Photo by Sierra Koder
Imagine being told you’re not “Deaf enough” by the very community that should be your sanctuary. It’s a reality that many face. Beneath the surface of shared experiences lies a painful and divisive truth: identity within the Deaf world can be as much about exclusion as it is about belonging. The notion of being “not Deaf enough” forces individuals to navigate a complex web of expectations, where their identity is constantly scrutinized, not just by the hearing world but by their own community as well.
Rachel Zemach, a Deaf educator and author, has spent years grappling with these intricate issues, both personally and professionally. Those who are new to the Deaf community, she feels, should be guided and educated, not judged. Zemach’s insights highlight the profound implications of inter-community divisions, not just for individuals, but for the strength and unity of the Deaf community as a whole.
Understanding the Concept of “Not Deaf Enough”
To fully grasp what it means to be “not Deaf enough,” it’s essential to recognize the diversity within the Deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) population in the United States. Of the 48 million Americans with significant hearing loss, only a small percentage—about 500,000—identify as culturally Deaf and use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary mode of communication. This group, while smaller, wields significant cultural and political influence, viewing Deafness as an identity, a source of pride, and a connection to a rich cultural heritage. Those born into Deaf families, with multiple Deaf family members over many generations, are even more deeply rooted in their sense of Deaf heritage, and within the community they have significant power.
“Not Deaf enough” can refer to those who are new to the Deaf world or don’t fully embrace Deaf culture. This may include individuals who were mainstreamed, late-deafened, use cochlear implants, speak, or are not fluent in ASL. These individuals, often referred to as “Inbetweeners,” (a term that Zemach uses and describes in her book, The Butterfly Cage) navigate a complex identity—one that doesn’t fully align with either the hearing world or the Deaf world.
Zemach’s own life mirrors this complexity. Born hearing and becoming Deaf at age ten, she did not learn ASL until her teenage years. Her attempt to integrate into a Deaf school as a teenager was met with judgment; a painful experience that left her questioning her place within the community. Like many others, her story is one of eventually feeling more connected, and proudly Deaf.
It’s important to note that divisions and judgment within the community are rooted in real and significant concerns. For example, Deaf people who can speak or lipread often face less discrimination and are more likely to secure jobs, while other highly qualified Deaf people are turned down. Moreover, by speaking or lipreading, Inbetweeners inadvertently give hearing people the harmful impression that all Deaf people can do the same.
The Impact of Internalized Audism and Linguicism
The judgment that comes with being seen as “not Deaf enough” is not just about language or culture; it’s deeply intertwined with issues of privilege, internalized audism, and linguicism. Audism is the belief that hearing people are superior to those who are Deaf. While painful,the divisiveness is understandable given the historical and ongoing oppression that the Deaf community has faced. Deaf history includes severe discrimination, from being placed in mental institutions in the past to children having their hands tied to prevent them from signing, in educational settings. In 1880 an International conference in Milan forbid signing in schools, in favor of oralism (speech and lipreading.) Deaf teachers were forced out of their positions, the previously thriving numbers of Deaf professionals declined, and a wave of discrimination was set in motion. Such deep-seated traumas contribute to a defensive stance within the community, where those perceived as having more privilege are often met with suspicion.
In fact, Inbetweeners can cause real harm if they abuse their privilege. For instance, if someone who barely knows ASL teaches it on social media, or gives advice without actually understanding the issues.They may be driven by financial gain or clout and attention from an uninformed hearing audience. The Deaf community often calls out such behavior, urging individuals to listen and correct their actions. The true test is whether these individuals are willing to learn, respectfully, and adapt, or if they continue, defiantly.
The Cost of Division
Many, many Inbetweeners go on to become highly valued members of the Deaf world. But many are ostracized, give up and withdraw from the community. For some, the experience of being judged as “not Deaf enough” can lead to mental health struggles. Zemach shares heartbreaking stories of students in hearing schools who, feeling disconnected from Deaf peers or the Deaf community, became suicidal.
Divisions are often created by well-intentioned professionals, like school administrators, outside the community. These divisions can distract from—and weaken— the Deaf community’s efforts to fight for systemic justice, yet the larger issues of audism, language deprivation, and systemic discrimination are significant. And disunity can be further exploited by external forces.
A Call for Unity and Accountability
The core group of culturally Deaf individuals has made significant progress in the fight for visibility and equity, and this work is hugely important, as there are significant challenges still; in areas like employment and accessing communication for essential services like medical appointments. Many victories have been won, but new challenges and obstacles keep popping up. Zemach feels that supporting one another is especially important as enrollment in Deaf programs, schools, and teacher training programs is dwindling and thus programs are being shut down across the country. By lifting each other up, the Deaf community can galvanize its full potential.
In the end, the “not Deaf enough” concept should be retired, to prevent further divisiveness and loss. Given the serious societally-imposed challenges Deaf people face, joining forces could be an empowering, radical act. The rich tapestry of individual experiences would contribute to the power of the community, which then collectively apply its full force to tackling the pursuit of linguistic, social and educational justice.