Karamo Brown Asks Fans If Well-Known Idioms Are Ableist: 'Falling On Deaf Ears'

Would you say your argument is “falling on deaf ears” if no one is listening? Or how about asking someone you disagree with: “How can you be so blind?”

Queer Eye star Karamo Brown has sparked a debate about whether these idioms are ableist, asking fans on Twitter their thoughts.

He questioned the use of such phrases after a friend said “falling on deaf ears” in conversation with him. “I told them that I felt that ‘saying’ is inappropriate,” he wrote. “It seems disrespectful and rude to the deaf & HOH [hard of hearing] community. She said I was being over sensitive. Thoughts?”

Someone just said to me, “I feel like my message is falling on deaf ears...” and I told them that I felt that “saying” is inappropriate. It seems disrespectful and rude to the deaf & HOH community. She said I was being over sensitive. Thoughts?
— Karamo Brown (@Karamo) May 23, 2019

Many said they think the phrase is outdated, with some even calling it offensive:

I have an auditory processing disorder and I've never liked that saying. It makes me feel like I'm being lumped in with those who intentionally don't listen to others. So I'd say you're totally right!
— Claric (@cassettesideB) May 23, 2019

Thank you! I don’t like the phrase because it implies that deaf people can’t listen.

I put 10x more effort into communicating than hearing people.

Thank you for being aware & using your platform to recognize and elevate Deaf/HOH perspectives 💜
— Chrissy🌈🎬💜 (@life_laughter_) May 23, 2019

Deaf here! I think the saying is a bit ridiculous as being deaf isn’t a choice like ignorance. It depends on the person tho, I’m not TOO bothered by it. However, it does rub me the wrong way

Thank you for being aware & using your platform to elevate Disabled & Deaf perspectives!
— Anderson “Andy” Pleasants (@pleasantandy) May 23, 2019

ableism is a huge problem that largely goes unaddressed. there are a lot of “sayings” that we use at the expense of people with disabilities
— madison (@maddzismad) May 23, 2019

But others disagreed, saying: ‘It’s just a colloquialism.’

I'm hard of hearing and I don't mind the disability-related metaphors. (Could also be bc I'm a writer and very attached to a good idiom.) I care more about abled people not speaking on my behalf or presuming to know for sure what will bother me. Say what u want, just w humility!
— Cameron Baumgartner (@cameronhbg) May 23, 2019

HOH here. Honestly honestly it doesn't really bother me. It's just a colloquialism that I've always grown up with and a lot of other people have. Death doesn't have to necessarily mean literally death. They aren't hearing the message. I don't find it at all offensive.
— Niki's Kitchen & Home (@Nikis_Kitchen) May 23, 2019

For some, appropriateness is all about the context:

It depends... As a Deaf person, I’ve teased my friends & family, “You’re going Deaf!” If it’s light, I’m not offended. If it’s “He’s deaf & dumb!” That’s not okay ever. Or making up signs in the air. AND don’t tell me for the 100th time you want to learn sign (& not learn after).
— Sheena McFeely (@SheenaMcfeely) May 23, 2019

I think it depends on the context. It also depends on deaf individuals. However if we can find a better word/idiom, then always go with that!
— Nyle DiMarco (@NyleDiMarco) May 23, 2019

Of course, you can avoid causing potential offence by using different words instead:

“Talking to a brick wall”
— katie • MCMLondon (@katiejenmish) May 23, 2019

‘Wasting my breath’ has a similar meaning.
— shelley (@kiwigirljacks) May 23, 2019

Instead of "falling on deaf ears", what about "I feel like I'm talking and the mic is off"
— EldRyn Phoenix (@EldRynPhoenix) May 23, 2019

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