Chapter 55

       The emphasis on what Deaf culture actually is was explained very well in Chapter 55.  HPO defines Deaf culture as "a social, communal, and creative force of, by, and for Deaf people based on American Sign Language.  It encompasses communication, social protocol, art, entertainment, recreation, and worship" (pg 325).
       I love that "the U.S. arguably has the most sophisticated and creative-and public-Deaf culture of any" (pg 326).  Deaf people tend to stick to each other, preferring to communicate comfortably with others like themselves.
       In addition, Deaf culture is learned and expanded by attending schools for the deaf.  At these schools, people "pick up ASL from each other and develop a distinctly "Deaf" attitude, encompassing such things as outlook; sharing information through gossip; teasing and joke-playing; visual humor; and a passion for sports" (pg 326).  Deaf people use all of these activities as a way to express belonging within their group/culture...especially with sports, which I found interesting!  While I have always seen sports as being a form of competition, Deaf people mainly see these activities as a social experience, where "everyone gets a chance to participate" (pg 326).
       I was glad that HPO brought up the question concerning ethnicity.  Whenever I think of culture, it is easy to correlate it to ethnicity....whether you are Jewish, Italian, Native American...each of these have a cultural background.  However, for Deaf people, your culture does not necessarily come from your background.  "Most Deaf people are born into hearing families" (pg 327), showing that Deaf culture is not something you have to be born into.  However, "in families where deafness runs congenitally, there tends to be a much stronger identification with Deaf culture" (pg 327).  This makes sense because like in another culture that you are born into, it is what you have known your whole life...not something you develop overtime.  This chapter also brought up the exciting fact that "Deaf culture is by no means restricted to deaf 'members only'" (pg 329).
       This culture is built upon, and distinguished by the means of communication people use, through ASL.  As a result, Deaf culture's language brings new ideas into society, visually!  Their involvement in visual arts and literature is "creatively ever-changing, ever-evolving" (pg 328).  I think it is so interesting that this culture is based on a visual language, and has lead to ASL poetry, plays, storytelling, humor, folklore, songs, and sign mime.  This "Deaf Renaissance" is so unique and is a great way to display Deaf culture!