From Library Journal
Wrigley, whose background is in language rights and acceptable identities, delineates here the culture and politics of deafness. Having had experience in the deaf community in Thailand, he is concerned with the collective institutional prescriptions available to the deaf, which delimit options, most particularly in relation to access to education and employment. The questions Wrigley raises are troubling and politically compelling. Each chapter encourages readers to examine their own values and thinking in regard to those with hearing loss. Not intending to write a comprehensive study, Wrigley outlines facts and then weaves in his own questions, asserting that "deafness is about language and communication." The bibliography is extensive but falls short by excluding many deaf authors such as Gil Eastman or Martin Sternberg. For academic and specialized collections.?Emily H. Ferren, Ruth Enlow Lib. of Garrett Cty., Oakland, Md.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
The Politics Of Deafness draws from experiences in Deaf communities on the other side of the world to explode myths about Deaf people and their lives. With vivacity and relentless resolve, Owen Wrigley articulately and persuasively undermines current ideas about the complex nature of deafness and Deaf culture. The Politics Of Deafness crashes conventional ideas as it fully engages readers in a break out from the mundane entrenchments of past theories on Deaf identity into a revolutionary stage of development that is recognized by notable experts in the discipline. The Politics Of Deafness is essential reading in deaf culture studies. -- Midwest Book Review
