I am/am not angry. An ‘1880 That’ irony
This new image (inspired by ‘1880 That’ and intended as a header for this website) which is a brick wall featuring the words ‘I am deafinitely angry’ – came about as a result of a number of visits to 1880 That including a Visual Vernacular performance on 10th July 2025 by Olivier Calcada, Zoë McWhinney and Duffy.
The large introductory board that heralds the start of 1880 That exhibition at London’s Wellcome Collection.
Some Deaf people have to be restrained because of 1880 and its oralist aspirations… because its a huge oppression bestowed upon the Deaf by hearing people.
As the above image shows, parts of the Visual Vernacular performance highlights very clearly the palpable anger the Deaf community has towards oralism and the 1880 Milan Conference.
In terms of that anger, the large brick wall is meant to signify that the Deaf are saying they are not angry (but they are really). In a sense, not being angry is another brick in the wall – another means of hiding what is the true Deaf situation.
As for the anger, well it is BIG! Its massive! That’s why there’s a great big brick wall with the letters I am not Cross. Oh the irony! Yes that’s what 1880 That is about – the huge confidence trick that was played upon numerous deaf communities throughout the world.
The large brick wall that’s part of the exhibition. No-one in the Deaf community is cross nor angry about the oppression that’s been practised – isn’t that right?
Below is a short clip from the performance that took place in front of the wall. Basically ‘I’m not angry. You are angry. Yes I am angry. I am angry too. No I am not. I’m not angry either!’ A series of rebuttals that anyone could ever possibly be angry about Milan 1880 and oralism.
1880 That: I am not angry – the Visual Vernacular performance at the Wellcome Collection’s ‘United by Language’ evening. Video by Deaf21.
In terms of the main feature image, the word ‘deafinitely’ is a pun of sorts that has been employed by many to date. Google AI says:
“Deafinitely” is not a real English word but a playful misspelling of “definitely,” often used as a pun by organizations like Deafinitely Theatre and the charity Deaf-initely Women to highlight the Deaf community and promote inclusivity and access to BSL-focused services.
Besides those two examples, many others use it also – including DEAFinitely SUPPORTive; Deafinitely (AI powered sign language translation platform); Deafinitely Communicating; Deafinitely Independent; DEAFinitely HEAR FOR YOU; Deafinitely Fun; Deafinitely Girly and more.
The word remains completely unofficial and is not mentioned in dictionaries. Apparently the deleterious effects of oralism and paternalism are in force and quite likely will not accept the term – hence the Deaf world should continue to be angry!
Yippee! The good news is the Wellcome Collection’s 1880 THAT has been extended for an extra five months to April 2026.
Note: This article is intended for information and entertainment purposes only. Please do not get angry about anything.
The article vividly captures the Deaf communitys complex emotions regarding oralism and the 1880 Milan Conference. The mention of the I am not Cross wall and the Visual Vernacular performance highlight the deep-seated anger and irony experienced by Deaf individuals, offering a powerful insight into their struggle for recognition and rights.