanted to see the statistics on students who were in bilingual program. I offer the reference to the reports at http://caeber.gallaudet.edu/Center_for_ASLEnglish_Bilingual_Education_and_Research/CAEBER_Resources.html . If anyone wants to hear my one-sentence summary, the bilingual program seems to be extremely effective for the elementary grades (up to and including 8th grade) but it does not differ much from other approaches for high school grades. One person who I know personally and who specializes in activities relating to bilingual program explained to me the reason for the apparent paradox is that the vocabulary and knowledge explode greatly after 8th grade. The inclusion of ASL in the bilingual program is not sufficient to satisfy the huge demand of vocabulary and knowledge that is seen in the literacy works as used in the high school. Longitudinally speaking, the bilingual program does really help the deaf students break through the invisible ceiling of the so-called mean of 4th grade level in reading and writing. But, when it is compared with other approaches for the high school grades, the difference is statistically insignificant. In order for the ASL users to exceed other approaches, the bilingual program has to be supplemented by other approaches or activities that ironically do not necessitate ASL.
Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com
Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this post in the public domain.
Robert Alfred Hawkins said,
May 1, 2009 at 7:36 pm
JPR. Exactly. This is why I emphasized “HARD” numbers. By this I meant I’m okay with “SOFT” numbers but to press on the hearing-people dominated deaf education establishment we need “HARD” numbers including school-by-school. No bull here.
Dianrez said,
May 1, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Personalities and issues should never mix…no matter how much one might dislike or distrust a person, the issue at hand shouldn’t be buried that way. That is the weakness of DVTV, where the poor quality cams and annoyed responses easily confuse the communication.
Stay away from DVTV when it comes to issues. Keep it for socializing and trading stories that are part of Deaf Culture. When writing and thinking about issues, one tends to consider words more carefully and revise them before uploading it. Recommend it.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 1, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Dianrez,
You hit the nail on the head. It’s about the issues, the ideas… not the person. Hopefully the Deaf Community will realize that soon, so we can move forward.
Brian L. Mayes said,
May 1, 2009 at 8:04 pm
I concur with JPR and RAH… Like the Klingon said in the 5th movie, “Well…. I see we have a long way to go.”
ASLforLife said,
May 1, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Where is your vlog? Your post is really good and DVTV should be inclusive to your blog and vlog!
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 1, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Hey ASLforLife,
Well, people on DVTV already know what’s happening. I blogged this because not many here on DR know about it. That’s why.
Shelley said,
May 1, 2009 at 8:22 pm
DP is correct.
I haven’t gone to DVTV in a while, since Barry and Ella had that discussion, but then saw that Barry wasn’t sincere in mending fences all in that one string of video comments.
Thank you, DP, for summarizing the situation.
Dianrez, I think it is difficult to separate the personalities from the issues since the Deaf community is basically “small”. By that I meant a lot of the Deaf people know each other in real life, so it has become personal. That’s different from the mainstream where there are countless Hearing people, and they are basically strangers to each other, so it’s easier to separate personalities from the issues.
I’m not so sure the issue has to do with maturity or immaturity so much as the fact that vlogs are personal due to the ability of people to see each other’s faces, and interact directly to each other. That really adds a personal touch. In blogs it’s easier to separate personalities from the issues because we don’t interact directly with each other. We write to each other, true, but we don’t see each other’s faces. We only see the text, so it’s easier to focus on issues at hand.
With that said, I think it’s doing a disservice to DVTV to tell them to NOT discuss issues, since ASL is a language in which issues CAN be discussed, and I honestly think the issues SHOULD be discussed in ASL, rather than be limited to written English text. ASL vlogs ARE a form of text.
Sorry, DP, for going OFF topic.
Shel
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 1, 2009 at 8:27 pm
No worries, Shel. You’re not really going off topic.
White Ghost said,
May 1, 2009 at 8:44 pm
It’s something that I fully don’t understand that Cobi is a typical 14 years old kid who is allowed to watch TV-14 rating. Think about the Movie-rating on PG-13, TV-rating, video-rating and go on.
Cobi’s vlog is the example of satire which is the hardest form of the writing. For instance, either if we are hearing or deaf, Cobi’s vlog is the most difficult aspects. I am impressed that a 14 years old to use his brain to work on his satire. 14 years old! Pretty Impressive!
Since Cobi allowed his Dad to use his account, how would Jack’s Eye allow Darrell Roby to use his account? I don’t understand this whole thing at all.
I agree with JPR, RAH and Deaf Pundit on #7. But, I don’t think Barry will be in the doghouse. DBC needs to learn not to involve AFA against AG Bell. It’s all about the public relations in outside which will learn much more about the DBC and AFA.
Joseph Pietro Riolo said,
May 1, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Dianrez’s comment reminds me of the word that I learned long time ago. It is called “decontextualize”. The writing system (that is, the technology of writing system) enables writers to separate the issues from people by taking the issues outside of the context of people and put the issues on paper. That is, the writing system makes the process of decontextualization possible. This is why so much of the arguments on philosophies, laws, mathematics, logic and so on are easily made on the papers using the technology of writing system.
This is not to say that decontextualization is not possible with face-to-face communication or visual technologies involving humans or human-like objects but it takes some training and experience to do that.
Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com
Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this post in the public domain.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 1, 2009 at 9:29 pm
White Ghost,
Well, I dunno about that. Barry has turned off a LOT of people with his comments. He lost his friends. His supporters. So that says something.
JPR, it definitely takes practice for face-to-face communication decontextualization. I have a hard time with that myself. That’s why I prefer to write, however, if we all want to be able to move up to the next level, we do need to practice that, and become successful at it.
Brian L. Mayes said,
May 1, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Well, I don’t know… DVTV shows people their true colors.
It is sad actually. I don’t wanna be judgmental, but the way I see it is that a lot these people are so one track minded. “If you are not for this group, you are automatically against that group.” I don’t know, but I get really discouraged when one deaf belittles another deaf. There is no one group fits all. The deaf (which I am sorry to say, is not a community at all cuz of all the divisions) are nitpickers. They seem to always look for a word, sentence, expression or/and body language to start a fight about.
Everyone is a human being. It used to be that the box was around the mouth (you know the ASL sign for box around the mouth) then it moved to the ear then moved to the eyes or hands or whatever, but it should be around the whole person. There is just more to life than being deaf and the deaf politics. One’s life would be so much richer if they would just think outside of the deaf box.
It is not people agreeing to disagree, it is people pointing fingers. It is not people having an open mind and listening to people, but “OMG, he/she said…” Me, I listen to everyone wheather I like that person’s opinions or not and I get frustrated, yea, only cuz I don’t understand something. I am allowed to express my opinion, you don’t like it, fine, keep it to yourself or gently suggest otherwise. Everyone has something to say and the way they say it.
Family, like a community, have to tolerate each other. Just image how my wife, son or daughter would feel if I criticized everything they say? And I have to live with them 24/7. With three people who all have different opinions. It takes a lot of tolerates and love. And you know what, it is all absolutely, 100% worth it! I look forward to 40 – 50 more years of it.
Yep, we have a long way to go.
ASLforLife said,
May 1, 2009 at 10:01 pm
A Deaf Pundit,
Your blog is very very very important to DVTV vloggers to know about that. Sighs, they deserve to know about your post. Very interesting to watch this vlogger’s update news for Everyone from Jackeye’s vlog under “Wisconsin” from this video seesmic link: http://seesmic.com/v/e3tZjJU4Ot
Hope you will understand my point.. I understand and respect that you feel that the DeafRead bloggers to know about your post.. Well hope you will have a very good night!
White Ghost said,
May 1, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Brian M. –
I know it’s sad to know that others from outside will know all about many DVTV vloggers and its personal level. I do not want to be judgmental, too, however, it’s a true color that it’s deaf against deaf. Divide? Yes, it is. It’s a big picture, overall.
Remember this is a very small deaf community. It definitely will disappear in 10-20 years from now.
LaRonda said,
May 1, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Thanks for the summary. I have not been following and really had no idea these things had been going on. I have to say I’m glad in a way as I have no anxiety, nor do I take sides. I am a selective reader in the vblogosphere on purpose. It keeps me sane. I do appreciate your summary here though.
Thanks.
~ LaRonda
Carl Schroeder said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:00 am
I’m joining LaRonda in thanking you for a summary of what was going on among DBC, AFA and Barry Sewell. I must admit that I didn’t follow them and was having difficulties to understand Tayler’s vlogs about the whole thing. Like Diane said, we need not worry about taking things personally.
This type of media (DeafRead and DVTV) is novel. Although I have my own misgivings, I applaud the commitments the editors are displaying. Freedom of speech comes with responsibilities and editorial directions that I have yet to understand. For example, I prefer Newsweek over Time due to my Democratic conviction, and I like the Newsweek editors.
Carl
J.J. said,
May 2, 2009 at 5:37 am
Pundit,
Thanks for the summary.
I hope you’ll keep summarizing stuff in the future.
I do not have the time to watch everything on DVTV….I mostly follow DR because I can skim posts.
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 7:26 am
Forgot to tell you this…..
You may recall HarleyLady57, “To Supporters and enemies of AFA/DBC people here in DVTV”
http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/46099/
That was how it happened at the beginning…….I saw the whole thing.
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 8:02 am
Oooops! Amending to #26.
It applies to Cobi’s vlog, I recalled that CherylfromMA mentioned that DBC and AFA never bullied to anyone. That was where HarleyLady57 got upset and made her vlog. CherylfromMA apparently removed her video comment in Cobi’s vlog.
That was how it happened at the beginning in Cobi’s vlog.
Allen said,
May 2, 2009 at 8:27 am
Good post! I am glad truth is slowly coming out and that people are waking up. Barry has been very sneaky.
(deleted due to inappropriateness – libelous/slanderous comments will not be allowed here. Go to Ridor’s blog for that kind of thing, since he allows it.)
CherylfromMA and InsaneMisha spoke the truth.
Tayler definitely needs to BAN Barry. It will solve a lot of drama.
Joseph Pietro Riolo said,
May 2, 2009 at 8:34 am
I am sorry to do this but I need to speak out against labeling any parent as unfit without any hard, concrete, irrefutable evidences to support such extremely disgraceful label. I know how I would feel if someone labels me as unfit (I have children) without evidences.
Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com
Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this post in the public domain.
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 8:58 am
hi, white ghost, i didnt remove it….i left that comment somewhere but not under Cobi’s….don’t assume i removed it…See See, you butted in and assumed it!! digusting
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 9:02 am
and WG, FYI i didnt leave ANY video comments under Cobi’s…next time, be careful and best way is to stay out of it….you DON’T KNOW the WHOLE story.
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 9:05 am
CherylfromMA, #30 –
Thanks for making a confession that you left a comment somewhere else. Could you find a comment that you left in your files? HarleyLady57 knows that.
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 9:06 am
Thanks Allen
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 9:19 am
Allen….
Look, Amy did the right thing by telling the adults not to bully a child or teenager which I agree with her 100 percent. The reason why I agree with her is we understand from our standpoint when adults bully the children which is wrong on many levels. Use your common sense, please. It is NOT her job to tell Barry what to do with his own child however she did the right thing by telling the adults not to bully a child. It is Barry’s job and responsibility to monitor his children’s activities, therefore he neglected to do so regardless whether his child is mature enough to handle. Not Amy’s job. It is every parent’s job to monitor their children’s activities. I can see that because I’m a mom as well. Let me ask you a question. Are you a parent? If not, obviously you don’t know jack how to be a parent or use common sense how to handle the child. Yes, I agree that Barry needs to own up for allowing his child to make a vlog without showing the identity.
White Ghost,
Cheryl never leave her comment under Cobi’s vlog at all, zero but I did. As for your comment #26, that HarleyLady’s vlog that started the problems is NOT true because other vlog (I think) about AGBell denounced AFA by Barry which had been long removed started the spark right after Cheryl and I told everyone what we had seen at the rally before we were promptly bashed by Barry. That had gotten way out of hand that was removed eventually. Please get the facts straight before making some assumptions. Thanks.
Insane Misha
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 9:21 am
White Ghost,
I forgot to add one more thing. HarleyLady’s vlog started the second wave of fighting, FYI. Just make sure it’s clear. Thanks.
Anyway, speaking of HarleyLady, she shouldn’t have told us to get out of her vlog because it was PUBLIC for anyone to see and everyone has every right to leave the comments. If she doesn’t like it, she shouldn’t have to make her vlog in first place.
Insane Misha
deafmommy said,
May 2, 2009 at 9:51 am
hi.
thank you for the summary, it was well-written!
I have watched these vlogs with great interest and have some thoughts.
first of all, its interesting to see some commentors not getting the message. is it because they don’t really understand ASL, their reception skills are not as strong like their expressive skills are? when I first learned ASL, I was encouraged to take classes and I’m really thankful because it helped me to develop receptive ASL skills. another thing, one commentor said that some people with very strong ASL skills had bad attitudes and she felt comfortable with some people who signed in a very PSE way. I remember feeling that way when I first learned ASL, I felt intidamated when I was around these people and then later on, after taking ASL classes, I didn’t feel that way anymore. I wonder if this may be causing the division.
as for barry, I am trying to figure him out. he seems to be a very complex character. yet he comes from a long line of deaf family so he’s culturally deaf. then he’s very resistent with all of the issues with audism, DBC and AFA. he never really talks about himself and why he has those beliefs. is it because he just wants to draw attention to himself by being a controversial person or something else? as for him having his son involved, I’m sure he knew it would have created some controversy, yet he just thought his son could handle it. if I was in cobi’s shoes and I faced all the commentors, I would have had felt awful and maybe my perspective would have changed. I wonder if cobi’s perspective changed and how he felt afterwards. and how barry’s wife felt? I wouldn’t have been a happy mother if my husband did that to one of my children and I would have said a big no if he asked me. barry is someone who is very hard to be warm with, he doesn’t really want to open up, he wants to appear as if he is a strong person, but yet he enjoys talking in dvtv. perhaps someday, he will open up and listen and work together. some commentors have said that he is nursing his hurt over dbc and that he cannot let go of it so he’s very obsessed and keeps dragging it over and over. then he has those female admirers. I personally don’t quite find him handsome but what makes him appealing to some people? what did he do? his talks were charming? or what?
deafmommy said,
May 2, 2009 at 10:16 am
the reasons why I ask those questions is because he’s able to get people to follow him, if he agreed with the issues that we are facing, he would have made a good leader. he is someone who is capable of articulating things and appears very intelligent. yet he is pulling us down and acting as a crab so it s very unfortunate in a way.
some commentors have said that its audism at work and this is why we are experiencing some division over language barrier, people not believing that we do face oppression and all that….
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 10:23 am
InsaneMisha –
I have a question for you. Speaking of #35, would you let your 14 years old kid to make a *good* satire on an ex-President of Galluadet, Jane Fernandes or President Obama either way of the commerical in the vlog WITHOUT showing the identity? Whether if it’s a 14 years old kid or a parent to own the account, So what? Importantly, the kid and parent make an agreement to use a kid’s account and work together to make the vlog. I have seen LittleJackass to make many jokes in the DVTV. I want to tell you, Misha, that I don’t understand the whole thing at all.
Saturday Night Live (SNL) has approved the TV-14 rating that allows any 14 years old or above kids to watch it.
Assumption does not mean anything. Sorry if you think I made an assumption on Cheryl’s. Sorry. Unfortunately, the fact is that CherylfromMa has confessed that she left a video comment somewhere else. That was how I saw it. It is evidence that HarleyLady57 got the message from her, got upset and promptly made the vlog.
Charles the Rogue said,
May 2, 2009 at 10:28 am
Allen #28~
(Excessive bashing is not allowed, hence the deletion.)
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 10:52 am
White Ghost,
Cobi’s vlog didn’t bother me at all because I knew it’s just a satire. It’s no big deal. But I knew it was in poor taste though. HOWEVER the problem is the people assumed it was Barry’s to begin with before discovering the identity, hence the attacks started which was wrong. Actually it is really Cobi’s account to begin with which he rarely uses at the same time Barry uses his account to leave the comments. That caused more confusion. That is why I wanted EVERYONE to have an account of their own. I even told Cobi to tell his dad to set up his own account but with his attitude toward me he said Barry is protesting DVTV and rather waited for the new version 2.0 so he could set up his own account from there on. He shouldn’t have left any comment there under his child’s account. Either way he should set up his account right away or refrain himself from using his child’s account until the new version comes out. It is his responsibility to monitor his children’s activities to ensure their safety.
Insane Misha
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:23 am
Misha, #44 –
I understand your concern. It’s nice to see Cobi has shown his love for Dad. If Barry is now protesting for a particular reason, Cobi would like to help and let his Dad for using his account. If your kids love you and want to help you, would your kids let you to borrow some things?
It’s nice to see parents to teach kids to set an example to use help, share and be there for each other.
Charles the Rogue said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:24 am
I haven’t hut you or bite you lately as I met you and chat with you for the first time today… How interesting who you are… Thanks for exposing yourself in front of Deafreasd and Deafvideo viewers as you already made ASSUMPTION and JUDGMENT against me in wrong ways.
I’ll leave you alone. Cheers
Brian L. Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:31 am
Here we go again… Finger pointing and very defensive of self. WE MOST DEFINITELY HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO!
I’m going to state some facts:
CherylfromMA – what happened to you? You were so happy and friendly to everyone and then you go to the AFA rally and you are back, but so angry. Wow!! What happened? Did someone hurt you?
Insane Misha – no, the fighting started way before that when John Egbert called us deficit thinkers just to name one. He has yet to apologize. So, get YOUR facts straight.
Charles the Rogue – and DeafOIC among other is still a CYBERBULLY. He still tells people to leave and belittles them.
Now about Barry, why is everyone so obsessed with him? He has an opinion and he shares it. You have to learn to just listen and not get personal in what he says. I don’t always agree with what he says, but I still listen to him. Same goes with DBC their people along with AFA and NAD and all the millions of other organizations, I just listen and TRY hard not to get personal. We need to learn to sit back and listen. I watched all the videos with everyone fight this and that and many times I wanted to video bash, but I kept my cool. You all can to. We need to rise above this if we are going to grow.
There is a lot of anger and hatren going around. Is this healthy? Are going to grow as a community? Or are we going to be divided and fall? State of fact: in Rochester, NY, there are 32, count them 32, deaf organizations! Why? Simply cuz deaf can’t seem to get along with other deaf. It is sad. We tried one time in our church to get them all together to do some fund raising and there was a war. It hurt me enough to want make me cry. Is this going to continue? Are we doomed to fail? I really, really hope not.
I’m ready to join the community, are you?
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:35 am
Honestly, you think the kids would let the parents borrow things? Think again! I wonder if you’re a parent, are you?
My kids won’t let me use their accounts regardless. Would you access your children’s email accounts? I mean not little itty bitty children. More like pre-teen and teenager. Would your children let you snoop in their rooms? Would you let your children look into your purse without your permission? IT’S SAME DAMN THING! It is all about privacy! Use your common sense, please.
Misha
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:39 am
Brian….
Get your facts straight. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AFA! NOT DBC! WTF?!?
Cheryl is the same person as usual. She didn’t come back angry from the rally. GET THE FUCKING FACTS STRAIGHT! We came on and explained what we had seen at the rally without attacking ANYONE. All of sudden, Barry bashed both of us for no apparent reason. GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT!
Obviously you haven’t followed everything carefully. You kept jumping into the conclusions and made some assumptions.
Insane Misha
Charles the Rogue said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:45 am
Brian L. Mayes,
Nice to meet you.. You knew DeafOIC is NOT the only one cyberbullying in Deafread and Deafvideo
Am I cyberbullying?
Charles
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:47 am
Brain….
BTW, I’m aware of the facts the shit had started with DBC and John Egbert HOWEVER we’ve been discussing this problem about AFA only since Barry had bashed Cheryl and me that left us shocked and hurt and ANGRY. That’s why we become more angry every time Barry made things to get more personal against each individual which is wrong. He should have discussed on the issues without targeting a certain person to get more personal. That’s why I’m angry and disgusted.
Insane Misha
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:50 am
If your kids won’t let to use their accounts, then, respect their wishes. As for the email accounts, I have to monitor my youngest child’s email account because of the spams and scams. She does not know how to monitor them. As soon as my youngest child becomes older and become aware of the spams/scams, and they can eliminate them on their own. As a parent, I have to help and teach them.
As a parent, we have talked about the privacy issue with my kids. It’s our responsibility to teach our kids to respect ours and theirs.
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:54 am
Of course, monitoring the youngest children’s emails is still the right thing to go until they’re mature enough to handle those scams and spams. That’s what I did with mine when they were young at that time.
That’s the point about parents teaching the children about privacy issues, etc.
Insane Misha
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:02 pm
White Ghost and Brian Mayes…..i made a vlog for you two to see….it’s now uploading at youtube….thanks
Karen Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:04 pm
*sigh*
Everyone has his/her own version of truth. Sometimes I feel like DVTV is an elementary school’s playground… if I am not with them, it means I am against them. If I like anyone whom people love to hate, I am automatically clumped into the enemy camp, etc. It can be sad sometimes… when anyone fails to realize that it is OK to not agree all the time, and that it is also OK to agree all the time… either way.
I am not looking for fights… I just have respect for all, even the ones who despise me for reasons unknown to me , except that I don’t follow anyone ;o)
Enjoy spring, go out and smell flowers.
Take care.
Brian L. Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Insane Misha -
Thank you for listening, I think… First of all, my name is Brian, not Brain. That was exactly my point, we are taking things way too personal. So, please, calm down and just listen to what I say without getting so mad. I was just simply stating a fact, did I harm you? Of course not.
Was I talkiung about AFA? I was talking about everyone and every organization.
And Cheryl can speak for herself… No?
Charles the Rogue – LOL! No you aren’t. But I have to confess that sometimes, I get carried away. But hey, we are human and make mistakes. We learn from them, that is the question.
Now, back to Barry, why do you let one human being get under your skin? You can move beyond that. Seriously, you can. If it really bothers you, sit down with him and talk about it, he is more than willing to. But the choice is yours. You can resolve it or you can stay mad. Personally, I like you and your language a lot better when you are not mad. Your tone was really uncalled for and a waste of energy. Cuz I didn’t bite, I heard you yes, but I did bite.
deafmommy said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I’m not really sure if Cobi started this or not. Most kids at his age do not want anything to do with their parents, they want to disagree with their parents on anythng. It is a teenager phase where they are trying to separate themselves from the parents.
As for the other younger vloggers. they have their own account. We don’t see their parents overlapping their vlogs/accounts. So it was distressing to many of us when we found out that Barry was involved in Cobi’s vlog without even knowing it until Cobi admitted it.
When I was watching Cobi and his mother making comments, I could feel that Barry was behind the scene watching them. You know when people are being watched, they don’t sign very naturally and often look nervous.
We could be assuming a lot of things about Barry and his family because Barry doesn’t tell us much but with his body language and demeanor, it is easy to think that he controls his family and that he has a very strong mind with a lot of one sided opinions. Barry has the right to decide how he wants to raise his family, that is his business but sometimes one cannot help but feel concerned and perhaps sorry about his family . I hope my assumptions are wrong but I am just explaining my perspective and opinion.
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:16 pm
CherylFromMa–
I watched yours via youtube. I appreciate you for telling me about one of your files at Kevin aka bbqsony’s which is now missing. I guess some viewers used the flag to eliminate yours regardless. I could be wrong. Thanks for confessing it. I appreciate it.
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:24 pm
White Ghost, again, see see….you still assume it!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOO no one did flagged my video comment!!!!!!!!!!!!! wait til Tayler tells you!!!!…..all of our video comments were missing,,,,,,you didnt see the rest of comments about it…..pay attention & do ur homework…you sound like Barry…..a controller….
Shelley said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Cheryl,
Could you post a link for me to view your vlog on youtube if I may?
Shel
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Brian….
Sorry for misspelling because I typed in frustration, not angry. No, I’m not angry at you but I’m frustrated what you had said.
You did say the fighting started with DBC and John Egbert after I said the problems arise when Barry made several snide remarks and bashing both Cheryl and me, even though Cheryl was kept putting down non stop by Barry the most of time. That’s where I got frustrated the way you stated the “facts”.
You can see for yourself that Cheryl has already spoken up for herself via her vlog and here as well.
WG, confessing? What the hell does that mean? You sound like you make her lying in first place.
Deafmommy,
I agree with first two paragraphs. That’s how teenagers prefer to stay a long distance from their parents. That is very normal. I do have 17 year old son who wants “nothing” to do with me if he’s being seen with me in any places where his friends may be there. That is very common. I wouldn’t dream of doing anything stupid to my kids in front of their friends such as kiss on the cheek or hug in public. They would be mortified. Luckily two of my adults kids nowadays don’t mind hugging in public because they’re older and wiser. LOL
As for the last paragraphs, it’s hard to prove that Barry is behind the scenes coaching Cobi and Crystal. (Barry’s wife) We have no proof of that. Therefore we shouldn’t make any assumptions even though their body languages may indicate or not. But I don’t care anyway.
Yes, Jacey, Barry had removed most of his comments since yesterday. I don’t know why he did that. However I’m glad he removed his comments toward me with his reference toward me as “Mom of DVTV” which has gotten old after I didn’t mind for a while.
Insane Misha
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Shel, I’m not a computer whiz…i’m so sorry i do not know how to use link…can u see my vlog at DVTV?
Shel said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Cheryl,
Never mind. I asked while your vlog was still uploading at youtube. It finally showed up at DVTV. I went there.
Well said,Cheryl! Like Carl said…WOW.
Straight from the heart.
You made an excellent point about listening to ONE side rather than listening to the other side. Once you listened to the other side, you analyzed both sides.
You made an informed decision. KUDOS!
I haven’t made a video comment yet as I’m still on my PC computer, which isn’t completely conducive to video commenting, though I do have a webcam!
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Karen, i’m sorry & me, too i hate this fighting but unfortunely, it was White Ghost that started this then others followed,,,,like Brian….that’s HEARSAY, period…..i made a vlog because i’m so tired of this bullshits……now i mentioned WG and Brian, not you,….please do not discuss this more with me…..thanks…
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Shelley,
Since Cheryl is real technology illiterate, hence she doesn’t know how to copy and paste her YouTube url here. So I’m doing it for her.
Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrNyPQ0p-Y4&feature=channel_page
Insane Misha
Shelley said,
May 2, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Thanks, Misha.
I’m sorry that you went to all that trouble since I’ve already seen it.
While I’m here, I would like to tell you and Cheryl that I’m sorry you have been hurt by this individual all because you both went to the AFA rally, and came to your own conclusions. So, I do understand your anger.
To those who blame AFA for Misha and Cheryl’s change of positions, I would like to make it clear that it was not the AFA that made them angry, but what happened AFTERWARDS, with what this individual said about her, and twisting her words.
Cheryl and Misha, please correct me if I’m wrong.
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Shelley,
Hey, it’s no trouble. It’s easy to copy and paste without a sweat drip down my face, hahaha.
Yes, you’re correct that AFA hasn’t made me angry at all. It’s all about twisting our words around and putting the words in my mouth has me very angry and disgusted.
Insane Misha
brenster- said,
May 2, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Out of curiosity, I viewed CherylfromMA’s video that Karen Mayes believes that she was part of party addressed. I wanted to point out the misunderstanding.
Karen, Cheryl is right that she never directed her message toward YOU (Karen). The only thing that mentioned “KAREN MAYES” was about access to webcam for posting video comments. Cheryl said she doubted that WG and Brian Mayes would leave video comments under her vlog. She knows that Brian does have access to webcam since you have been using the webcam. Then she resumed to her point of the message TO WG and Brian Mayes.
It was very clear that it was a big misunderstanding. That’s one common tendency in DVTV where some viewers do not hold a true competence in receptive of ASL (I mean no offense to anyone, just a true observation), leading to misunderstandings. Instead of asking for clarifications, they posted vlogs or video comments accusing the others for saying things that were never said. More misunderstandings. Then things went out of hand. Then more battles of War on DVTV. I guess that would give DP more summaries to write about, ha.
Shelley said,
May 2, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Brenster,
I have the same take on this misunderstanding between Karen and Cheryl as you do.
DP, you most definitely have your work cut out as there is a GOOD number of summaries to discuss the misunderstandings on DVTV. Think you could get paid for that? ;-D
Shel
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 1:20 pm
LOL, Shelley….
I guess I have to send DP my monopoly money for her work cut out right here. *smirks*
Insane Misha
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 1:21 pm
brenster,
You got it all right! That’s exactly what Cheryl said in her vlog.
Karen, please watch the vlog very carefully before you jump into the conclusions. I don’t mean to offend you if you feel it is.
Insane Misha
Karen Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Hi,
Deaf Pundit… Cheryl and I vlogged to each other over DVTV and I am requesting that you removed my comment (#64) under your vlog, please.
Thanks.
Brian L. Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Cheryl -
Yea, wow!! You are really pissed at me. I asked a pretty harmless question. Really!
Let’s view it again: “what happened to you? You were so happy and friendly to everyone and then you go to the AFA rally and you are back, but so angry. Wow!! What happened? Did someone hurt you?”
Maybe I didn’t say it right, but it was all harmless… I didn’t say that AFA changed you, I said that you changed after you came back. If you look at your video comments for before and after, you can see a difference. I loved viewing your comments! Shit ya!
Then you get so pissed at me for being a “Barry follower”. I actually laughed! That was totally wrong and you know it. Go look for my name cuz you won’t find it. I don’t join organizations, period! Why? Ask me another day.
Now back to my question, “Did someone hurt you?” Obviously, someone did and that is why I asked cuz shit! Excuse me! But I cared about you! You were my cheerleader! Do I know what happened? No, I obviously don’t otherwise I would not be asking. Is that wrong?
Everyone misunderstands me, even my wife!
(This paragraph has been deleted for the reason that this has nothing to do with the blog post and only throws more fuel on the raging firestorm.)
anonymice said,
May 2, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Actually, Insane Misha….on the surface and by word of mouth, AFA may not appear to be affiliated with DBC. However, I can assure you that you were fooled. I can’t get into details here but, the fact is that Ruthie was already involved deeply with DBC since last summer and DBC needed to get back on good face with the deaf public. Without getting permission from the source, I can’t really get into much details. AFA and DBC is against the idea of cochlear implant. They may not have issues with the person that wears them, but, they do have issues about the technology itself. Yes, AFA and DBC are very closely intertwined much more so than anyone will ever know. Does it matter? No. Because it is obvious what their mission is via videos as we all have seen. Your suggestion with DCR is a good one and I hope you will include all spectrum of the deaf people and even if AFA supports your and your other supporters of DCR movement, you might want to be careful of allowing AFA to be a sub-entity due to their view of C.I. Maybe asking them not to bring personal bias on int DCR for one. Good luck with DCR movement, I actually do have a lot of faith in you.
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Cheryl –
I realized that it was all misunderstanding since your video comments are missing at Kevin’s. That was where it caused all stir-up since HarleyLady57’s vlog came up. It was not your fault, CherylFromMA. I wish Tayler could explain more what was going on with many comments that are missing at Kevin’s.
At this point, you made a vlog and explained more clearly. I am glad you did it.
What I am saying is that I appreciate you for making a confession what you commented in #30 that applies to your vlog. (talking about leaving a comment in Kevin’s vlog.) That’s the honesty.
Finally, I don’t appreciate you for calling me “you sound like Barry……a controller….” in #62.
Karen Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 2:58 pm
OK.
I am done for now. Wow, some drama… I really need to get my addiction to “Days of Our Lives” BACK ;o)
I am off for a hike now… to clear my head. DR is more educational for me, and DVTV is more personal… (my viewpoints.) Like I said before, DVTV is a place where one would have to be careful… full of mines (mines meaning misunderstanding, misinterpretations, etc.) and yet full of delightful waterfalls (learning about ASL, humor, etc.)
Take care ya’all.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Okay. I was gone all day at a meeting, and that’s why I turned off moderate so people could leave comments. I see things are out of control… so I will be going through each comment and deleting the inappropriate ones. The blog is now back under moderation.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Done.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:23 pm
White Ghost,
I would appreciate it if next time, you made more effort to word things more carefully. People are obviously misunderstanding each other, and your comments don’t help. So please, be more careful with your comments, okay?
Thanks.
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:25 pm
hello Brian & WG, yes you’re right, i shouldn’t have said that….i’m sorry….hope you forgive me….(brian, thanks for texting me at DVTV, a camSHY)
Brian L. Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:31 pm
“camSHY” LOL! That was funny! Not camSHY, just at work with no webcam… I have a deadline and I have the kids with me. Karen is out commuting with nature to heal her soul.
I will webcam tonight cuz I don’t like accusations that people assume of me.
Yes, I forgive you! *hug*
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:37 pm
It would be very nice to get paid for my blogging… you all willing to chip in?
Shel said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Brian,
There goes my opportunity to see what you look like. SHOOT!
I look forward to seeing your mug tonight.
Um… you mean Karen is COMMUNING with nature.. Not commuting… that would mean she’s working for Nature, INC. Does Nature, INC pay her well?
Shel
Shel said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Sorry. I gotta feed 5 kids. Can’t spare even a red penny.
Shel
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I’m still going through the comments, drmzz. Chill.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Brian’s comment to drmzz has been edited, so it is no longer there.
I think I am done with the comment clean up… Seriously, guys… *shakes her head*
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Brian, yayayaya!! oh wait,… did u really said that you will webcam??!!!?? wow!! oh yes!!!! come join!! thankssss and yup hugs too
Brian L. Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Shel –
LOL! You got me!! But then commuting is good too cuz they are paying well with the sunlight and natural flowers to heal the soul! Yea, I actually meant communing. Thanks for correcting me.
About the mug shot, LOL, yea, you can take a picture of it and use it as a dartboard!
I’ll be honest and say that I’m a little nervous to video myself. First time shudders and then it’ll be cake walk.
Thanks for putting a smile on my face!
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Oh Yes I forgive you, Cheryl.
First of all, I apologize that you thought I made an assumption about the videocomment you left at Cobi’s vlog. I was wrong. Actually, it was at Kevin’s. That was where you left there. When you mentioned that you left your comment at Kevin’s, I suddenly remembered that there are missing comments. Unfortunately, Tayler did not mention about this in his previous vlogs. I had to name you because I had to dig my homework recalling the issue right here. (relating to HarleyLady57’s vlog) I hope you understand my explanation. If you don’t understand, then, I will be more than happy to be patience to explain more.
I apologize if this causes stirring up.
Anyway, you can call me camSHY, too…..
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 4:09 pm
You reprimand me and then you put me a dunce cap!
Brian L. Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 4:14 pm
You are right and I’m sorry. My instincts went off to go protect my family.
Insane Misha said,
May 2, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Brian,
I’m sure you’ll do just fine in the video comment. Don’t be shy or self conscious! Look forward to see your mug! *readies her printer to print out that mug* LOL, kidding.
Insane Misha
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Cheryl,
If you missed my comment, please take a look at #73 whereas I amend upon yours.
Hug, WG
Brian L. Mayes said,
May 2, 2009 at 4:36 pm
These are the people that I love the most! You all! Can get mad, then say oops, then say I’m sorry, then say I forgive you, then hug! That is my definition of a friend and/or family!
Insane Misha – LOL! Yea, I might have to do it 10x before I finally post it!
I like WG’s personality too. She is such a cool person! Funny! Like to speak her mind! And can apologize and forgive! *hug*
Anyway, DP, thanks for letting us go thru this. I can tell you that I was pissed this morning, but now I’m happy. Keep up the good work! I know we can overcome this. I think it is all a matter of practice. How to get our message across. I’m still learning and now I’ll have to practice it on DVTV!
I like ecnarb approach the best, he is sensitive to what he says and still can get the message across! Awesome! And he did it again with EVA! Way to go, Brance.
MikeSZZ said,
May 2, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Thanks DP, I appreciate that. I’ve been in school the past three months; have nothing to do with this informative drama piece at all.
ASLforLife said,
May 2, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Hey DP!
I already left my video comment for you on nbr 103 (I think). Hope you will understand why I asked you to vlog… Hope you will have a very good day…
CherylfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 6:01 pm
WG, great….thanks!!!! hugs
Lisa C. said,
May 2, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Thank you for the summary. I haven’t watched the DVTV since Jan 18 and been drowned with school and homework.
ASLforLife said,
May 2, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Hey DP again… I left my vc nbr 118 on DVTV under Cheryl’s vlog… Thanks
White Ghost said,
May 2, 2009 at 7:27 pm
DP — Thanks.
Hey Brian M. — Gotta wear my pink claw to tickle onto your chin. Must give you a Canadian Blunt! (DP — Karen M. and he know what I am talking about!)
Gotta look up at google: Canadian Blunts
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 2, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Hey ASLforLife,
I replied to you over there. I think I am #128. I hope that clears up things for you.
ASLforLife said,
May 2, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Yep done with my vc for you too! Smile and thanks!!!!
Ann_C said,
May 2, 2009 at 8:26 pm
DP,
LOL, the hands fly so fast it makes me dizzy at times…which is why I don’t watch DVTV much. But I can see how things can get up close and personal when there are video comments within a small community. One commenter did mention about asking for clarifications first before jumping to conclusions about what someone signed, and I often wonder if some protocol of that kind can be practiced to avoid misunderstandings?
I guess some people’s emotions go first before their senses come around when it comes to communicating online. I realize that’s a hard thing to keep in check, as none of us have hindsight in the here-and-now, heh. We’re all different in many ways, but there is the community that calls all of us. EVA, ya know.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 2, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Ann_C,
Yeah. Things move SO quickly on DVTV, and people do sign rapidly sometimes.
It’s difficult for some, because when you see someone on video, and you’re commenting back and forth, you do develop a sense of friendship and intimacy. It’s different than writing back and forth. And everyone knows everyone… so it’s even more personal. Then you have this horrible disagreement… it’s heart wrenching.
I think that DVTV will have to institute its own unwritten code for clarification before blowing up in disagreements… it’s not something that Tayler can enforce, ya know? It’s the community that has to agree to do that. Hopefully they will…
And it’s definitely hard to keep your emotions in check sometimes, especially when you have baggage to deal with on top of stressful situations. :/
Hopefully we all have learned from this. I know I have.
CheryLfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 9:00 pm
hey WG, see comments #135, 136 & 137
CheryLfromMA said,
May 2, 2009 at 9:01 pm
WG, at DVTV of course
Candy said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Since I can’t video comment…Brian, WTG! whoo! I never had any kind of vision about what you looked like and Gremlin it’s not. hahaha that was funny. You’re a Brave, guy! Definitely agree with Cheryl about you and Karen being an adorable couple. So, I guess it’s a matter of time before everyone starts to show their face, heh. Definitely enjoyed watching some of the videos over at Cheryl’s page at DVTV.
I totally agree that regardless of differing views, I do believe that if we all actually met face to face, we’d discuss it heatedly, but, in no way would that make any one of us enemies with anyone! I think we actually witnessed that today, did we not?
Awesome.
ASLforLife said,
May 3, 2009 at 12:56 am
For White Ghost only!
I already left my vc number 175 under sweet Cheryl’s vlog for you, WG! OK?
Thank you for your time to read my short msg! Good night!
p said,
May 3, 2009 at 6:55 am
Deaf Pundit
i thank u for this entry – im coming here late in the game – was out of town
my quick scan of the comments and my memory of last summer in DR – DVTV and DR both fall pry to drama if certain individuals make issues about other individuals instead of the items on the table
So barry has made it clear since he surfaced that he totally disagrees with how DBC does things and that he has major issues with several key players in DBC
As soon as AFA announced itself Barry and others with saying that AFA was really just a remake of DBC – that DBC was dead and AFA was just a repackaged DBC and launched his attack against AFA since day one
there is overlap between DBC and AFA in terms of goals, membership, and approaches but the notion that DBC was dead was completely false and the notion that AFA was to replace DBC are false
DBC is:
an official organization
committed to bilingualism-biculturalism for Deaf babies and children
AFA is:
a network of individuals and groups
committed to ending audism
the denial of ASL rights to Deaf babies and children as Amy pointed out in her greatest irony video is a form of audism. That ASL / baby signs are ok for hearing babies of hearing parents shows the false notion that the ability to speak and hear is superior to being Deaf – if DEAF babies and children learn to sign they will not learn to speak (old deficit thinking) and hence the push to keep ASL away from Deaf babies and children
So DBC and AFA do share a major agenda item – making sure ASL is not denied to Deaf children as it is the only fully accessible language for a Deaf baby and child
AFA is also committed to ending audism in the work sphere. A great many Deaf people experience employment discrimination and we need to examine this much more indepth.
DR and DVTV have been INSTRUMENTAL for promoting social change and social justice – the unity for Gallaudet protest would have never flourished without DR
DBC was launched largely via DR
The campaign to remove Bell’s name from the dorm at NTID would have never been successful without putting the issue before the public via DR (was DVTV up and running then?)
AFA would not have any more than 30 people at AG Bell’s Volta Bureau on April 3, 2009 if not for DR and DVTV
So both tools are incredibly IMPORTANT
both tools put the power into the people’s hands
for the first time in history – Deaf folks are allowed to mass produce and share their thoughts POVs and positions on things
It is glorious to behold
at the same time there is the potential for things to run amok
for certain individuals to stir up the pot in very unkind and unloving ways
to cause trouble and twist for whatever purposes they may have
this is why i left DR last summer – not because i dont value free speech. i do
but because i dont like when we go cruel on each other
we have ALOT of really hard issues to tackle before us. we have alot of very difficult subjects to uncover – we cant get there if individuals try to drag us down and spread disinformation after disinformation
it is VERY VERY VERY hard for me to see us become mean
it is VERY VERY VERY hard for me to see bitterness contempt disdain etc
but i have seen it both in DR and DVTV – one is not better than the other
one is not less real than the other
for me personally the biggest difference when i leave a comment in DR vs DVTV is that it takes me on average 10 times before i will publish a comment in DVTV than the 1 / 2 times of re-reading before i click submit in text comments
and this just comes down to my language dominance
both forms from my wee survey of comments allow for hit and runs – with DR sometimes its worse because folks hide under anonymous and that is not possible in DVTV
i do love the hopeful message at the end of ur entry Deaf Pundit – ur point about later one when someone can stand back and analyze this whole event – wow what a treasure tove
discourses, processes, values, media, etc
again thank you
peace
patti
ASLforLife said,
May 3, 2009 at 7:34 am
Good morning, DP and some of our friends, Deafread bloggers did looked down on us DVTV members 3rd class?
Is that true from one vc number 154 under Cheryl’s vlog that we, the DVTV members are 3rd class? Go look at this nbr 154 vc link: http://seesmic.com/v/OjZnTt71QL
White Ghost said,
May 3, 2009 at 7:53 am
Cherylfrom MA,
Thanks for the compliment! I liked the way you tried to twist me into this!
Casper is my idol. I think we should give Brian M. a new nickname, Bizmo. It’s perfeccionar!
My sign is really a rusty. I love to write many jokes in the blogosphere. That’s my bag. I have several online friends outside in the blogosphere to crack up some jokes. That’s my personality.
InsaneMisha — You slapped my face, and then, all of a sudden, I got my wide eyes!
You did good, tho. Thanks, anyway.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 3, 2009 at 11:49 am
I would ignore that video comment. Many of us bloggers are concerned about what happened on DVTV, but things are now better. People said sorry to each other, and thought twice about this.
I personally don’t support DBC. And I’m on the fence about AFA. But I support their right to exist, and I will discuss with them about my concerns and questions, in a respectful way. That’s how progress is accomplished.
Keep talking to each other. Clear up the misunderstandings. Find out the *root cause* of all of this, and try to respect each other’s views.
I do see progress here… Don’t let one person stop this. So I wouldn’t worry about that video comment.
deb ann said,
May 3, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Deaf Pundit,
Yes, I agree that it’s getting so much better in DVTV.
Shel said,
May 3, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I’m uploading a DVTV vlog onto youtube right now. Hopefully it will show up on DVTV, in response to ASLforlife’s question.
Brian, I used your name… I hope you don’t mind.
There is also a special message for you.
DeafPundit, I agree that we shouldn’t let one person stop the clearing up of misunderstandings, nor communicatgion between DVTV and DeafRead folks.
I think your summary served more than the purpose you intended it for.
Shel
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 3, 2009 at 1:44 pm
*smiles* It’s always been one of my goals with this blog to create something positive from bad situations. So I’m glad to see it was accomplished for this one.
Shel said,
May 3, 2009 at 1:49 pm
By the way, DP,
WAY OFF THE TOPIC;
Obviously you’re using wordpress for your blog? I’m thinking of switching from using the format used by blogspot.com. I notice you have more flexibility with your format. How do I go about it?
Shel
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 3, 2009 at 2:02 pm
WordPress makes it really easy – just register with wordpress.com … and they do give you the option of transferring your blog to WordPress – your blogspot blog will still be up, but WP will take all of the posts and post it.
Anyway, once you’ve registered, just go through the settings and appearances options to customize your blog’s format. Keep in mind, each appearance will alter some options available. So that’s why I went with this style – it was the most attractive and had the options available for what I wanted with this blog.
WordPress definitely rocks.
Hope that helps a bit?
CheryLfromMA said,
May 3, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Hi WG, LoL…glad we solved nicely…so thanks and nice meeting you
CheryLfromMA said,
May 3, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Hi Candy, you, too–we want to see your face! lol…anyway, glad you enjoyed it
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Honest in all, DeafPundit, do we really, I mean, really care about the relationship/affiliation status of DBC and AFA?
Like Ella said, don’t focus on black dot on a white sheet of paper.
Barry, from day one, has been focusing on one little black dot and has been trying to make the little dot into bigger dot. His ability to use his son’s account to cause confusion and rift among the viewers are duly noted. People overreacted under the assumption that it was Barry, not Cobi, that produced the vlog in the first place.
The truth is that … the whole saga is ridiculous. And it is quite entertaining to watch Barry, DreamBigZ and HarleyGirl being cornered by us all.
R-
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Really? How come you felt like that?
But one vlogger, Luis, made a good question — if Barry is pro-CI, why don’t he borgize Cobi?
That’s pretty macabre and brutal question but you gotta love this!
R-
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Like it or not, DianRez, personality will, as always, mix with issues. Why? Because people are passionate about it. They simply cannot separate it — like Ella said, if you (or organizations) are unbiased, there will be red flags.
R-
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Personality and individuality are two different things. But what you said, I agreed.
One little problem — the DBC/AFA, Ella, Barb, CherylFromMA, Aidan, InsaneMisha, LChaim2007, you among many others are trying to move forward.
But who are holding them back? You know who.
R-
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:43 pm
That is true, I drastically reduced my time on DVTV because the majority of DVTV vlogs are full of crap. So … once in a while, my friends would VP or page to check a certain vlog on DVTV. That’s it.
DP, we do spar from time to time but this entry, you said it all yourself. Well done.
R-
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Brian, you wrote:
“There is no one group fits all. The deaf (which I am sorry to say, is not a community at all cuz of all the divisions) are nitpickers.”
I’m asking you this question — why do you think the Deaf community has all these divisions? Who instigated this? Certainly not Deaf people.
I recall Ella Mae Lentz telling an audience at NAD Conference in Palm Desert, California about the infamous crab theory. She said to look at the big picture — yes, the crabs pulling the other crabs in the pail. But first and foremost of all, *who* put the crabs in the pail?
THINK hard, Brian! You should get the answer and see the bigger picture — the discord among Deaf people can be traced to a certain group that drove the wedge in our lives for decades.
For a long time, I dismiss your comments as frivolous and baseless, whining allegations but this time, I gotta address it for once and for all.
R-
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:49 pm
10-20 years? LOL LOL LOL.
R-
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:50 pm
And your point is?
Again, look at the big picture, honey.
R-
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Again, again, what is the big deal about it?
R-
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 3, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Ridor,
If we really want to accomplish anything, we do need to separate the personality from the issues. Other minorities have recognized this, and that’s how it became possible for them to achieve victory.
As long we do NOT separate those two, we will continue to see the same mess repeated over and over again. It’s time we recognize this and do something about it.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 3, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Why are we allowing others to hold us back? I think we should look at that.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 3, 2009 at 4:01 pm
The problem between White Ghost and Cheryl has been solved.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 3, 2009 at 4:05 pm
AG Bell is going to do everything possible to discredit AFA. So it is important that AFA does everything right, in order to stay credible. So I think it’s only fair that the Deaf Community checks to make sure everything’s okay.
And I agree, Barry caused massive confusion which wasn’t necessary. But now, things seem to have improved. People recognized that there were misunderstandings and they clarified things.
I think that should be recognized and commended. Don’t you, Ridor?
ridor9th said,
May 3, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Great entry and comments as well!
Frankly, I never cared much for Barry’s thoughts and rants. What really distressed me the most is his ability to harass CherylFromMA in almost every vlog thread wherever CherylFromMA made a vlog — you’ll see Barry making a vlog appearance in his attempt to disparage Cheryl.
To me, it is like a jilted ex-lover of some sorts, you know? I think the viewers, vloggers and bloggers got fed up with Barry’s repeated attacks on CherylFromMA in many vlogs these days.
Such a drama to be part, is it?
R-
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 3, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Thank you, Ridor. And yes, it’s such a drama to be part of.
I think we also have to look at who’s talking about Barry too, ya know? Barry did do some things wrong, and I don’t like him… but that doesn’t mean he’s 100% wrong. And I think all of us sometimes go too far when we don’t like someone.
We need to step back and look at what’s really going on, and what’s being really said. I welcome comments here even from those who I don’t like… because they do give us some insights that we didn’t think of.
So let’s go easy on each other, ok?
IamMine said,
May 3, 2009 at 9:25 pm
*whistles* Oh wait… I can’t even whistle anymore. I used to but lost that skill… but still… wow.
The only reason why I’m here is because of the email subscription I got on this entry as I have been away for a long time and had no idea what was going on.
Thanks for filling me in and I’m glad to see things working out between some people here…and more love is all we need to shine on another human being!
Just heads up…I think it’s time to get rid of that username iammine and change it to just plain old Mel.
Gonna have to change the comments account over DVTV.
Anyway, thanks for the great summary, DP, and I second JJ that I hope you will do this again to keep everyone else in the loop! Great job on the entry and everyone else too…
See ya around the bend…
Mishka Zena said,
May 4, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Deaf Pundit, you summarized the issues at DVTV beautifully. The intense fighting between the warring groups was difficult to witness.
The new dialogue springing from this discussion and CM’s clarification vlog brings some hope that we all can put aside our differences and strive for better understanding of each other.
LChaim2007 said,
May 5, 2009 at 3:54 am
Dp… did you remove my comment?
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 5, 2009 at 11:57 am
I didn’t remove it. I did not approve it. This blog is under moderation, and you were bashing Barry way too much. I do not allow that on my blog.
LChaim2007 said,
May 5, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Then why you speak out against Barry on your own blog???? It does not make me sense. Therefore I had to express my own feeling and perspective on Barry to you on your own blog.. That is why but it is not fair to me that you did not approve me at same time as you speak out against barry.
A Deaf Pundit said,
May 5, 2009 at 1:17 pm
This blog was just a summary about what happened on DVTV between Barry and the others. It was not speaking out against Barry.
If you’re referring to my other blog post about me telling Barry not to contact me again – I didn’t do any name calling. I did not use inflammatory language. I stated the facts and showed evidence to prove it, and said I was angry about it.
Your comments were not like that.
LChaim2007 said,
May 5, 2009 at 4:04 pm
DP
Yes I saw your vlog/blog other days about Barry harrassed you etc… I totally be with you all the way. You are second after me because I did make vlog past October 2008 to Barry Sewell and realized that he did harassed, stalking and calling bad names to me. I was under control while I was under pressure from him. I decided to IGNORE him while he harassed me after I say CLOSED IT. He was extremely stubbornness and won’t listen my request for respecting my wish like you did ask for a respect and said no to him… I feel bad about you had hard time to go through.
I understand how you feel like me do!
LCHAIM