Note: This was originally published in a column by Tim Curry in GONG magazine of the Czech Republic, June 2016.
Celebrities vs. Leaders
Recently Nyle DiMarco has become a world sensation. His talent has made him an award-winning model and dancer in two American television shows. He has won the hearts of Deaf and hearing alike. There have been other Deaf celebrities in the past, but with today’s social media Nyle’s fame has gone far. He is also showing a good example of how to use his celebrity status for the good of the community. He is the spokesman for the civil rights movement LEAD-K (www.asl4deafkids.org) which supports mandatory sign language courses for young Deaf children in the pre and early years of their education. He knows the importance of language acquisition and bilingualism from birth and especially for Deaf children they must have a signed language. Nyle is also very supportive of equal access in communication for all Deaf and hard of hearing. He uses his interviews to teach others about Deaf and their culture and how it is an important part of the worldwide community. He is a role model by helping to dispel many myths about what his community can or cannot do. He is using his status to support Deaf community needs and goals.
Deaf and hard of hearing leaders do not always have the advantage of fame, fortune and news coverage that celebrity status gives. However, these leaders lead in many different ways, some obvious, some are subtle. The obvious ways are organizing Deaf protests, committees to change laws, groups for support or just community events. The less known methods of leading and supporting the Deaf community are done by individuals every day. A Deaf person will teach an interpreter a new sign or correct him when he signs wrongly. A Deaf person will meet friends or family for lunch, encouraging more people to learn more sign language. A Deaf person will struggle through university to show others that Deaf can succeed. A Deaf person will fight discrimination through 100 interviews to finally get a job. All of these subtle, but important, ways of leadership are helping to preserve their language and culture through awareness in the hearing community. They are also excellent role models for the next generation of Deaf and hard of hearing.
Leaders, celebrities and non-celebrities, are all important. A true leader uses the resources they have to support others so that all may achieve their goals together.
Tim Curry, M.S.
Note: This was originally published in a column by Tim Curry in GONG magazine of the Czech Republic, June 2016.