Name sign for Alexander G. Bell

Bell, Alexander Graham, 1847-1922, American scientist, inventor of the telephone; infamous and unadmired figure in Deaf history.

Related topics: TELEPHONE, ORALISM, OPPRESSION, MARRIAGE.

Deaf Culture

Alexander G. Bell (1847-1922), known as the (arguable) inventor of telephone and prominent proponent of oralism, has no place in Deaf heart. He has been unfavored by Deaf community for Bell's involvement in the eugenic movement and oralism which has been a harmful impact on many Deaf lives over many generations worldwide.

American Deaf graphic designer illustrated the portrayal of AGB that is perceived by many Deaf people. "A cochlear implant, in the lower left corner, alludes to the communist symbol, insinuating the totalitarianism of listener (audit) practices and discourses." -- culturasurda.net (2014). AGB advocated eugenic movement and many deaf people were sterilized during the World War II. AGB was a strong detractor of sign language and Deaf marriage.

In ASL teacher Ms. Reid's classroom at a deaf school, she had some profiles of the prominent historical figures, mostly Deaf in the 1990s and 2000s. As comic as she is, she couldn't help but turned upside down the particular poster of the hearing oppressor, AGB.

More on AGB.