Dorothy Miles is another name that is so respected and left behind in the world of Deaf-culture and sign relation-poetry. She was a talented poet, an educator and a pioneer, she changed the meaning of silent communication. Dorothy Miles: 7 Powerful Lessons in Silence is not only a name but an indicator that signifies a well calculated life that has been full of determination, strong will and imagination.
Her efforts were used to establish the Deaf society around the world, and she worked to create some lessons through art that even at this moment, people cannot forget. Here are seven of the most powerful lessons that we can all learn out of her life and legacy.
Silence Has Voice as Well
Among the most powerful lessons that British Deaf Poet was able to convey to the entire world are the notion that silence is not an empty space, but it is expressive. She demonstrated that silence can be rhythmic, emotional, deep with the help of sign language poetry. Her words were in gestures, and her gestures in verse.
She demonstrated that language does not use vocal cords – it is about being present, intending and meaning.
Deaf Identity is Proud, Not a limitation
Dorothy had always managed not to be defined by her deafness as being less than. She however accepted it as part of the same person. She broke stereotypic ways of thinking about deaf people being broken and instead performed and rhymed about being Deaf herself.
She lived as an example to other people: you are whole, you are just different and your being different can cause a change.
Sign Language should be a valid Art Form
Prior to her, sign language was considered only as a method of communication. And Dorothy made it poetry. She demonstrated can create high art that can convey beauty, intricacy and, in fact, emotion through sign languages, including British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL).
Her poems were not only translated, but also done in sign language, as original poetry.
The Inclusion in True Education
Being a teacher and a trainer, Dorothy contributed to the creation of the educational materials that were focused on the Deaf culture and accessibility. She collaborated with the institutions in the UK, as well as, the USA to better educate and understand Deaf students.
She was not only a proponent of inclusive education, she was an advocate who wanted to position Deaf students as leaders, creators, and teachers of others.
Community is the Growth of Culture
Deaf culture is also healthy where the community is strong and was the realization of British Deaf Poet. She collaborated with theater companies, schools, and advocacy projects to help close the gap amongst individuals. She was able to use her influence to elevate other people in the form of poetry reading or workshops through which she commemorated the Deaf heritage.
Her activity contributed to the unification of generations of Deaf people in the UK and America.
In not all cases does activism require a megaphone
Not that Dorothy was loud- she was powerful. She was not the type that would deliver her cause by shouting but by telling stories. She made people think by doing sign language poetry that talked about struggle, pride, and identity. She was creating awareness without being confrontational and she was empathetic without anger.
It was a silence that required to be noted. She had the language of silence.
A Life is Remembered in Motivation
Dorothy Miles also died in 1993 but the legacy of this woman continues to rise. Her poetry is read in present day schools, with her work preserved and celebrated, and its legacy evident in contemporary Deaf poetry and activism.
In a classroom, in a theater, in Deaf clubs and in a computer archive, her spirit is alive to inspire everyone who believes in the power of the word.
Why the Dorothy Miles Still Matter in the Current Day World
The loss of Miles Biography is a significant one simply because she managed to do something that only few other people had the courage to do, that is she showed us how to hear without a sound. Her artwork serves as a reminder that what we say issues not just out of the mouth, but out of the soul as well.
Dorothy is a voice that is louder than words in a world where everybody is shouting. Her message? You have the right to exist. Art is what you say. What you give up in words can be used.
Conclusion
Dorothy Miles: 7 Powerful Lessons in Silence is not the narration of one woman power, it is a kind of guidebook in which all people can read their lives. And no matter whether Deaf or hearing, artists or teachers, or just humans, we can teach ourselves something of dignity, vision and fearless creativity using her as an example.
Silent Activist did not only break any barriers, but she signed her way through them, teaching all of us what a beautiful and courageous silence looks like.
