Final answer:
The deaf community's view of Alexander Graham Bell is complex and varies. Some view him as a hero, while others criticize his promotion of oralism over sign language. Overall, views on Bell within the deaf community are diverse and depend on individuals' perspectives and experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The deaf community's view of Alexander Graham Bell is complex and varied. While some members of the deaf community may view him as a hero and advocate for the deaf, many others view him in a negative light due to his involvement in promoting and advancing oralism, a method that emphasizes speech and lip-reading over sign language. This controversy stems from Bell's belief that sign language hindered deaf individuals from integrating into society and achieving success.
To better understand the perspective of the deaf community towards Bell, it is important to consider the historical context of deaf education. During Bell's time, there was a deep divide between those who supported the use of sign language and those who advocated for oralism. Bell was a prominent advocate for oralism and played a significant role in the establishment of schools that promoted speech and lip-reading instead of sign language.
However, it is essential to note that the deaf community is not universally united in their views on Bell. Some individuals appreciate his contributions to the advancement of hearing technology, such as the invention of the telephone, which greatly benefitted the deaf community. Others acknowledge that Bell's intentions may have been well-intentioned, but they believe his approach was misguided and resulted in the suppression of sign language and cultural identity.