Mike O'Donnell Interview 2 (Post DPN)
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Description
Mike O'Donnell discusses his role and experience in the Deaf President Now protests. As someone who works on Capitol Hill, he gives a bit of context to how things can and will be different in the future. He touches on civil rights and systems of power. Part 2.
Publication Date
1988
Keywords
Deaf President Now
Recommended Citation
Gallaudet University, "Mike O'Donnell Interview 2 (Post DPN)" (1988). Deaf President Now Protest. 80.
https://ida.gallaudet.edu/dpnvideos/80
Comments
O'Donnell mentions how inspired he was when he saw the people walking towards the Capitol during the protests. The police said the deaf protesters were very peaceful and followed instructions. He says as a Deaf person he has been oppressed many times. He and many other people have struggled and still do struggle. He says it takes effort and energy to build a group of people who can utilize their different skills to make something successful like the six man core group who worked behind the scenes of DPN. He hopes more deaf people are inspired by the DPN protests. He discusses where the power behind the movement lies. It lied in their heads to be creative, think, and plan. He dislikes the concept of crab theory in the deaf community that pulls down those who succeed. He says DPN was a fight for control of Gallaudet that they won, but we still need to fight for other changes in the deaf community in regard to civil rights. He says anyone can be a leader and help others in the community. He encourages people to join organizations and get the skills they need. He also discusses Spilman's iconic quote - he was angry because he works in a hearing environment. Many deaf people work with hearing people. He was at home when he found out about Jordan's selection and saw it on the news. He drove quickly to get to campus to celebrate with everyone else.