Crack the Audism
The video Crack the Audism (2003) is an educational resource used by Ameslan/Deaf studies, human resources agencies, organizations, harassment/discrimination workshops, employment agencies and such. This 7-minute video was produced by the media artist Jolanta Lapiak in 2003 as a part of the diversity project for the Alberta College of Art and Design's anti-harrassment/anti-discrimination workshop.
In the long run of history from Aristotle to Alexander Bell, the Deaf have experienced pathological and paternalistic oppression and discrimination in the majority that have impacted on their language, communication, education and employment in similar patterns worldwide. It is unfortunate that despite the changes since the 1980s, deep-rooted audism continues today in a different manner. The video presents the Deaf persons' perspective in their own voice, through their eyes. First hand experiences in their unique language, communication, and challenges of audism are presented to the viewer. This work aims to bring attention to the fact that we are all whole human beings capable of feelings, needs and desires, beyond ears and lips.
References
Photograph and statement by Jolanta Lapiak at www.lapiak.com. Video is available to order.