Setting the record straight

The decision by the Core Group in NYC has initiated a mixture of emotions, mostly in surprise and disappointment.

This posting is to get the record straight, as there are questions about the role the New York Core Group played in this protest.

Obtaining a permit to host a protest in New York City is NOT a cake walk. One member has been tirelessly trying week after week since the end of October to work with the NYPD on this matter.  The detective who handles Community Affairs has very limited hours; and rarely answers the phone. This (deaf!) member called the main desk several times and was either permanently put on hold, hung up on, or yelled at about how much they hate VP calls and berating further at how 'deaf people need to have other people speak for them'.  What if that deaf person was trying to report a rape?  A murder?  A fire?  Apparently our personal safety isn't of concern, even though our tax dollars are spent to pay the NYPD to protect us...?!  

As a result of this, a report is being filled out with an independent agency, CCRB (Civilian Complaint Review Board) on the conduct of NYPD.  In addition this matter will be brought up at the local precinct community meeting, as well as a letter to the MOPD (Mayor's Office of Persons With Disabilities).  As you can see, the work doesn't stop here - a physical demonstration may not be happening - but this protest is FAR from over; we at the NYCG are continuing our fight, but doing it in different ways we find attainable (writing our own scripts, strengthening our networks, etc.) that might be a far cry from the guts, guns and glory that some people seek.  

It's called dirty work.

This member is but only one of this hard-working group in New York that has bit quite a few nails in this process.  The other members have war stories to share, but feel mutually frustrated at the excessive demands imposed on the NYCG.  We understand there is the need to handle the mushrooming issue for advocacy of deaf actors. But our resources are quite thin.  The NAD (National Association of the Deaf), NYCCAD (New York City Civil Association of the Deaf), ESAD (Empire State Association for the Deaf) as well as NYDT (New York Deaf Theatre) have yet to demonstrate the political power needed to make improvements in for the Arts in the deaf community. 

Our message has, and always will be -  

WE ARE NOT ATTACKING HENRY STRAM.  

THE CASTING DECISIONS MADE BY THE ACTING GROUP AND DOUG HUGHES IS WHAT WE ARE (WERE) CHALLENGING.  

By demonstrating outside the theatre of NYTW, the immediate political impact makes us appear to be attacking NYTW - in which we are NOT.

Regardless of assumptions made about our progress, certain factors are out of our control - and our honesty has remained. 

Based on conversations we've had with people who have already attended the show - the contradiction of the Acting Group is obvious and can speak for itself (pun not intended).  There is a possibility that some deaf viewers will see this show.  Their response on the show will reverberate far greater than a few flyers handed out for just one evening.    

Please respect our wishes when we ask for understanding and (constructive!) support.

In solidarity, 

NYCG