The Relationship between RNID and Deaf People.

I think it’s worth considering the dynamics of the relationship between deaf people and RNID. On a superficial level, I suppose some would say that RNID are our kind helpers to whom we ought to be eternally grateful. That, however, is a subjective view only held by some. Those of us who don’t subscribe to such ‘crying clown’ sentimentality might have a more objective or factual picture of what each party in the relationship actually is. Once that has been determined, we can decide what each party’s rights and responsibilities are.

I would argue that deaf people are equal private individuals who go about their lives minding their own business.

The RNID, on the other hand, have taken it upon themselves to represent us – to speak for us, to act for us, to collect money for us and to spend it for us – all without our permission, all without our proper involvement, all without our proper say and all without our genuine suffrage.

So I would have thought that it is very clear from those points that deaf people do not have to justify themselves to the RNID or it’s supporters. The RNID, however, do have to justify themselves to us. To borrow from Rousseau, the RNID are our agents, not our masters.

I hope to put forward more news items and commentary rather than opinion in my later posts.