Let me show you reality! « The Deaf Edge

Let me show you reality!

May 24, 2009 at 7:46 pm (Uncategorized)

[ASL Version]

Barbara DiGiovanni, who’s known as Barb DiGi, left a video comment (at the bottom of this blog post) over on DVTV that literally made my jaw drop open. It takes a lot to make that happen. I have absolutely no idea what brought this on, but I am appalled at this behavior.

Barb DiGi is a teacher at the Rochester School of the Deaf, and one of the core leaders of Deaf Bilingual Coalition [DBC]. If, and really it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when, one of her students sees this video comment she made, I wonder what she’ll do if the student decides to mimic her behavior? Because hey, if the teacher can do it, then why can’t students?

Are you frigging kidding me? If a student did what Barb DiGi did, even if s/he was off campus, and not during school hours, that student would be suspended so fast, nobody would know which way is up! Why are we holding our students to a higher standard of conduct than the teachers?

Not only that, but as a leader of a national organization like DBC, Barb DiGi is a public figure. She is a role model to literally thousands of people in the United States and abroad. One of the prices you pay as a public figure, is that there’s no downtime. She may not have made this video comment as a leader of DBC, but it doesn’t alter the fact that this does reflect on DBC, just like it does with the school she teaches at.

Imagine if Nancy Bloch, the CEO of NAD did this? Bobbie Beth Scoggins, the president of NAD? Robert Davila, president of Gallaudet University? Or, hell . . . Alexander T. Graham, the CEO of AG Bell?

Would the Deaf Community stand aside, and merely watch if Alexander T. Graham or the others did what Barb DiGi did?

I am absolutely disgusted and appalled. And I am ashamed to be part of a community that tolerates this kind of conduct. I wonder if her conduct fits the The New York Teachers’ Code of Ethics or the definition of moral character?

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING VIDEO IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK!

EDIT: Barb’s video comment has been taken down, due to the intense furor.

161 Comments

White Ghost said,

May 24, 2009 at 9:47 pm

You did right. I fist-smack you for doing this right. Integrity.

Barb is an adult and has some responsibilities to take care of. She knows that. The manner of being exposed in the online is a very serious issue. A school district has the right to protect students from being bad exposed. It’s their duty to protect students’ rights.
KUDOS to Deaf Pundit! said,

May 24, 2009 at 10:04 pm

Me too… I am disgusted with the general conduct on DeafVideo.TV, and these people think they can make any kind of video comments as a form of free expression (rolling my eyes here), and that is not true here.

Right now I am seeing people making video comments rationalizing and defending Barb’s behavior (Shaking my head in disbelief).

Look at these people, acting like monkeys, mocking at oral people, bullying behaviors, exhibiting mob mentality, individuals urinating or defecating, making racist and sexist remarks, and many more…

Barb can make any video comments as long she wanted, but the mooning part is highly inappropriate and it is considered as an indecent exposure. When a teacher drinks alcohol and uses drugs online, or commits a crime, they get reprimanded. Teachers are held to the highest standards and most especially, the Deaf community’s leaders are held to the highest standards too. So far, the DBC and AFA leaders does not upheld their highest standards of moral and ethical conduct at all.

I am disgusted about double standards too. They are hypocrites. They defend their own ‘kind’ no matter what cost, and they continue to encourage their followers to attack, demean, belittle, intimidate, bash, bully and beating their own ‘kind’ who happen to disagree with them. What is their problem? All of the talk about audism, and look what they are doing! Oppressing their own kind, with their irrational reasoning that they are fighting against horizontal oppression? Two wrongs does not make a right.

Double standards and hypocritical behaviors, indeed.

One commenter, Li-Li’s mom left a very powerful comment on DianRez’s blog not a long ago:

“What does impact our decisions are the role models we see: if the strongest proponents of a given route are angry, bitter, unhappy people who feel oppressed, I certainly don’t want my child to go that route. Take a look at the most outspoken blogs across deafread and see which are focused on their own satisfying or challenging experiences and seem empowered. Then look at which seem only to focus on attacking other people’s choices. Here’s an example: I was so excited to find one Deaf woman’s blog a year or 2 ago — wow! A powerful, exciting young woman doing anything she wants who could be a role model for my daughter. I thought, hmmmm: she sure doesn’t seem to be held back by deafness, in fact, she seems all the stronger for it and is more than “a deaf person” or “a hearing person”: she’s a filmmaker. But if you read her blog this past year: it’s not about who she is. It’s all about what she’s not, and all about attacking what others are. I see yet another example of a person so unhappy with her own situation that she’s attacking others. That’s what those who have nothing to do with CIs themselves, and yet insist on attacking it as an option look like to me.”

Supposely Li-Li’s Mom are looking for Deaf role models online, just like any other parents with newly diagnosed deaf infant, and they would discover that these “Empowered/Enlightened” Deafhood’ized people portraying themselves as angry, bitter and unhappy people attacking others.

Barb,
You lost big time.
Your reputation as a role model is tarnished.
You have no credibility at all.

Good luck Barb, for explaining to your employer about your online conduct, especially about mooning. It is best for you to step back and take a deep breath. Reflect and think what you have done to yourself and to the community.

Good vlog/blog, Deaf Pundit.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 24, 2009 at 11:34 pm

This is just classy. There is now a mooning protest under my vlog on DVTV. The Deaf Community apparently condones this behavior and they are angry with me, because I dared to complain about Barb DiGi’s conduct.

Let’s get something straight here, folks. Barb DiGi did this to herself. If you do not want this to be public, then DON’T do it on camera!

http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/51182/

*shakes her head*
KUDOS to Deaf Pundit! said,

May 24, 2009 at 11:39 pm

What shocked me is the community’s reaction is to enable Barb’s ‘human’ mistake.

She did this to herself, and the community (collectivism thinking) enabled her by rationalizing, and blaming you for doing this vlog.

What if a Deaf teacher did an indecent exposure or doing something inappropriate — then the community will say… it is her business, don’t air this dirty laundry, it is only a mistake….

Enablers!
Anonymous said,

May 24, 2009 at 11:52 pm

good Lord! I almost fell off my chair when I saw Barb’s “reality,” and that other person’s too.

But what’s even better — just underneath yours is another blog, titled “Naked Fat Terminator.”

There is a God, and She has a sense of humor too, eh?
A Very Disappointed Rochesterian said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:09 am

Majority of deaf community’s responses are unacceptable. It’s like they will allow this situation to happen to their children. Making the right choice matter because trust between school teacher and parents are very important. Barb blew it big time.
Stephen Hardy said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:11 am

Ms. Digi’s expression was a form of satire and in no way it reflexed as a teacher. Many adults knows this is just an expression of being sarcastic toward DeafJeff’s topic. It had nothing to do as a leader. She was having fun being herself and that should not be a crime.
Ashamed said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:16 am

I was surprised to see Barb post that comment, and even more surprised to see that many of the vloggers at deafvideo.tv actually condoned her behavior. A very huge embarrassment for us all.
White Ghost said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:18 am

I agree. It was intentional to use the circumstantial evidence, not the weapon purpose.

It’s unfortunate to know that many DVTV commenters would not understand what the circumstantial evidence is.

I find it hard to believe that they are protesting against yours in other vlog you made in which you apply to your original vlog. Like you did in this blog, for instance.

I would not want to send my children into this kind of deaf community and its behavioral circumstance. You made a good point, DP. You have made a wise decision to use your integrity and future use.
KUDOS to Deaf Pundit! said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:32 am

What I am seeing a major backlash.

The Empowered/Enlightened Deafhood’ized Deaf Community is shooting Deaf Pundit as the messager.

Deaf Pundit is presenting an evidence. Deaf teachers are expected to uphold their behaviors to the highest standard as possible.

Who is causing this problem? The anger is misdirected to Deaf Pundit, and it should be directly to Barb who made a very poor decision to show a short clip of two men mooning in her own home.

Barb immediately removed the vlog, but it was stored at Seesmic. Is she trying to sweep this under the rug? No way, Jose. Be accountable, Barb.

Don’t shoot the messager, it is the person who initiated the problem.

Unbelievef**kable to see the Deaf Community enabling this. No wonder there is a rise of domestic violence and sexual abuses going on in the Deaf Community. Becuz it is a collective behavior to support each other, sweeping problems under the rug, minimizing behaviors and being too forgiving for their mistakes.
Bigger Fish to Fry said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:40 am

Who cares?!? The time spent nit-picking about one’s attempt at satire and humor online can be better spent else where, especially intelligent discourse.

Granted, Barb may have made a small (no let me say, tiny) mistake in doing this as a role model for youth and deaf people everywhere. But at least she is human and we can see that she is not a robot-cyborg (no pun intended here).

It is okay to get pissed. It is okay to just do things on impulse every now and then. Its okay to make mistakes! Deaf leaders and role models dont need to hide in prudence, or their rooms behind their computers to protect their reputation. They need to get out there and be SEEN!

Well you should try mooning people sometimes. I’d reccomend it to anyone. Its fun and releasing. I hate goddam tourists and I mooned them just for the heck of it. They got a good jolt out of it and quite a few pictures.

Hey look at it like this. Its better to express some giant frustration against something through mooning rather than shooting up a school. Nowadays so much violence is perpetuated by youth in schools and on the streets. We need to give them better avenues to release their anger.

3 cheers to Barb for showing ‘em how to do it, in a safe, fun and effective manner.

Lighten the heck up people. We have some real work to do if we are going to change the world.

Frankly Im dissapointed that this smearing campaign has shown up front page of DeafRead.

Lets quit shooting ourselves in the foot.

Moving on….

-J
jk2 said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:40 am

A good blog/video.

Aidan, you need to grow up too. You did the same thing to Other victims in the past for different purposes.

Deafpundit is doing this for our community and make sure our children are in safe atomsphere.

Thank you!
White Ghost said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:48 am

“Trust between school teacher and parents are very important.”

Yes, Bard *HAS* to think real hard about the professional relationship between hers and the parents. If a parent(s) learns more about Barb’s the mooning incident, she/he will report to the school administrator.

It’s unfortunate that Barb blew it in a big time.
jk2 said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:49 am

Thedeafjeff aka Bigger Fish to Fry said

You started with, Who cares?!? Therefore your statement is trash talking.

Get real, you just wanted to protect your leader. Enough said.
3xChiron said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:49 am

Please… Explain…. To….. Me…… This……

How are the children unsafe from a bunch of people playing around and mooning? C’mon. Get real.

Since you put it that way, next time you see your kid moon at someone else, spank that kid and hide that kid from the world because your kid is damn unsafe!

toodles
the one and only ridor said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:02 am

In safe atmosphere? Please. What DP has conducted so far on DVTV and DR is unsafe place for others to express their views. What Barb DiGiovanni did was purely based on satire.

Messager? LOL. The correct term is messenger. No, it was obvious that DP wanted to inflict a damage on someone’s career by recording the original clip in order to pressure the school to do something about Barb.

Barb is not the “leader” of DBC — she simply is an active member who believes in DBC. Deal with it. Barb is liberal mom whom I got to know personally several times in the past and I can vouch that she’s outstanding, fabulous and fantastic woman to start with.

Which I cannot say the same thing for DeafPundit and others.

R-
Ben said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:05 am

Teachers sign a “moral contract” promising to refrain from misbehaving whether they are on duty or not. I wonder if Barb signed such a contract in her state.
Ben
Jeffrey said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:06 am

Hello,..

For those who are wondering. I always comment with my own true name. It’s nice to see other like minded folks out there. Anyhow,…I agree with whoever wrote “Bigger Fish to Fry”

Plenty of perspective offered.

Yeehaw!
jk2 said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:10 am

For 3xChiron,

Barb DiGiovanni is not “someone else”. She is one of teachers at deaf school. That’s the point here. If it was you, Deafpundit and I would not care at all. Your intelligence is questionable.
Perplexed said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:22 am

Is there an unwritten rule somewhere that I’ve missed?

Bash Moderate Deaf people.
Flog Oral Deaf people
Beat CI people
Burn Audists

but…

do not touch Deaf people who support DBC, AFA and Deafhood. Admire them for what they bashed, flogged, beaten and burned their own people.
3xChiron said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:26 am

jk2

Barb may not be “someone else” but she still is just like us, no more or less. Just because she is a teacher doesn’t mean she is unsafe towards the children. That is ridiculous. We are all human beings. We make mistakes when we are angry. We learn from our own mistakes and that’s what makes us turn into stronger leaders. I’m pretty sure that Barb will learn from this experience and she’ll be stronger than she is currently.

Michael Jackson is a famous singer and he fuckin’ held a baby midair from the 2nd or 3rd floor of a building.

Brittney Spears is a horrible mother but she is still a role model to the modern-day girls.

There are a lot of other role models who made numerous mistakes in their lifetimes. It is the point of how they LEARN from it on their own. For people who has nothing to do with the other person’s mistake/business ought know better to stay out of it. Unless, it LITERALLY threatens someone’s life. Mooning doesn’t kill.

BTW, what does my intelligence have to do with this?
the one and only ridor said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:33 am

Did Barb moon? No, she was merely showing us of SOMEONE ELSE mooning us. In other words, Barb did do nothing wrong.

Maybe juvenile but she certainly did not violate anything else in particular, like it or not. You’re just out to exact a vengeance on her — it is evident that you guys have an agenda against Barb from day one.

I’m amused at the whole thing — you know, Russell Erigino claims to be a drag racer seeking sponsorships and he made a despicable vlog where he actually ate his snot out of his nose and he thought it was so funny. I do not see DP making a vlog slamming an aspiring professional drag racer who ate his booger on DVTV, eh?

Double standards? Of course.

It is obvious that DP has a hidden agenda. In time, we shall find out what it is.

R-
the one and only ridor said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:36 am

I can vouch that “Bigger Fish to Fry” is not thedeafjeff.

Don’t make an assumption out of yourself, dear.

R-
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:38 am

I didn’t see that comment.. I think it’s gross that Russell ate his booger, if that’s even true. But he is not in a position as a leader of a national organization, or a K-12 teacher. Like it or not, there are higher standards for these positions.

You all are mad at me, because I expressed outrage at what Barb DiGi did? Okay. I think that says more about the Deaf Community than it does about me.
Perplexed said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:38 am

Ridor, you slammed Russell. You made a vlog.

Too bad its not on DVTV or DR. You bashed him. Yet, you forgave Barb because you admire her so much with such high regard.

So, is it okay for Deaf Community to bash people that they don’t admire?

How interesting.
the one and only ridor said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:42 am

jk2, speak for yourself. Hiding behind a monitor accusing people of being a bad role model which has nothing to do with the whole drama with Barb DiGiovanni and the issue here is not about me or my background or my talents, honey.

It is quite amusing that you had to resort to insults when someone nailed you on the wall.

R-
the one and only ridor said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:45 am

I care less if it is not on DVTV or DR — I made whatever I wanted. Yes, I slammed Russell because it is obvious that he has a hidden agenda. Eating his boogers for the world to see is revolting.

As for Barb, it was all based on a humor and she did NOT moon, her friends did. What Barb did was no big deal — what DP did was to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Yes, I met Barb and I hold her in high regards. Why? Because she proved it to me from day one. People who do not do that from day one, why should I hold them in high regards, eh? Do tell me.

R-
A Question Here said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:52 am

Is it okay for the superintendent to create and show a similar video clip the teacher did?
the one and only ridor said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:56 am

You did not see that comment because Russell backpedaled and removed it after lots of people expressed their displeasure at Russell. Then Russell went on to mock InsaneMisha for having a case of PMS when she told Russell that his behavior is not appropriate! True enough, Russell is not a leader but he aspires to be a drag racer which, to some, can be viewed as a role model. Ask Dale Earnhardt, eh?

Barb, I repeat, is not a leader of a national organization. She is merely the vocal activist of DBC, that is it.

I’m not mad at you but I certainly reserve the right to defend Barb and I have to admit that I noticed YOUR pattern — you tend to slam people that really gets under your skin. It appears to me that you must have things under control. It is your way or highway, literally.

R-
Ben said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:56 am

Hey Perplexed, regarding your comment number 18, I see that all the time in DVTV.
If this keeps up, I just may lose it and give them hell.

Ben
the one and only ridor said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:58 am

None of this is true at all. There are plenty of people that crucified DBC/AFA/Deafhood leaders on DVTV and DR. I think it is because people are tired of false assumptions and false accusations that others has created to defame these fine people in general.

R-
Ben said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:00 am

3xChiron #19, you said “Just because she is a teacher doesn’t mean she is unsafe towards the children.” To which I reply, that may be true, but it sure raises a red flag. Raising a red flag means that, just maybe, we need to keep an eye on her. There might be something more. Who knows. It is worth mentioning. Why don’t we ask Barb’s students’ parents if it matters or not. Shall we?
Ben
jk2 said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:04 am

3xChiron,

What you experience is often a reflection of what you are thinking. Comparing Barb to Jackson and Spears is a worthless statement. Just go away.
shawn28 said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:06 am

After watching the video clip for the second time, I am relieved to recognize that the butt is not HERS. So the behavior in that video clip no longer matters to me. But, teachers, beware of individuals with malice. Peace out.
Tar said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:13 am

Let’s face the fact; it is how the reality works.

Deafpundit, you tried to frame Barb Digi as bad example for the Deaf community out of what? Million of peeps, right? I will not argue with you on this point because you’re definitely narrow of the mind which denies admitting the reality.

Life is shit so, therefore it is shit happened which you like it or not, face the fact.

Ridor, xchiron, many others made their point… Nothing need to be discussion because Deafpundit tried to mess her up so case close.
3xChiron said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:17 am

Hm, I’m not a “deaf-cultured” person nor do I use the capital “D” when I type deaf. A lot of deaf people have told me that I was too “hearing” for them in my past. I know nothing about the deaf history because I don’t quite care to learn all about it. It’s not because I hate the “deafhood”. It is simply because I find the subject to be very boring. Just like you would if you had a boring subject in school such as Chemistry.

But I am not acting out the last so-called rule in that list of yours. It is the fact that DeafPundit tried to attack and destroy Barb’s career just because someone else that was not her mooned in a video comment that has nothing to do with her business life. Business and personal business are supposed to stay seperated. DeafPundit dug out a “juicy information” to attack Barb. She had a cruel intention. It was a very low move of her to do that.

Lastly, what does “Admire them for what they… and burned their own people” exactly mean? Rephrase please. When one moons, he/she isn’t bashing, flogging, beating or burning anyone else.

Seriously. Stop making a huge deal out of this. Jeez.
3xChiron said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:23 am

You “expressed”? More like you attacked her, I believe. You could have, at least, emailed her to express your feelings towards her action. You could have kept it very simple and mature. But no, you had to go all Judge Judy on her over a little mistake. Something that she expressed out of a rage. Just like you claim that you did.

So how are you any different?
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 4:06 am

DP,

You have gone TOO far and it seems to be a personal vendetta on your part. At first, I wasn’t going to get into it because it is stupid. I understand your first video here explaining why you were disgusted. It’s your right to feel whatever you feel. I did not know where Barb’s comment came from exactly other than she was responding to someone in someone’s video at DVTV. If Barb had made that video as part of her video topic over at DVTV, then I probably would think that she shouldn’t have because of her position as a teacher. I do not see her as a National leader simply because she is not at the same level as NAD president nor Gallaudet president. She is one of the core leader of DBC and DBC has not yet achieved the national recognition as NAD or Gallaudet, at least not at this point. That’s my view and as a person that is well versed in the deaf culture, let’s say she is a potential leader. But, that is not the point.

That video in question that you got upset over was HER comment. As such, she has the freedom of speech to make whatever comment she so chooses. It was meant humorously, obviously. It doesn’t take an intelligent person to see that. Whether I thought it was humorous or not doesn’t matter.

What made me comment here is that you decided to submit a second video which consists of her comment in another video topic over at DVTV. That was going TOO far. And, sad to say, I must agree that it seems to me that you really want to pull her down more so as to get back to her than as a matter of principle. And, I agree so much with Roger who made a comment at you about Karma over at your DVTV video. Karma is a B.

The comment over at your vlog at DVTV, in particular, the one by Myday smells of “mean girl syndrome” and that disgusted me big time. If in fact, it gets to that point, it’s mean spirited all the way around.
Karen Mayes said,

May 25, 2009 at 6:57 am

Oh my gosh.

I understand DP’s point, it is about the public figures making the decisions, needing to think of consequences. I am not a public figure, so I can do anything I want… getting drunk, doing drugs, mooning, etc. as long as it is within the limits of law. But being a public figure, it would represent an unique challenge, I guess.

I don’t know what to say, except that I hope things will work out for better at the end and that we all learn something from this.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 7:41 am

Candy,

It’s not personal. I play hardball. People need to be held accountable for their behavior.

If a hearing teacher did this, do you think there would be such outrage at the person exposing the hearing teacher?
Karen Mayes said,

May 25, 2009 at 8:17 am

I am bemused at how one’s simple yet powerful statement “Your reality is not my reality.” could lead to this kind of fallout… mooning, etc. Wow. The person who said it is correct… we all have our own backgrounds, our own upbringings, our own faiths, etc., we have our own realities.

*shaking my head* at this kind of reaction.
White Ghost said,

May 25, 2009 at 8:19 am

Hey Candy,

I understand your view. However, I respectfully disagree with you. If teachers sign the code of conduct in the contract, then, what happen? It’s the teachers’ responsibility to respect school districts’ duty in order to protect the students from being bad exposed.

As a parent, it’s our responsibility to let my kids and ours to sign the code of conduct in the contract for the school district.
Drex said,

May 25, 2009 at 8:31 am

As a public figure, I would never do that. Barb should know better.
Joseph Pietro Riolo said,

May 25, 2009 at 8:49 am

I have conflicting feelings over this issue. On one hand, I thought that the mooning in the video comment was funny. On the other hand, I found it very tasteless, especially if it is done by a well-known person who attempts to amplify the positive things about bilingualism.

But, in no way Ms. Barbara DiGiovanni should lose her job over the mooning. I hope that her job is still safe and is not in any jeopardy.

I don’t see anything like satire in the video comment. If the mooning were intended to be satire, the satire should be directed at the buttocks. For example, if a comedy show notices that the society is obsessive with the shape and size of buttocks, the show would use many mooning to satirize the excessive obsession that the society has with the buttocks.

In case of the video comment, the mooning can be interpreted in different ways. In negative context, the mooning is intended to be rude or insulting or to show disgust or scorn. In non-negative context, the mooning is intended to be a joke or for fun. I don’t know what was the state of mind that the commenter was in when showing the mooning. So, I have to give her the benefit of doubt that it is supposed to be interpreted in non-negative context.

What really bothers me more than the mooning itself is the double standard that was mentioned by many commenters above. If a person who is not well liked at DeafVideo does the mooning, it is not hard to predict that the person will be harshly criticized or even bastardized by the members of DeafVideo. But, if the person happens to be popular or well liked at DeafVideo, the members are willing to circle wagons around the person. Double standard, indeed.

Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com

Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this post in the public domain.
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 9:26 am

Unbelivable!

Such a slam in the face like this is unnecessarily! Barb’s video comment with moonings clip wasn’t hers and they’re more likely copied off from the internet or whatsover. Get real!

What I can interpret from your statement is that you have no sense of humor and that’s for sure. Everyone should at least have one! So Barb can’t have some little (very tiny) dirty joke out of it? Forget it and it is merely impossible to keep one’s life being professional for life.

From what you said regarding whether if hearing parents with deaf children can decide or not to put their kids to school with teacher like Barb, sounded like you are saying that the hearing world is perfect and doesn’t do those kind of things. Again… thats silly! Get real for once.

Barb…. keep your chin up and that was NOTHING! Funny though
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:07 am

This blog is under moderation, and I am taking my time to approve and not approve comments. Just FYI.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:10 am

PandaGuy,

Believe me, if a hearing teacher did this, I would do the same thing.

And this kind of thing HAS gotten hearing teachers in trouble.

http://www.bittenandbound.com/2008/04/30/tiffany-shepherd-bikini-mate-science-teacher-fired/
deb ann said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:11 am

Good morning, Jeannette

I still have respect for you. About making a vlog and post about Barb, it’s not wise to do that way. I believe if you consider removing both and if you really want to apologize to both of Barb and her mom. I know that you’d feel a lot better after that. Barb’s mom is upset and hurt. I can see her face. And Barb is a wonderful leader. I do concern about you, too. Can you consider about removing both? It’s for you, deaf community, Barb and her mother.

Hope you will have a great Memorial Day.
Deb Ann
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:13 am

Here’s another one – different case since the teacher was using MySpace to communicate with the students… but the firing still was upheld.

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2008/10/teacher-fired-for-inappropriate-behavior-on-myspace-page289.html
White Ghost said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:20 am

Good work, DP! That’s what the contract is all about! Teachers have to follow and honor the school districts’ dignity.

It does not matter whether if it’s on-duty or off-duty.
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:21 am

Wow….

In that url, it’s totally different from what Barb did recently. This teacher did it herself and exposed it to public using her own self. Barb did NOT. She only took the clip and show it. Everyone could see this clip in the internet easily. Don’t compare this one with what she did.

PG
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:23 am

Again, this is different case and how can you compare this one with what Barb did recently? I can’t go any further in this. Barb only show the publicized clip (that is already on internet and everyone has the access to see it by googling or whatever) and that’s it. Nothing more or less.
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:29 am

I think your blog should be moderated somehow.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:43 am

She is clearly the person manning the camera and the 2 men are in the same room.

And she is a public figure AND a teacher. That’s bad.
White Ghost said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:44 am

The point is that Barb *approved* the two men’s mooning incident.
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:02 am

I’m just gonna toss in my two cents here without being on anyone’s side but my own.

We live in a free country where freedom of speech is encouraged and Barb did just that, she utilized her right to freedom of speech. And the way I see it, that is something that students would actually learn, that they have freedom of speech and yet, it does have limits, however, Barb did not cross that line, however, she came very close to it, but it did not cross the line. We all have seen much worse and I’m quite sure that students have as well.

My hunch tells me that this is some personal vendetta altho I would know how or why that got started. Many of us did not even know about this harmless comment until it was copied and brought right to the front pages.

My only problem with that is that this is going to scare away a lot more commenters, not because they said something wrong, but because that wanted to have a little fun.

If our freedom of speech gets reduced further, the only people to blame are these whiners.

While she is a leader, she is a teacher, but more importantly, we all need to realize that she is a human being too and she should be entitled to have a little fun like the rest of us. And she surely has a right to freedom of speech, being a teacher does not take that away.

Lastly, if I were to desire that she retract the video, it would only be to add lipstick onto those asses and then put it back up. Subliminal messaging works well and it would be sending another message to those that want to keep reducing our rights to freedom of speech

I hope you haven’t forgotten that its memorial day. We should be honoring people that have died so that we can have our freedom of speech. So for those that want to let these people die in vain by trying to take away or reduce our freedom of speech, I have three words for you….kiss my ass!!!
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:17 am

Valhallian,

If this is so harmless, then why is everyone demanding that I take this down? If it was truly harmless, everyone would be ignoring this.

I posted the copy to protect myself. Given the history on DR and DVTV, after the removal, people would accuse me of slandering Barb because it didn’t exist, so they would be thinking that I made the whole thing up. I am showing you the evidence, to support my opinion on this.

And this is NOT a personal vendetta. I would do this with anyone who is a leader of the Deaf Community, and certainly someone who’s a teacher for Deaf children.
Perplexed said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:25 am

Whoa…

Did you all have a chance to review Deaf Edge’s previous blogs? DP played fair. She consistently reports lack of moral behaviors in Deaf Community across the board.

What perplexed me was she wrote up a blog about Mr. Sewell. I checked DeafRead and it was not on the Front Page. It was extra’ed with over 500 votes from the Deaf community demanding this blog to be moved to the Front Page. This blog has over mindblogging 166 comments praising DP. Scratching my head here.

I am seeing same people being angry at DP for mentioning about Barb’s lack of conduct.

Yeah, the unwritten rule still stands.

Deaf people that community don’t like, bash ‘em.
Deaf people that community admires, idolize ‘em.

If you do something ill against the ‘popular and admirable’ people, that’s a no-no. That’s not Deafhood. It’s audism. It is also audism for these people bashin’ unpopular Deaf people who does not agree with their collectivist thinking and beliefs too! No, people said it was not audism. It is horizontal oppression. Get your friggin’ facts straight here!

Resistence is futile, as you must be a part of collectivist society to support our ‘own’ kind. Disagreements is *not* allowed.

Double Standards.
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:30 am

DP, I cannot speak for those that are asking you to take this down, however, my question is why did you even bother bringing it up in the first place.

Are you trying to restrict her right to freedom of speech and let all those people that have laid their lives down for us to be able to speak freely die in vain? That’s my question here, especially on a day that we should be honoring them with our utmost respect.
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:36 am

Exactly! Thanks for thought of this.
jk2 said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:36 am

Perplexed,

A well written argument.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:38 am

Why did I bring this up? Because like I said, she is a public figure and a teacher.

They are held to higher standards, whether you like it or not. I am pointing out her conduct, and asking whether this is appropriate for someone in her position to do. Teachers and public figures HAVE gotten into trouble for this kind of conduct.

It’s not about freedom of speech. It’s about her conduct being unbecoming given her position in the community.

If I ran off and did a vlog like this, you can bet that someone like Ridor or Aidan would be v/blogging this.
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:39 am

Perplexed, rest assured that I am on no one’s side here. I have read DP’s blogs in the past and she certainly has my respect. My respect for her hasn’t gone down as a result of this recent posting either, altho I am entitled to question it because I am a stickler for our freedom of speech, now if that comment was downright offensive (which is wasn’t) I would be standing right by DP on this stance. But it wasn’t offensive at all, in fact I saw it as being humorous and I don’t care if she was a teacher. Heck I wouldn’t even care if it was president obama that made this same comment. Actually, if he did that, my respect for him would likely go higher
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:51 am

Pointing out her conduct for what purpose? Are you an officer? I believe you are here to make her reputation to go upside down.
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:54 am

Guess we shall have two groups. A group that prefer the higher standards and it stays that way strictly. Another group that prefer the standards with satire added. Oh well.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:55 am

I’m not here to make her reputation go down.

Barb DiGi did this to herself. She was the one who made that video and posted it on the internet.
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:56 am

DP, I totally understand where you are coming from. The other examples that you listed pale in comparision to what Barb did, as they obviously crossed the line, whereas Barb did not, however she came close to it.

Now I am not saying that it was a smart thing to do, perhaps it would have been better if it weren’t done, but still it wasn’t enough to question her teaching standards. We see much worse, we see young students getting stoned, flipping the bird, swearing, etc. Are you trying to say that stuff like this is a result of her actions?

We both know the answer to that is no. Have we seen teacher do worse stuff than that and still remain a teacher? We both know the answer to that as well and don’t ask me to find proof of that cuz we know its out there.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:57 am

No, not at all. I’m questioning the fact that we are holding students to a higher standard of behavior than the teachers. Why is it ok for the teachers to do this, but not the students?
RLM said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:58 am

Deaf Pundit,

I did leave the comment last late Sunday night, but didn’t see any of my comment on this comment log.

May I ask why? I did aay that Barb DiGigi is a decent person which she is very human like us, etc.

I did mention that any employee could be fired for posting anything online. I also am with Joseph and Ridor and others.

I respect your perspective. Everyone makes a mistake which we are perfectly human.

RLM
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:58 am

Yes but why did you went ahead and make a vlog regarding her? My statement still stands that you wanted her to look bad. It’s avoidable if you did NOT make vlog about her. You didn’t have to make this vlog, didn’t you know that–you only upsetted so many people including her mom.
jk2 said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:59 am

(The comment was edited due to personal attacks on Ridor)

(deleted)

You wrote, I’m not mad at you but I certainly reserve the right to defend Barb.
Then you bombed her with your vlog message.

Like Mr Errigo said, are you on drugs? Maybe? Maybe not?

(deleted)
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Let me get this straight. Barb DiGi made a video and posted it on the internet. Then I expressed my opinion about it, and cited the evidence. Now people are upset with me because of that?

*shakes her head*
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:06 pm

Well DP, I guess I thought you had the wisdom to know that there are certain things adults can do and kids cannot so do you really want an explanation from me on that?

I’d like to also address a previous question you asked where you said if you did this, then other bloggers would report you. Are you saying that you felt the need to stoop down to their levels?
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:10 pm

It is hypocritical and a double standard for teachers to tell the students, don’t do what I do. That’s one of my points here.

And no, it’s not stooping down to their level. If I was stupid enough to do something like that, then I would fully deserve the exposure. The reason I pointed this out is because people PRAISE popular individuals when they do this against unpopular individuals.

But if the person’s popular and the one who’s being exposed… God Forbid that person be held accountable.
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:12 pm

Well cause Barb is well-known deaf woman in the deaf community and normally we would want to promote the positive words about her. She did not do anything bad except made a satire comment which was the moonings. You made a vlog expressing your opinion about it–it was very harsh and twisted it to make it look so bad for her. She made a very short comment with quick moonings and you made two vlogs (both was pretty long) regarding her action. Plus your use of words has crossed the line. Simple as that. If you said it in this way–asking audience a question and expressing a short sentimental opinions or feelings. It would probably be a little different but I don’t know for sure. It’s just how you approached it, how you speak out, how you define it, how you interpret it, how your statement could actually destroy her reputation in both personal and professional life, and so forth.

Clear?
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:15 pm

Well I think if you had simply made your comment onto that original posting and left it at that as opposed to creating a whole new post, people would not have rake you over the coals like this ya know?

Now, if she crossed the line, you’d have the done right thing here. But apparently it appears that many people felt that she didn’t cross the line, and there are indeed those that felt she crossed the line.

But as a longtime reader of DR, I could sense that they were also people that appeared to be taking their sides that were done even before looking at the actual picture of whether or not the line was crossed.

In my case, I’m not taking sides based on past history, I’m just looking at whether or not the line was crossed and I don’t think people could tell me that I am on Barb’s side past on past history as I have public spoken againt DBC’s tactics in the past. I only call them as I see it without taking sides based on past history.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:26 pm

I knew that when I made this v/blog, there would be a backlash from the Deaf Community. We don’t tolerate dissent, or hold our popular leaders accountable.

I walked in this with my eyes fully wide open, and I was and still am, willing to pay the price.
3xChiron said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:28 pm

jk2

“Action reflects one’s thoughts”. Barb removed her comment. Deaf Pundit used the comment anyways for some illogical reasons to attack Barb. Which action is more suspicious?

And telling me that my statement was worthless? Would you mind to explain me why Jackson and Spears are irrevelant to this situation? What makes them any different from Barb? Plus, “just go away”? Please, don’t reduce yourself to that level.
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:35 pm

If it was a comment? I think it would not have been overblowned. People have lives outside of their jobs. In this town where I live in, during the summers, rumors are abound about teachers and professionals and their unbecoming behavior due to alcohol and such. No one goes out of their way to destroy a person. I mean, we all have vices. There has to be a line where people crosses where it is NOT acceptable. Barb didn’t cross that line yet. It was a comment, DP!
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:41 pm

DP, its a good thing I am sitting in a car with another 5 hours to go before I get home (and no I am not driving)
I totally understand what you are saying about people getting away with stuff whereas others do not. I have absolutely no qualms about agreeing with that assessment as I have seen it myself. But the way I see it, this really isn’t one of those scenarios as my opinion of this would remain the same, regardless of who it was and regardless of whether that person is popular or not.

Again, I do not speak on the behalf of others, but allow me to elaborate on my own perception on why some of these people are a bit peeved here.

She is actually a beacon of hope for many people (not because she’s a teacher, but because she is a vlogger). She serves as an inspiration for many deaf people. Now this is not to say that she does everything right, because she doesn’t and she does make mistakes just like any other human being. She’s very passionate about DBC’s objectives as well. I,for one, do agree with DBC’s objectives, I just did not agree with their previous tactics.

Now if you had merely made your opinion known under the same vlog where she made her comment. We likely would not be seeing the shit hitting the fan here.

But you created a posting and put her comment right there, that was a whole other ballgame. You have brought a lot more people into this as a result of that, such as myself, as I was not even aware of it. Now if she was obviously crossing the line, then you would have done the right thing here.

But the problem is that she didn’t cross the line, and as I said earlier, she came very close to it. But as a result of your new posting here, you likely may have dragged her superiors into this. And if they are dragged into this, I would imagine worst case scenario is that she would get a very light slap on the wrist due to the fact that the line was not crossed. But bottom line is you’re getting their time and energies involved into this, which should not have happened,which makes this as time wasted for other people such as herself and her superiors and that is probably why the majority of the people are peeved about this. I would imagine that this is this more about that in itself than its about her being a leader or a teacher if that makes sense?
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:47 pm

DP, let me ask you this. its a simple yes or no question and however you answer it, its ok as this is a free country and you are indeed entitled to your opinion just like the rest of us.

Suppose this was done by someone that you were not familar with, would you say that the comment crossed the line?
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:49 pm

Hi WG, I’m sure there are code of conducts in every school district and then I’m sure there are districts that don’t have em.

If Barb made a video and had her friends mooned, then, yes I would have thought it was unbecoming of a school teacher. I mean, she could have been having fun with the comment, maybe she drank a bit, or whatever and did not think things thoroughly. My point being, that, it is not serious enough for the deaf public to get involved. She did not molest kids. She did not smoke weed with her students. She did not expose her body to her students. etc. What she did was make a comment. One thing for sure, My job entails some public contact and as such I do have a code of conduct to follow ON THE JOB. I do have some code of conduct to follow OFF the job. But, it is only limited to the laws that are on the books. In other words, If I had made a video just like Barb did and used it as a comment, I would not have been reprimanded. Because, it is a form of freedom of speech. Barb might be bind under a different code of conduct, that’s between her and her employer.

RIght now, I am thinking…wow! We can’t be ourselves online anymore. We have to be careful what we say (sure, we have to an extend) but I think I’m more safe in the hearing blogosphere than I am in the deaf blogosphere.

Anyway, WG, I respectfully respect your opinion.
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:53 pm

WG, if it makes you and DP feel better, my husband thinks this is a serious thing, comment or not. Oh well….he and I rarely agree on things. But, luckily we can discuss without getting upset. lol And he thinks that there are lots of arguments to “reality” and mooning as an example of reality is stupid, according to him. lol

Ok, I’m gonna head out in a bit. have a great remaining memorial day!
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Karen, How much of a public figure are teachers? I know a teacher in town who drinks and get drunk. People do not make a big thing as long as she does not drink of the job.
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 12:57 pm

I’m with you on this JPR. I hope she does not lose her job over this, I don’t think it is that serious enough. I think she had a lax in judgment for a while there and was into the humorousness of all this. We do need to stop this double standards as well.
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:04 pm

There are other ways to deal with this, and if the deaf community expressed concerns about Barb’s behavior and addressed it, talking to her and so on, that would have been a better approach. Had Barb continued to do this same kind of behavior that reflects badly on her profession time over time, then I would agree that DP is doing the right thing. I agree with you Deb Ann. Barb probably had a lax in judgment in the midst of being enamored in this silliness.
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:05 pm

Ha now I gotta chuckle at this one. I’m on I-55 about a half hour south of memphis. We just passed a pickup truck that had two stickers on that back window. One sticker said “my child is an honor student at …. School” (I missed the name of the school) and on the other side of the window, there was a cartoon of calvin (of calvin and hobbes) taking a piss.(I’ve seen these stickers all over the country but seeing it just now made me bring this up) Now don’t you think a cartoon of a child taking a piss would be more offensive than a simple mooning and would that be crossing the line?
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Yes.
White Ghost said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:08 pm

“willing to pay the price?” Nah.

At this point, administrators/officials/parents come to see Barb’s comment and make some copies to keep records and show it to the school district.

I don’t see any differences. It’s the PUBLIC that Barb has made. She has worked with parents at school. She pays the huge price.

She needs to think twice.

Valhallian — Do you have any children? Think of parents and moral values.
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:08 pm

For me, DP, it was because you wouldn’t let it go and posted Barb’s video comment as a main topic in DVTV. It was not this post that brought me out within DR.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:08 pm

I don’t think Barb should lose her job over this, either. But I do think there needs to be some kind of consequence to this.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:10 pm

All the more reason for me to share the video comment she made.

If I posted this without showing her comment, without showing the public what I was referring to, then I think that would be far more damaging to Barb. At least people can see for themselves, and judge for themselves whether they think my concerns have validity or not.
anonymous said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:11 pm

Barb Digi was just interpreting the original sense of the English phrase “Read My Lips!” (The “facial” lips were not originally intended by the older English command).

As such, it was a legitimate political comment against the continuation of Audism!

Seriously, there are many things we allow adults to do that we don’t allow children to do. It was funny. Lighten up.
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:13 pm

DP, ok it crosses the line for you and I can respect that, altho it does not cross the line for me. people have the right to determine where the line is and people also have the right to criticize that as well.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:14 pm

Absolutely. That’s what we both are doing here.
| Ale | said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:19 pm

Two point (just my opinion):

1) I don’t think that mooning is proper and I (personally) wouldn’t do it.

2) If Barb did it, for me that doesn’t mean that all the Deaf community reputation is in jeopardy. It’s Barb’s actions, period. It’s not about Deaf or hearing community; men or women; White, Black, Asian or Latinos. It’s Barb’s.

Every individual is responsible for their actions.

InterpreterALE
Anonymous said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:19 pm

“Barb DiGi did not cross the line, but she came close”? I disagree with that statement. She very definitely crossed the line. What is the definition of obscenity? According to the Supreme Court, it what’s a reasonable person would consider offensive or obscene. Freedom of speech or not, Barb was obviously angry and emotional when she made her vlog comment. She was barely coherent. Judging by the look on her face, she didn’t mean to be funny or satirical. She meant to be offensive in the most visible possible way.

Up until now, Barb DiGi has been DBC’s poster child for how to raise a deaf child. Her most recent creation, about her son A.V. achieving high levels of success through ASL, was targeted at hearing parents. It was even captioned, which most of her vlogs are not. Next thing we know, there’s a couple of bare asses on her video comments. Uh? I assume that means Barb DiGi thinks it’s okay for anyone to moon as a means of free expression. o-o-o-k-a-y….

I agree with DP’s point, that it’s not appropriate for ANYone to do these things, whether we agree with their politics or not. Children and adolescents caught mooning are given appropriate consequences. Adults are supposed to know better. People who set themselves up as role models to hearing parents should certainly take the moral high road if they want any credibility at all. I’m sure Barb DiGi is a lovely person 99% of the time. But this one lapse surely makes me question her judgment. DBC and AFA are so full of zealots and nutcases anyway, I never want anything to do with them, especially after the moderates departed en masse from DBC. I used to think she was the best of the lot, but not any more.

Another thing that interests me deeply is Barb DiGi’s irrational reaction to the profoundly simple statement: “Your reality is not my reality. Deal with it.” When someone so supposedly fabulous and fun reacts so dramatically to the mere idea that someone thinks or perceives differently than they do, it sure makes you wonder about THEIR need to control someone else’s thoughts. I used to comment on Barb’s blog, Deaf Progressivism, but I don’t any more because she routinely removed my comments if I didn’t parrot the party line like everybody else.
anonymous said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:47 pm

I think we can all agree that we would rather see Barb Digi’s comment than Bob Davilla’s.

I think most of us can also agree that this has VERY LITTLE to do with their respective leadership styles, however.

Ewwww!
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:52 pm

Anon, that’s the problem here. You basically say the supreme court says that its up to the reasonable person to decide if it is offensive or obscene. The thing here is that you and I both are reasonable people, yet we differ in opinions on whether or not it is offensive or obscene. That being the case and that you seem to present yourself as being knowledgeable about supreme court decisions, I impose a question to you here.

How does supreme court classify a “reasonable person?”

The reason I asked is because in my own opinion, any person that was offended by this is one that I would term has being conservative. So obviously what we are dealing with here is a conservative reasonable person and a liberal reasonable person so where does the supreme court draw the line on that?
A.J said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:54 pm

This video is nothing to me because she does not mooning herself. It’s same concept if you visit San Francisco and the nudity bicyclists bike on the street. Of course, they will video and post it. Hey look at our former US president, Bill Clinton with Monica Lewinsky. Hmmm.
Dianrez said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:55 pm

By now Barb has paid the consequences for her short funny (quickly deleted) comment by being raked over by public opinion. Some remarks:

This first came to my attention when a hearing parent posted a comment that she wanted Deaf role models for her family with one deaf child. She mentioned the webpage (with many CI-implanted people bragging about it) and wanted to see the ASL equivalent. Another responded that we were seeing on DVTV exaggerated takeoffs on oral deaf and one mooning people. Huh? I looked but couldn’t find any mooners.

Now I see. Really. I showed the video here to my son and he chuckled. “That’s not from Barb. Someone else is messing her up.” This from her former student. Maybe it’s Barb’s doing, maybe not. But still…

Now that the firestorm is winding down, let’s give a valuable resource in the Deaf community a break. She heard us. We heard her, tho not why or who she was responding to. It’s over. Take down this video and let it drop. The lesson has been made: think twice before doing anything like this. It impacts more than just the little community where it originated.
valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Then again there are those that do not agree with the supreme court. One obvious example would be the Roe vs. Wade decision.
The One and Only Ridor said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:06 pm

I do not appreciate the question regarding me using the drugs. That is slander. Shame on DP and others for accusing me like that. It is so cheap tactic of you to do such things like that.

I already explained to Russell that grinding teeth is one of my childhood habits that has not been broken from day one. My friends, parents and siblings can vouch that for me. So for you to claim that I was on drugs is despicable.

I expect DP to remove jk2’s comment as well as mine.

R-
Ashamed said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:08 pm

First off, Deaf Pundit didn’t do anything to Barb, she did it to herself.

Secondly, although I haven’t seen Barb on dvtv or deafread since DP’s vlog, evidently she knows about it and what’s going on right now, so I’m surprised that Barb has yet to make an apology to us and has allowed people on dvtv to continue attacking Deaf Pundit for simply pointing out Barb’s inappropriate behavior. I’m going to give Barb the benefit of the doubt and say she’s away on vacation for memorial’s day weekend, but I fully expect an apology from her for her inappropriate comment soon.
Karen Mayes said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:17 pm

Defining a “public figure” can be tricky, hmmm…

If anyone is employed by state or federal, it would be a different story…

RSD is half state funded and half private, so I don’t know what this leaves her. I just hope that her job is not in jeopardy, since she is a good teacher.

My daughter had a kindergarten teacher who had a drinking problem and it was under control, until her mom passed away and then she had to ask for a personal leave which was granted right away… no one was upset; we all understood. So, I am wondering about the code of ethics and the policies on the state employees on their off job behavior?

I really don’t have much to say, but I admit to being surprised at Barb’s videocomment and at the responses from the commenters… we all have different opinions and we don’t really know what is right or wrong about this kind of behavior, it seems to me.
Karen Mayes said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:47 pm

One more thing.

My son’s middle school principal was caught drunk driving last January (during Xmas break, off campus) and paid fine, community service, you have it. Two months later, parents found out, from the newspaper (of course.) Many were upset, concerned about the role model that the prinicpal presented to middle schoolers. The principal sent personal emails to ALL parents, apologizing for her conduct.
Anonymous said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:49 pm

OK, Valhallian. Here’s a Supreme Court test for you. Go ahead and make a vlog mooning your bare ass and put it on DVTV. Let’s see who’s the conservative here.

Please. Common sense, hello? Surely you can’t be suggesting that mooning falls within the realm of acceptable behavior. So Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky did some naughty things. I personally don’t give a rat’s ass what consenting adults do in private, but look what happened to him. Kenneth Starr went after him like a pit bull and left his reputation and political career in shreds. Yup, Clinton is responsible for his behavior. But clearly, there are members of society who use a moral yardstick to measure the worth of public figures. We all do it, it’s just that our individual yardsticks may be measuring different things.

My opinion, mooning is low-class, immature behavior, and especially shocking in someone of Barb DiGi’s caliber. If other deaf people think it’s funny, satiric, no big deal, what have you, it’s a reflection of their values and what they consider to be the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
Karen Mayes said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:52 pm

Ugh, not finished yet. I clicked the button “submit comment” accidently.

Anyway, my son’s principal still has the job, because she is a GREAT principal. Just a lapse of judgement. But I can only imagine what she went through, reading many awful comments about her in the media. The higher position in education, the more involvment (like DBC), etc, present her with more risks, especially with her private live. It is like she’s under the microscope. While I don’t agree with what she did in the videocomment, I have to acknowledge that she is a good teacher. I am sure she learned the lesson by now… give her a chance. My son’s middle school prinicpal made the mistake and she still has the job, and my son’s school still ranks in the top percentage in Indiana. So….*shrug*
Laura said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:59 pm

First of all, people that are trying to defend this by saying that it wasn’t Barb that exposed herself so that makes it okay. NO! Barb chose to show nudity in making her point. It makes absolutely no difference whether or not it was her or someone else.

Second, people are trying to defend her by saying that it’s her right and it’s okay because this was during a time when she was not at work. NO! We all know that over the last few years, colleges looking to accept new students and companies screening potential applicants have taken to using the Internet to look for info on people. I’m sure you’ve all heard the stories about kids that partied in high school and posted pictures of themselves on the internet and have then been denied entrance in colleges or college groups. Others have been googled by potential employers and found to have postings of their personal life used as a criteria for their selection for a job. People have lost out on jobs because of things they post on the Internet. A teacher here in Austin was fired because she posted artistic photos of herself on the Internet. Some students saw them, she was turned into the school board and FIRED because of these “racy” photos. What you put on the Internet can come back to bite you in the ass!

Last, regardless of what I think about her comment or her right to free speech, I wouldn’t want my child to be exposed daily to a teacher with such a lack of common sense!

~Laura
Drex said,

May 25, 2009 at 2:59 pm

PandaGuy,

Sorry to say this, but your English is crap.

Anyway, if you see an action one way and I see it another, it is merely a matter of an opinion. There is no commonly agreed standard from which to measure.

Get it, guys? Probably not.
deb ann said,

May 25, 2009 at 3:08 pm

Candy,

I second you!
deb ann said,

May 25, 2009 at 3:10 pm

Where is Candy’s latest comment? She made a very good point. I second her.
Ann_C said,

May 25, 2009 at 3:21 pm

Without the context of what Barb DiGi was making the mooning comment about, it’s difficult to assess what the satire is about. I believe that the context should have also been included in the vlog, DP. Without it, I can see why some readers may think you have an ax to grind.

However, many commenters have made some interesting points.

It is true that the deaf community has turned on and vilified those who seem to express independent thinking via satire and astute observation outside of the herd mentality that is still prevalent in the deaf community. Ironic that when a popular v/blogger does the same kind of “just over-the-top satire” she is defended as “human as the rest of us” and forgiven for “making a mistake or a having a lapse of sanity”, while a disliked v/blogger who creates similar just over-the-top satire gets dragged thru the mud, called a “sociopath” and other names, and calls for banning his v/blog are mounted. Double standards do persist here on DR and DVTV, and that’s an issue that deserves a blog by itself for another time.

So, everybody has different ideas of what “drawing the line” is. If Barb DiGi were NOT a popular v/blogger and she did same satirical comment, how would people in the deaf community react? If Barb was a DISLIKED v/blogger and did an opposing satirical comment complete with a mooning clip, how would the deaf community react? One can see how “drawing the line” takes on a different meaning.

While it’s also true that students do vulgar things such as flipping the bird, swearing like longshoremen, backtalking at their parents or teachers, etc, this is behavior that’s part of the experimentation of becoming adults, and as such it’s expected.

However, teachers do set an example whether they realize it or not. No, they’re not their students’ parents (which is a trying role for many as it is) but they’re potential role models. We all have memories as teenagers of the Latin teacher who spellbound us with her stories of being one of the first female barnstormers, the Home Ec teacher who always looked hungover in her morning classes and was allergic to flour, the colorful math teacher with his pranks, the handsome but nerdy biology teacher who in demonstrating “respiration” inadvertantly blew up a pig’s lung, which resulted in bits of pig lung hanging off the ceiling, etc. Most of all, we remember particularly the teachers who stood out as inspirations and encouraged us as students, while we made fun of the ones who truly had no business teaching.

I don’t think Barb Digi is a bad teacher, as she has shown concern and care about her students and the deaf community. Dunno if she had a tad to drink or what, which can suspend one’s judgment in a moment of hilarity, and that’s fine in one’s own private life. But to make such a video comment and then post it on the internet is a different thing– it’s damn public for all the world to see.

I’ve seen worse YouTube material, yes, but these are posted by people anonymous or unknown to many of us. So, be careful of what you wish for, either as a v/blogger or as a commenter on DR or DVTV, it can backfire big-time with unforeseen consequences.
PandaGuy said,

May 25, 2009 at 4:18 pm

Drex…..

Who cares about how bad or how good my english is….. im just telling my opinion. Get lost.
anonymous said,

May 25, 2009 at 4:34 pm

Thanks for sharing Barb’s funny video with us!

Many of us missed it the first time around, but thanks to you preserving it, it has still been available for all of us to enjoy.

The world is so very serious right now, TRUE, but it is a holiday weekend, so let’s not get TOO bummed out by a little playful interlude before shouldering our serious responsibilities once again…
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 5:55 pm

Yea, I would think maybe in the 1950’s this kind of behavior is totally unacceptable. We’ve reached a time where proper behavior is anyone’s guess. For sure the Republicans will say blame it on the Democrats. Such is the way of the internet these days, there are worst things online by public officials.

I would think public officials are the ones that are covered by the media, people of interests by the media. I’m sure everyone has their own definition. Again, if I was a teacher, I would NOT be part of a open aggregator or forum, it would definitely have to be a “gated community.” Yet, there have been times where I’ve screwed up. No one is perfect. Reputation is a dicey thing. I would never want to ruin anyone’s, in hopes that people will and can change.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 6:00 pm

I find this very interesting. Tar made a very thinly veiled threat against me in his vlog. It is on DVTV and in DR’s Extra.

I don’t see any outrage about that.

Makes one wonder about the Deaf Community’s sense of ethics, doesn’t it?
p said,

May 25, 2009 at 6:22 pm

this is all very sad

Peace

Patti
p said,

May 25, 2009 at 6:52 pm

Deaf Pundit – were you just expressing your opinion or were you also advocating for Barb to be suspended or punished

maybe if you re-read your post you will see how some might be perceiving your actions

I said this is ALL very sad because to me:
- it is sad that Barb felt so strongly that she made this video comment – it is out of character for her and i suspect if was something very strong or long running that triggered such reaction

- your reaction has not put your integrity and actions into question

- the main trigger for the initial response is going unexamined

What is this discussion of “reality” and who is behind it …. connect the dots and you will see divide and conquer in action

I care about you dearly – i do not like to see you attacked, demeaned or threatened
I care about Barb dearly – i do not like to see her attacked, demeaned or threatened

where are the better angels of our nature

much peace

patti
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 7:12 pm

Patti,

I believe in holding people accountable for their behavior. By no means do I think Barb should be fired from her job, but she showed extremely poor judgment. It is up to Barb’s superiors to decide whatever action, if any, they need to take. I am not going to tell them what to do with Barb.

I know how my post comes across, and there’s nothing I can do to convince people otherwise that this is not a personal vendetta. The reaction to this blog and vlog has been truly mind blowing. I’ve been in contact with law enforcement about this matter.

As it is right now, I have removed her video comment. My vlog expressing my opinion on this matter is staying up, though.
Valhallian said,

May 25, 2009 at 7:35 pm

heh a Supreme Court test? surely you jest! It isn’t that simple and easy to get a case presented to Supreme Court and it would take years and years of appeals at lower levels and an assload (pun intended here) of funding to pay for the lawyers to even get it that far.

Besides I don’t vlog and I dont have a DVTV account and don’t have a desire to create one just to prove a point, not that I’d do it if I did. But if you look on the internet, there are all kinds of animated mooning emoticons out there that people, and yes even children too, that can download to use these mooning emoticons on their internet postings.

There is also the text version of it that I see in many places online which goes something like this (_._) This may not the best text version as there are several variations of it and if anyone else can do it better than this then feel free to share it.

Now that you bring up Clinton and Kenneth Starr, who ended up looking like the fool at the end? Kenneth Starr did and no one has a clue what he is doing these days whereas Bill Clinton is making millions on the public speaking circuit and his wife is now Secretary of State, so I fail to see what your point here is. And what happened to Monica? I haven’t followed up on her but didn’t she have like a purse line or something like that? It actually made them both even more famous, why? cuz people made a huge mountain of a molehill. Now don’t get me wrong here, I am not condoning cheating on marriages, but there’s people out there that tolerate it. You are actually proving the point that people actually tolerated his behavior as he did not get thrown out of office for it and he finished his term.

However, I would agree with you that it could be perceived as low class and immature behavior to an extent, but the bottom (another pun intended) line is that it did not really cross the line as I see it. But then again, that’s just my own opinion. You may see it as a reflection of my own values, but the reality is that my perception is that we have more important things to bitch and whine about ya know? If these people can tolerate Clinton’s actions and I would be hard pressed to believe that you feel that the comment was worse than what Clinton did, then surely, people should be able to tolerate a little mooning.
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 7:41 pm

DP, this is in response to your comment below.

Are you referring to the video Tar made in response to you regarding the Movie SAW? I dunno, I have never seen the movie and I understand the movie contains violence. He seem to kind of challenged your perception of reality by experiencing the movie itself (if you could- as if anyone could?)? I didn’t see threats, unless you can pinpoint where the threat was. If it was “very thinly veiled threat” then perhaps that answers the question?

I did some checking online and granted, there were many teachers being reprimanded for pictures and statement they have posted on their own site such as Facebook or MySpace. Most of them were on their turf, thus, it seems to reflect badly on them as a teacher. I’m curious how this would play out since it’s in an open site comparable to a forum/aggragator. You may have a point, yet, for me there were several factors that made me not make a big deal over it. In addition, it could be because of my laid-back attitude? Or Perhaps because I’m not a Republican? Who knows. We all see things differently. And, it is sad how all this is playing out. Because we have seen other people in the past being subjected to worst and no one spoke out on the atrocity such as, for example, one of Barb’s colleague had imposed on another blogger in DR. What I’m seeing here is the majority people taking sides. I’m not taking sides as you can well see, I have no interest in DBC nor AFA, in fact, I think they S**K.

Peace out.
Shel said,

May 25, 2009 at 7:47 pm

DeafPundit,

I’ve been having technological trouble leaving a video comment under your vlog at DVTV, so I wish to leave a comment here for now, UNTIL I get my technological issues straightened out.

Frankly, I’m quite disturbed, if not outraged, about this whole situation.

I agree with Candy, Valhallian and Dianrez (and other commenters who are likeminded in this issue) that you have most definitely gone way too far here.,

At this PRESENT point, It no longer has anything to do with Barb’s conduct, her videocomment or even her position as a teacher or Deaf leader. (Mind you, as a teacher, I do agree that teachers are held to higher standards of conduct. )

Your first vlog has already expressed your sentiments about Barb’s video comment. I have no issue with that particular one because you did NOT show that video comment, and you have every right to express your views and opinions, just like everyone else. (And I respected that.)

THEN you put this on DeafRead for everyone to see (a smear campaign) AND, to add insult to injury, you added Barb’s videocomment, WHICH SHE HAS ALREADY REMOVED HERSELF, for the whole world to see. You have practically branded her with the scarlet letter A!

When she removed that videocomment, that SHOULD have been the end of the issue. You persisted on touting your outrage in that vlog that aired Barb’s comment.

You claimed that you saved it as insurance in case people demanded evidence. In my book, that makes the videocomment a WEAPON, to be used against Barb. WHY? That first vlog you made SHOULD have been sufficient, and you would still have remained on a moral high ground. When you placed Barb’s videocomment for EVERYONE to see, you lost that moral high ground.

(You said she’s a role model, and that students would emulate her behaviour. Does that mean YOU, yourself, AREN’T a role model? I have news for you. As a v/blogger, you ARE a role model for the tons of high school students who watch DVTV and DeafRead. When you showed Barb’s videocomment for the whole world, I could also say you’re enabling students to emulate Barb’s conduct AFTER she removed that video comment. What does that make you?)

You said it’s ON THE DEAF COMMUNITY, not you. Sigh… When you have teed off THAT many people, perhaps it’s time to examine your motives, because many are questioning it, myself included. This is NOT a nice feeling to have, as I do respect you as a v/blogger.

What’s more, you just made it abundantly CLEAR that DVTV is NOT a safe place to make mistakes, major OR minor.

Valhallian is correct, this will have a even more chilling effect on how people comment, either at DeafRead or DVTV. At what price have you aired your moral superiority? Is it worth it?

I echo Dianrez’s plea: TAKE DOWN those vlogs, please.

Thank you for publishing this comment.

Shel
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 7:55 pm

In the film Saw, people are kidnapped and they have to either murder, or be murdered themselves. So yes, I do consider that as a very thinly veiled death threat.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 8:01 pm

Shel,

Barb’s video comment has been removed. But the fact is, she put it on the internet for the world to see. People who read my blog, will see that I disagreed with what Barb did. They can read this discussion … and hopefully students who see this, will realize that there are consequences, if they decide to mimic Barb.

But Shel, the Deaf Community is absolutely, utterly naive if they think DVTV is a safe place where you can do whatever you want.

I have gotten a death threat, dozens of people mooning under my vlog on DVTV, even some people exposing their pets’ genitalia on camera. And you’re telling me that *I* am making DVTV unsafe?
Shel said,

May 25, 2009 at 8:21 pm

DeafPundit,

Let me rephrase that…

DVTV has already been an unsafe place, long before you made those vlogs. Moderation of comments under vlogs (or lack thereof) is a huge issue, and I agree with you 100% on that.

What I meant is that I didn’t know that people COULD copy video comments and save them for “future insurance”. You have shown that this is indeed possible, but you are not the only one, granted… other commenters have stated they have done the same…

THAT really highlights precisely how unsafe DVTV is. The storing of video comments is really disturbing. I myself would NEVER have done this. This action simply shows the cynicism of some people (and paranoia, actually).

Mistakes are mistakes… let that go.

You say that hopefully students will learn from this. If this is your goal, could you not have chosen a different approach to educate them than the one you chose? The approach you chose isn’t the best one, and not the best example you could show students on how to approach situations such as this one.
Students would learn that it is ok to use video comments as weapons against each other. Bullying is already a serious issues at schools. Why give them another weapon in their arsenal for bullying? Don’t mistake me…I’m not holding you responsible for this solely, because others are clearly doing this as well.

I have seen the full moons that rose under your vlog… (pardon the pun) and they are definitely hard on the eyes. I missed the death threat though (I didn’t view each and every vid-comment).

Hopefully Tayler will address the comment moderation issue. It’s a HUGE one, for everyone at DVTV.
anon said,

May 25, 2009 at 8:21 pm

Drex,

This is a classic case of reverse audism if you are deaf, by mocking another deaf person for his not so perfect English skills. Shame on you!
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 25, 2009 at 8:38 pm

I don’t consider it bullying when you show what the other person is doing. (This has to be done without any editing).

So if students decided to document what other students are doing, that everyone, including that student, knows is very questionable, I don’t have a problem with that.

You can see Tar’s vlog on DeafRead’s Extra. It’s Deaf Pundit… Welcome to Reality. It’s also on DVTV.
Ann_C said,

May 25, 2009 at 9:59 pm

Shel,
I don’t usually follow DVTV for a number of reasons, one being that there is a mentality of persecution if one doesn’t hoe to a certain line of clique-ish thinking. And this has been going on for a long time. I agree with you in that Tayler and the editors need to come up with some kind of video comment moderation, so that personal attacks can be kept to a minimum.

I believe DP is aware that some deaf who don’t follow DVTV and/ or don’t know sign language well enough, that she posted this blog in DR for these readers’ benefit, as she also provided a transcript of her vlog that was on DVTV. Sometimes DR readers aren’t aware of what things are being discussed in DVTV, something that some vloggers are very deliberate about as they regard DVTV as their “safe space”, LOL. I don’t begrudge them that, it’s their right to vlog. I do think that DP was trying to be fair and to clue in readers who are wondering WTF with all this discussion about audism, etc. spilling over into DR. Pls don’t think that DP is doing overkill by blogging in DR after vlogging in DVTV, I certainly don’t think this is the case.

The prob is, Shel, it was Barb DiGi who posted the satire comment with the mooning clip to begin with, not DP. It’s Barb who’s putting her foot in her mouth, not DP. Deaf Pundit was only using the video comment as a source to exemplify what she was v/blogging about, but some readers are mis-interpreting DP’s intentions as having an ax to grind. Integrity is something we all struggle with as humans, and that includes DP, which is why she called on Barb DiGi’s integrity, “Why are you doing this?” Can we be better examples and express ourselves in a better way for future deaf generations? Perhaps DP sees that Barb DiGi has the potential for leadership in the deaf community and to be someone deaf people can look up to, maybe that’s why DP is calling on her to lead and not be a part of the “herd mentality” that is characteristic of some Deaf cliques, or to resort to the lowest denominator of online commentary that is so characteristic of HEARING forums.
Don G. said,

May 25, 2009 at 10:19 pm

Jeannette,

You are making much ado about nothing, mountains out of molehills, and whatever other cliches that may apply, basically.

Was the shot of mooning tasteless? I’ll buy that.

One of the commenters above said it was “clear” that it was not Barb DiGi’s butt in there. I have never had the privilege of seeing Barb’s butt, so I can’t verify that, but it is clear from the quality of the “moonshot” that it was taken from somewhere else on the internet, and therefore it is likely that Barb herself did not do the mooning. So she did not breach any moral clauses in her teaching contract.

In her comment, she was not representing herself as a teacher from her school, but just as herself, “Barb DiGi”, and as people have said above, even teachers are allowed to have personal lives.

Nor was Barb acting as a representative of DBC, and the same goes as previously.

Again, you need to learn how to separate the talk and actions of individuals being themselves from when these individuals are acting in an “official” role, whatever it may be.
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:03 pm

I agree that DP might have posted this post in DR knowing that many like you and I do not frequent or ever go to DVTV. The video she had here, which she removed, she subsequently posted that video much later in DVTV. So, what was the purpose of doing that? That was why I started to wonder if it was more than what meets the eye. The video she posted of Barb was originally a comment at someone’s Vlog over at DVTV. I think by reposting it as a main vlog topic was going too far. While some people might not agree, that is ok. It’s no different from this other blogger that went to all lengths to “out” another blogger. It is just De Ja Vu all over again. Someone is always trying to destroy someone’s reputation in the deaf blogosphere. And the fact that Barb’s original video was a comment only send out message to all of us that regardless of freedom of speech, we’re all not safe commenting in DR or DVTV. This original (right here) post as it was, was sufficient enough. DP already made her views known but she didn’t stop there with THIS post.
Candy said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:16 pm

To make it clear, Barb made a video comment at a vlogger’s video page, DP made a video of herself explaining her disgust including transcript which was both posted at DR and DVTV. That, I had no problem with. I mean, I wasn’t going to make an opinion about what Barb did, I had no opinion. Then, after many people over at DVTV and DR was upset with DP’s vlog/blog, DP then reposed that video comment of Barb at DVTV as a main vlog. By then, Barb had already removed her video comment over at someone else’s vlog (for whatever reason.) So, it would appear (if I’m wrong, so be it.) that DP in her further disgust of the deaf blog/vlog community’s lack of support for her view, decided to re-post Barb’s video comment in DVTV as a main vlog topic. That’s when I felt the need to tell DP that I thought she was going too far.

As to Barb’s action, that is not my problem. However, I did feel that it did not really cross the line that much. Yet, if I was a teacher, I would not be in DR or DVTV. But, ya know, I’m not going to judge her.
Jean Boutcher said,

May 25, 2009 at 11:50 pm

Patti,

Barb was in responce directly to Barry Sewell.

Shel,

You said it all. Thank you.

Deaf Pundit,

Throughout the blogpost herein, you are airing an attitude of “I am holier than thou are. ” What was your real and true motive for defaming and throwing rocks at the much-loved Barb as well as for not removing your two vlogs, one right here and the other on DVTV? In light of your tough vlog addressing to John Egbert and writing bitterly against some DBC folks for more than twelve months, I take note that you are wont to do serial character assassinations.

Off on a tangent, a professor with whom I had a conversation this afternoon expressed his concern for Barb and warned that the defamation or a character assassination like the one Barb has received from you can certainly cause a
heart attack to the harassed.

Where are the moderators: Tayler Mayer, Elizabeth Gillespie, Amy Cohen Efron, and
Jared Evans? Defamation and character assassinations should not and must never be tolerated on DeafRead anbd DVTV.

Vox populi: please remove your two vlogs (“I Am Disgusted”) and publicly apologise to Barb for throwing rocks at her.

I am very much concerned for the health of Barb whose life is dedictated to the deaf community.

Jean
brenster- said,

May 26, 2009 at 1:09 am

I agree completely with what Shel and others said. You went too far!

When you posted your video expressing your disgust that appeared on DVTV first, I viewed it as your opinion. Nothing more. Although it was no surprise that you would keep a tab on certain individuals (OLD NEWS), I had no issues about this vlog since again it was your opinion.

Then… you pursued further (no need to explain further). Even worse, you (as well as others) video-recorded their video comments. This part is most disturbing. Just like Shel said, the questions of Barb’s conduct are no longer relevant. I am concerned with the future video comments by others for the fear that they would be recorded and be used against them with twisted truth.

In fact, I didn’t see that video comment. It was YOU that sent me and many of others to view this comment which later was removed. Then it was YOUR COPY (stolen, actually) re-posted on DVTV as an individual vlog for all of us to see. Even more, you put a misleading title: “Barb Digi’s Mooning.” That is twisted truth. When this video comment was removed, there should be an end of it. Of course, you wouldn’t let it go.

That is a personal vendetta – without a question! Yes, you used the copy of video comment as a weapon with an intention to destroy one’s reputation.

The irony, you claimed that you were bold enough to stand up and speak up, but actually you were bold enough to put damage not only on one’s reputation but also on DVTV community and other organizations – without thinking twice. It is unfortunate.

It is a sad reality.
michelle said,

May 26, 2009 at 2:10 am

What a firestorm here. Holding someone accountable for inappropriate behaviors. Let’s see eye to eye on Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. He denied and didn’t apologize, we allowed him to continue as Prez. JFK and those women, no one stopped him until he got murdered (sadly). Obama did experiment using drugs and proves us no orginial copy of US Birth Cert. Yet, no one stops him. Eh? Barb made a grimsy video comment which was no big deal… This is one most fouled up world we ever live in.
kim said,

May 26, 2009 at 2:16 am

I don’t often watch dvtv and have been trying to stay out of this, but now that it has seeped over into deaf read, I’ll share what I think.

And also, I want to thank you for your thoughtful transcribing.

1) I don’t believe in comment moderation because DVTV is made up of individual bloggers. It should be up to the blog owner to decide which comments he or she will allow.

2) That said, when a vlogger makes threats against someone they should be dropped from the aggregator and reported to the police.

3) I thought Barb’s comment was in poor taste and bad judgement considering her professional position.

4) I have made comments in the past I was ashamed of. Once you hit ’send’ it’s too late.

5) It is a fact that when her students find this they may or may not show it to their parents. Additionally some of the hearing parents she is trying to influence through DBC will see it when they google her name. Some will be just as shocked and disgusted as you were. Others will laugh it off.

6) I’m a big believer in letting the chips fall where they may. Because Barb is a leader of the community, this could come back to bite her at some point. Ultimately she will be the one who will have to deal with it in the future when a parent complains.

7) Those butts were real ugly and gross. You have a right to your feelings and to express them in your own v/blog.

There are no right or wrong feelings.
Drex said,

May 26, 2009 at 3:01 am

Anon – It absolutely has nothing to do with audism, fool.
dog food said,

May 26, 2009 at 7:58 am

all energy going back and forth in this discussion… and we still havn’t found the cure for cancer.
Mishka Zena said,

May 26, 2009 at 10:21 am

It is incredibly easy to forget that we are under the microscope by the outside world, seeing DVTV and DR as private and insular. Not only does the quiet Deaf audience occupy the seats, we also have an invisible hearing audience composed of deaf culture and asl students, teachers, parents, and children.

Nobody wants Barb to lose her job. She is a fine teacher with a strong passion for Deaf children and bi-bi education. It appears some buttons were pushed and she reacted accordingly. It was a holiday night and she was in a private residence. Unfortunately, when we are public figures, we don’t have ‘off times’ on the Internet, remaining mindful that DVTV and DR are public forums.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 26, 2009 at 10:38 am

Candy,

I posted Barb’s video comment through Seesmic. That was taken down. So I posted a recorded copy of her comment on YouTube, so I could post it here. DVTV automatically posts all of my YouTube videos. If I had a choice, I would not have posted it on DVTV, but I wanted to show people who read my blog, what Barb had done.
DBC's martyr card said,

May 26, 2009 at 11:12 am

A DBC leader playing the martyr card again. I notice it’s DBC’s favorite tactic. Other leaders don’t use the martyr card for their misbehavior. Too bad. We can learn a lot from our critics and avoid making the same mistakes again.

If it’s not a big deal, why the firestorm? Why was Deaf Pundit crucified by Barb’s mob for pointing out the mistake? She was trying to protect the Deaf Community!
kim said,

May 26, 2009 at 12:27 pm

Wow, a principal driving drunk, Karen?? That really does send a baaad message to kids of that age. i can see why the parents were concerned. It’s true we all have our public and private lives, but when you’re considered a role model you need to act like one. Remember what happened to Bill Clinton? I was never bothered by his affair with Monica. It happens. But it nearly cost him his presidency.
Not Breaking Any Laws? said,

May 26, 2009 at 12:50 pm

It stands to reason that showing two guys mooning in a videocomment would be illegal. Yet, for DBC and its supporters, this behavior is acceptable.

#1 Is Mooning someone Illegal? http://www.lawforkids.org/Speakup/view_question.cfm?id=17280&topic=Other&page=2

#2 The mooning nurse — Feb. 27, 2008 A certified nurse’s assistant pleaded guilty to indecent exposure after “mooning” two co-workers while on the job at the Frasier Meadows Assisted Living Center in Boulder. Two nurses told police that Suzanne Mueffelmann, 42, of Longmont, flashed her buttocks outside the room of a Frasier Meadows resident. Mueffelmann lost her job at the facility. http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/nov/03/naked-runners-face-registering-sex-offenders/?printer=1/
michelle said,

May 26, 2009 at 1:07 pm

Talking about reality, everything’s exposed! In Europe, they put up posters of movie/commerical ad with photos of naked people, Krist Dunst kissing spiderman upside down and even a baby with headphone and signed as in “rock”. Men in Italy pitching butts surely disgusts me but why fretting over those small potatoes? Yes, this blog here is one big firestorm instigated by an arsonist DP but I find this no big DEAL! Actually… things could be done differently, DP should send a personal email to Barb. It is her choice to keep or remove that vlog.

“Great minds discuss ideas, medium minds discuss events, and little minds discuss people.”~Hindu Proverb
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 26, 2009 at 1:13 pm

Michelle,

If it is not a big deal, then why am I getting criticized for showing Barb’s video comment in its entirety?

She was not ashamed or embarrassed to put it up in the first place. But now she and her friends are crying foul?

*shakes her head* No wonder the Deaf Community can’t get ahead. Far too many don’t have logic.
brenster- said,

May 26, 2009 at 1:23 pm

DP – Blaming the Deaf community and insulting your fellow Deaf people for not having logic, in the other words, you are saying that you are better than us all. Typical. The irony is your blog shows the ugly reality of YOU.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 26, 2009 at 1:31 pm

Nobody’s still really addressed my point. Everyone’s crying about copyright issues, when this is really a public interest story, and violation of teacher ethics and decency standards.

Barb is now a martyr, because I dared to out her. I violated a Deaf Culture taboo. You do not out popular leaders in the Deaf Community. So yeah, I say that taboo is illogical. People who believe in that taboo are illogical.

If this was NOT a big deal as many are claiming, then why am I being slammed? Answer that. Otherwise, I stand by my statement that this is completely and utterly illogical.
Steve said,

May 26, 2009 at 2:37 pm

DP -

I don’t need to remind you that you have violated copyright law by stealing Barb’s video comment without her consent so remove the video or I will report to youtube for further action.
Shame on you for posting negative comments on Barb’s humor comment which is intended as a reply to Barry’s vlog and you had to exploit her.

This is totally unacceptable and those who agree with DP should think twice!
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 26, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Steve,

Barb’s video comment *IS* removed. But while you’re at it, why don’t you contact Seesmic and ask them how they feel about her using Seesmic to show 2 men mooning. Because I believe that in many states, that is considered as indecent exposure. An illegal activity.

And I would be careful with the accusations of copyright violations. You are not an attorney.
michelle said,

May 26, 2009 at 3:13 pm

Deaf community has no logics? I disagree, some people have no MORAL VALUES. What you did here doesn’t stop me from reading your blogs. You are one of my favorite bloggers. It is no class when someone posts a smear online when discussing their profound sentiment and opinions over a very little thing.
I can assure that you may like Clinton, Obama, Marlee Matlin or Brad Pitt. They have done something wrong even worse and still well-liked by many people. I didn’t get it. You have done some serious collateral damages here. Be careful.

FYI, Barb is not my friend, just an acquaintance thru mutual friends.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 26, 2009 at 3:21 pm

Barb did this to herself when she posted that video comment. Not me. Any collateral damage caused, has been caused by her.
candy said,

May 26, 2009 at 3:46 pm

DP, when you originally blogged about it, that was good enough. You should have left it alone as it is and not bother to add that video comment, just save it for when it is needed. Already a lot of ppl have seen it.

What I have done in past if I saw someone committing unethical acts within the deaf community, I would bring it up to the person (obviously, I’d have to know the person well enuf to do that) usually that would be a fair warning.

I have gone against taboos in the deaf community. Yes, you will get backlashes…but the key here is to do it the right way.

Understand that, I wasn’t taking sides. It was how this whole thing played out with how information was disseminated.

so…..is it ethical for a teacher to make a video comment in jest online showing two male arses???? let’s see if anyone can get back on track.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 26, 2009 at 3:57 pm

We’ll have to agree to disagree about whether it was appropriate for me to put up the video comment.

I don’t think Barb’s comment was in jest. I think it was intended as an insult. She appears, at least to me, as being drunk and angry when she made that video. I did some checking, and apparently her comment was a response to Barry’s video comment where he said, “That is not my reality. That is your reality. Deal with it.”

So yeah… is that appropriate?
Anonymous said,

May 26, 2009 at 4:36 pm

perhaps a little “chilling” might be a good idea? a little caution, counting to 10, 3 deep breaths, sleeping on it, and thinking twice or thrice before releasing something compromising in an impulse of childish temper?

a little reminder that one cannot say whatever one thinks or feels, and post it on the Internet for all the world to see, without any repercussions or consequences?

civil discourse, anyone? I don’t consider mooning to be a part of civil discourse.

The copyright rules on YouTube pertain only to copyrighted material. That means books, films, articles, intellectual property, anything with a (c) symbol on it. The rule does not apply to DVTV video comments because they are not copyrighted. That’s my interpretation of the rule. If I’m wrong about that, please inform me and cite your source.

DP, I loved your point about the real reason for all this furor — it’s because you outed a popular individual. You and many other independent thinkers have been endlessly lambasted and excoriated for your views, and no one complains. I don’t always agree with your views, and have said so on previous occasions, but I respect the manner in which you present them.

Carry on!
brenster- said,

May 26, 2009 at 4:44 pm

Your point was already addressed over and over in that it is no longer an issue, because that video comment is already long gone. It became a firestorm because of you. The problem is that you targeted the same people for quite a long time. It became too obvious that your recent actions were personal. You think you really outed her for the sake of the Deaf community, but really you put more harm than good to the Deaf community. You did not even think twice and thrice but acted upon your own self-serving interest to satisfy your vendetta – all at expense of the Deaf community. That is why you are being slammed. You are really the martyr.
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 26, 2009 at 4:51 pm

Brenster,

I don’t know how many times I can say that this is NOT, and I repeat, NOT a vendetta. If this was a vendetta, then why did I stand up for Shawn, ASLforLife, when Barry Sewell went after her? Shawn is a DBC supporter.

I find it quite incredible that Barb DiGi as a teacher, had two men moon the camera in response to a comment that she didn’t like, and the Deaf Community by all appearances, supports that response.

*shrugs* Nothing else I can say about that…
A Deaf Pundit said,

May 26, 2009 at 5:49 pm

I have posted screenshots of Barb’s video. I have added a PS to my blog post explaining why.
Shel said,

May 26, 2009 at 7:09 pm

Ann_C,

Each and every one of us makes a mistake now and then. In this particular situation, it has nothing to do with cliques. Even Candy, who doesn’t necessarily agree with Barb, has a problem with DP’s using the videocomment, which Barb has already removed.

Had DP let it go after her first vlog, and DeafRead vlog with translation (simply because what shows up in DVTV under a blogger’s name, usually shows up later under that same blogger’s name in DeafRead), then no one would have a problem with her criticizing Barb as it is DP’s right to have an opinion on whatever comes up.

The problem I have is, as I’ve explained earlier, with DP’s copying (or stealing as Brenster put it) Barb’s videocomment (which was removed for goodness sake!) as a weapon against Barb and showing it to all and sundry. This is an unethical thing to do.

I reiterate: this has nothing to do with herd mentality. What happened to Barb could easily have happened to ANY OF US, to you Ann and DP herself, even, and that is what I find difficult to stomach. The copying and storing of videocomments, which were made in good faith regardless of whether they were in good taste or not, to be used as weapons or insurance against people, is definitely beyond the pale.

I commend DP for removing Barb’s videocomment from her blog. (Thank you, DP)

Shel

I hope you understand where I am coming from, Ann.
Shel said,

May 26, 2009 at 7:15 pm

DP,

Please read my reply to Ann_C, and perhaps you will better understand why people are so outraged at your showing Barb’s video comment.

It is really time to get off that high horse and stop criticizing and belittling the Deaf Community. Try looking at it from our perspective. It has much far less to do with protecting Barb than it has to do with protesting the act of using videocomments which have been removed voluntarily as weapons against others.
Shel said,

May 26, 2009 at 7:50 pm

You got to be kidding me!!! You took down the videocomment, but posted snapshots of the same videocomment?!!

This is just as bad… no, worse than showing the videocomment itself because it shows that you DO NOT GET IT! It’s OK to keep hammering away at an individual, even LONG after you had expressed your opinion?!?

The issue of whether a teacher should be held to a higher standard of behaviour is LONG LOST here, utterly obliterated by what you have done here.

I’m sorry, but you really need to examine the ethics of such tactics.

Please read the Seesmic policy about sharing what is NOT yours in the first place.

Sign me DISAPPOINTED.

Shel
Jean Boutcher said,

May 26, 2009 at 11:50 pm

A Deaf Pundit said on May 26, 2009 at 4:51 pm:

“I find it quite incredible that Barb DiGi as a teacher, had two men moon the camera in response to a comment that she didn’t like, and the Deaf Community by all appearances, supports that response.”

I think that you are making an exaggeration everytime you mention “the Deaf Community” in this blogpost. Do you know how many deaf people there are in the deaf community? There are apprxoimately 10,000+ deaf people in the Metro of MD-DC-VA — aside from Gallaudet University; there are apprxoimately 22,000 members of the NAD; there are approximately 28 milion deaf people in the USA. Meaning what? 99.99%b of them do not read DeafRead; therefore, they have not seen your blogpost.

If you were a true friend of deaf people, you would have written a private email asking him or her to consider removinbg his/her vlog.

United, we stand; Divided, we fall.

Jean

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