Iain Martin, a Times columnist, took to Twitter to defend to Boris Johnson’s recent comments about the Burka. The reactions to his tweet didn’t go well. He battled on replying to his detractors for while, but eventually gave up, as it was relentless.
Many reasons to dislike the burka, but disrespect of the deaf (who often need to see faces to follow communication) always high on the list
— Iain Martin (@iainmartin1) August 8, 2018
Here is a selection of the reactions to it.
Touching. Pray tell: would love to know about all the work you’ve done across the years to support deaf people. Or could you be using them to reinforce your odd worldview in the same way that Dorries is misusing the LGBT community today?
— Tony Jackson (@JacksonT0ny) August 8, 2018
Iain, you say you "didn't say" that you speak for us deaf people. But here you are deciding what is and isn't offensive to us. If you are yourself a deaf person then you can speak for YOURSELF how you feel.
For MYSELF as a deaf person, women should wear what they choose.
— AShettle (@AShettle) August 8, 2018
Meanwhile Boris does not speak up about this and some are concern about Burka? #Madness pic.twitter.com/m0y0rjCSs7
— NinaChomskyLuchadora #SaveOurNHS #LBOM (@NinaWonderGirl) August 8, 2018
Every day the Twitter Fairy sprinkles a new moron into my timeline and today that is you.
— Todd Munson (@themunson) August 8, 2018
Are we going to ban people who mumble, or talk at their feet too?
Are we all going to have to project our voices like @brianblessed ? I look forward to a ride on public transport…
— Just Bob ? (@bobreeduk) August 8, 2018
Yes of course that every day occurrence of "deaf person" meets "burqa wearer" – of course it's "high on the list".
Did you spend the whole of yesterday trying to come up with that nugget?
— Martin Baker (@ytfcbadger) August 8, 2018
I have a hearing loss disorder (not legally deaf yet) and I've known exactly one woman who covers her face. And I never viewed her needs as an inconvenience or affront to me.
To be honest, unkempt beards and moustaches are far more of an issue! #BanTheBeard ✊✊✊
— Ashley (@InMyMargins) August 8, 2018
I’m partially deaf and rely on a number of cues. I’m calling for a ban on telephones please….oh and people with accents different to my own. Both of these things I struggle with daily.
— MB (@melodynebell) August 8, 2018
If you’d like to respect our community here are things you can do:
– campaign for better accessibility
– learn sign language
– donate to deaf causes
– don’t deafsplain & speak for us
– listen to us— 美慈 / Sam (@hellomeici) August 8, 2018