Section 1 A Poem Colin Thomson Colin is a family support worker and freelance British Sign Language and Deaf Awareness trainer. He
is also a signed singer, and was possibly one of the first in the UK when he performed for the first 1
Sign Singer , Colin describes how this passion began and how his versions of songs can relate specifically to the deaf experience. He is the fourth generation of deafness in his family, his son being the fifth.
time over 35 years ago. He has performed on the BBC's See Hear and at various Deaf events. In 2
Labels Do you see me or the labels given to me So kindly by society? Do I fit into a category Deaf or hearing? You see I'm still trying to find my identity
Did anyone stop to think Oh you're deaf let me buy you a drink Does anyone even care? The labels you learnt, the scars are still there
We're all born with a clean slate We all start with a fresh mind We all want to integrate But your labels leave me behind Suppose I am a different kind
Yes we all learn to explore We learn to love, even hate I wanted to learn even more But your labels closed the door
If I spoke would you understand? Would you be offended If I use my hands? It's what nature intended
My hearing aid is for you To help you get through I don't understand a word you say I look for clues on your face But you just turned away Gave me a new label today
Deaf, part hearing, hearing impaired Do you ever ask me or have you ever cared? Sign this form, bus travel for free So now you tell me it is a disability When we say it's a language minority
If you can hear are you deaf impaired? Does a label give you identity Or tie you down, instead of setting you free If only you would take the time To communicate with me and share my mind
Labels are part of history So open up your mind and set me free.
1. See Hear is a weekly magazine programme on BBC2 highlighting issues that affect people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
12 With thanks to you know who.
2. Thomson, C. (1991). 'Sign Singer' in Taylor, G. and Bishop, J. (eds). Being Deaf: The Experience of Deafness. London: Pinter Publishers in association with The Open University.
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