Any Deaf/HoH folks on here? · 5:24pm Sep 23rd, 2023
Hey, odd question: any Deaf/HoH bronies on here? I'd like to consult about a story idea I have, in which Big Mac is Deaf. I like the idea, but I want to make sure I'm treating the disability respectfully, raising awareness rather than making fun, etc., etc., but the advice I got on Reddit was "Unless you're Deaf yourself, don't." I'd like to talk to someone about this idea, maybe even collab on it, to make sure it's the best it can be. If you'd like to talk, I would love to hear from you, either in the comments or via PM.
The premise is as follows: the story focuses on Big Mac and his family learning (and/or failing to learn) how to work around his disability. As a young teen (post-Where The Apple Lies), he fell in the river and nearly drowned, but was saved by his parent(s), who lost their live(s) in the attempt. Despite their sacrifice, Mac got pneumonia, which turned into a severe ear infection (that's a thing, right??) that took his hearing. Cheerilee, who took a class on Pony Sign Language, helps to teach him how to sign, but the Apples struggle to do so. Granny Smith blames Mac, consciously or not, for his parent's deaths, and tries to force him to lip-read and speak rather than sign. Applejack eventually teaches herself to sign behind Granny's back, but Apple Bloom internalizes Granny's grief / ignorance / ableism, and never learns. Big Mac eventually learns to live a happy, fulfilling life, despite his disability.
"Unless you're Deaf, don't" is bad advice, flat out.
Asking for help like this is exactly what you should be doing.
So good on you. :B
Don't ever ask redditors for advice, they're narcissistic sociopaths at best, disregard anything they say.
Secondly, I say go for it.
I'm Stone cold deaf now due to military service.