Inspired by Cristi Demnowicz's "Racism Scale: Where do you fall?" model, below is the audism scale adapted from the original format of the racism scale (with permission granted by CDemnowicz, http://racismscale.weebly.com/). Where do you fall on the audism spectrum?
Terrorism
I would have aborted an embryo because it's deaf.
Overt audism
Deaf babies should be implanted with cochlear implants and be forbidden from using another language (i.e. ASL). / Deaf people's natural human language will be extinct anyway. / Cochlear implant is the best option.
Subconscious audism
Deaf people are a curse from God. / ASL or any signed languages are inferior. Speech is superior. / Deaf people are naturally less intelligent. / Deaf people don't learn well withot speech. / Speech is central to language.
Indifference
We family don't need to learn ASL for my deaf child. / (As an "oral success"), I'm lucky.
Defensive
We believe we make the right decisions for Deaf people. / Because they are deaf. / I am not audist. / Their language delay or deprivation has nothing to do with us.
Justification
If they had just... (e.g. worked a bit harder or given more efforts with speech.) / Hearing people are the majority. / I have Deaf friends. / My Deaf friend just told me. / Because there are not enough Deaf ASL instructors so it's okay that I teach ASL.
Denial
You (Deaf) are fine. / No, we didn't discriminate Deaf people. / Audism doesn't happen here. / Forbidding deaf children from using signed language in name of speech will not potentially lead to language deprivation or delay.
Hearing Savior
By signing songs, I want to help Deaf people appreciate music. / Did you know that there is a technology that will help you hear? / My opinion is... (participating in discussion about Deaf issues or concerns).
"Woke" Justification
I've always wanted to learn ASL. / I didn't know that Deaf culture exists. / What is the sign for "__"?
Performative Ally
Learning ASL would look good on my resume. / Signing a song will help gain my reputation. / I expect praise and/or publicity for my interpreting job / support.
Awareness
Systematic audism does exist. / I realize this behavior is a hearing privilege. / I cannot compare my experience as a hearing person to that of a Deaf person. / I must always ask Deaf people first.
Abolitionist
I'll respect their (signed) language which is their pride and core of identity. / I will not take opportunities from Deaf people such as a Deaf role in plays or movies, ASL teaching positions, using ASL to gain benefits or profits, etc. / I will stand to fight along with Deaf. They will lead and I will not overstep their boundary line.
Related topics: dysconscious audism, audism: a form of discrimination.
