The picture was taken in 2013. Washington, D.C.;

The year, 2016 has been one of the most difficult years for me. I will not tolerate bullying or bullies.

-A Deaf individual who is in circle of De’VIA made up worst lies about me.

-A Deaf author threatened my life and shared nasty and inaccurate information with other people about me.

-A Deaf President for an organization has allowed haters to expose my life.

-Another De’VIA artist shared ugly rumors to other people claiming that I have Asperger’s Syndrome.

-A Deaf returned citizen accused me of stealing my own organization logo.

-I lost my grandmother and grandfather four months apart.

-Oh yes, another De’VIA artist asked someone to shove my shoulder while walking during homecoming week at Gallaudet University. A witness supported me and knew that they did it on purpose.

-A Deaf administrator gave me a DEATH STARE.

-I had a massive heart attack and cardiac arrest—resulting in death for ten minutes.

-This is my FIFTH heart attack.

-The same Deaf returned citizen above wished that I die even after recent heart attack.

-Wait. There are more…..Countless.

I have experienced plenty of hate incidents and bullying the last six years since my soul showed up in social media and in public—sharing my fundamental elements of democracy and my knowledge about hate crimes. In today’s Deaf community, incivility and bullying is a NORM just like President-elect Trump’s new NORM. In the culture of bullying even in Deaf community is not limited to Deaf people, but it is also a national past time.

Research has showed that Deaf people who are bullied or cyber-bullied face increased risk for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal attempts, too. As well as being exposed to stress living in a toxic environment would increase the chances of developing coronary heart disease.

Yet, the cardiologist said that I’m very lucky not to have any kind of brain damage. Usually when someone die for more than five minutes, brain damage begins. Even when I was in ICU, the doctors said that I’m strong as an ox.

I have been dealing with worst things in my life, being bombarded with the nasty words and images about me every day. You all really do not KNOW my life stories. To be honest with you, I am not holding my breath and I will stand up against bullies anytime including Deaf leaders, too. I am much stronger than you really think of me. It is all about developing thicker skin, but is it really necessary? Despite the hate attacks by De’VIA artists, I still keep the artworks because hate does not win. Even those people above did not win either. It is not win-win situation.

In 2017, you will see a lot of things that will make Deaf community think. Peace and prosperity.

Additional link:

https://audismnegatsurdi.com/2016/08/18/beyond-labeling-the-role-of-awareness/

-JT

Copyright @ 2016 Jason Tozier

This text may be freely copied in its entirely only, including this copyright message.