NYC DPHH is in danger. We are disappointed to say this, because we tried to do a good thing, but some people ruined it for us. We tried to show that he Deaf Community is a STRONG community of Wonderful people, who should not be judged based on being deaf. Our intention was to showcase that Deaf people are brilliant, creative, professional, witty, and capable of having a great time!
People went to bars, ate, drank, and did not tip the staff. The servers get paid minimum, and rely on tips to make a living. They worked so hard, tried their best to communicate, even with language barriers. Some of us sat at tables for hours without ordering anything, so the tables could not be used for other customers. The going rate for tipping is at LEAST 15% of the total check. Some people tipped the servers 0 cents! It is embarrassing to the rest of us in the group who know the proper etiquette about tipping servers, and it gave us ALL a bad name.
As the organizers of this group, we are also put in the position of being responsible for the behavior of the attendees. It looks bad on ALL of us! Those who did it know who they are, we will not mention names. We don't care what you do in the privacy of your home, but we do not like that you put us at risk of them thinking ALL Deaf people behave that way in public.
DPHH means DEAF PROFESSIONAL HAPPY HOUR. It means those who can come together to network, have a good time, and respect each other's professions and careers, being supportive of each other. A high level of of respect and mature behavior is expected.
If you cannot conduct yourself in a professional manner, please do not attend the events. If you don't drink, please do not attend the server. If you are not willing to support the venue, and tip the servers, please do not attend the events.
We put OUR names and reputation on the line by planning and hosting these events, and we intend to maintain a good reputation for the Deaf Community, and with the Venues that we ask to host our large group. WE have to deal with the problem when people do not act as they should.
Please, Please, do not disappoint us, and the Deaf Community. Let us show the Hearing Community that we are capable of decent and mature behavior, and that we know good etiquette, and what is the appropriate tip for servers. Let us show that DPHH is a prestigious group of intellectuals who come together to promote and support each other who work HARD in the Deaf Community, and just need a time and place to unwind, and have a good time.
