Chapter 70

        Once again, I think that this chapter relates in some ways to the previous chapter concerning light. I know many people who would just automatically assume that because they no longer have hearing, deaf people's eyesight would become sharper in attempt to make up for the lack of hearing.  Although I can see where they are coming from, this is not the case.

"The #1 favorite misconception about disabled people seems to be that when you've lost use of one sense, the other senses magically become sharper" (pg 401).

        In reality, deaf people sometimes succeed more visually compare to hearing people because they have to learn to rely solely on visual cues.  "They simply become more alert about taking in and processing visual messages" (pg 401). While hearing people use their ears to distinguish language, warnings, emotions, and people's tone of voice, deaf people use their eyes for the exact same feat.  I think that deaf people know how to use their eyes in ways that hearing people do not, in order to keep up in conversations.  For example, "alert Deaf signers tend to take better notice of the persons they're communicating with-the nuances of expression, the momentary glances, the subtle changes in posture that indicate a change in mood or a dwindling of attention" (pg 402).  I think it is so cool that deaf people have the ability to notice these aspects of communication just by observing!  In order to function daily, deaf people have to rely on sight, lights, vibration, and other ways to stay in control of knowing what is going on in society/a conversation.

Living with Usher's Syndrome

"Just about everyone in the Deaf community knows someone, or several persons, with US"

        I honestly could not imagine being diagnosed with Usher's Syndrome.  This genetic disorder not only causes deafness, but also causes a developing blindness over time.  With no known cure or treatment, people with Usher's Syndrome usually relate themselves with ASL and Deaf culture.  However, some people with US are oralists, with cochlear implants.  It was uplifting to read that many people who are diagnosed "are talented, strong, high-spirited people who insist on living life to the fullest" (pg 402).  

        I agree with the authors of HPO and people with US, that people who are diagnosed with US definitely need to be informed of their disorder as soon as possible, in order to begin accepting the inevitable and to begin "adjusting, acquiring coping skills, and communication techniques, and choosing a suitable career goal" (pg 403).  I find it surprising that some doctors, counselors, and teachers would prefer keeping this information from children!  Although I can not imagine how difficult it would be to find out about US, I would guess that knowing about the diagnosis would be more beneficial in the long run.  

Chapter 69

Is it true that most Deaf adults from a residential-school background cannot sleep with lights on?        

        Before reading this chapter, I did not realize the affect that light has on most deaf people.  However, after thinking more about it, I realized that it makes perfect sense, because they rely mainly on their vision throughout their entire life.  I found it interesting that the sensitivity to light for deaf people is acquired mainly through residential schools.  "Deaf children don't choose to sleep in complete darkness; they're forced to.  And they gradually become accustomed to it" (pg 397).  I feel like this rule in residential schools is pretty extreme, but it definitely explains why as adults, deaf people can only sleep when there is absolutely no visual stimuli.  I could not imagine not being able to sleep with light.  Although I prefer the darkness, I can be flexible and without that, I would not be able to sleep during car trips, or when my roommate is up late doing homework!
        Deaf people use light for many different alternatives for sounds.  For instance, blinking lights are considered sirens...whether it represents a doorbell or a fire alarm.  With deaf people always cautious about their visual surroundings, it really does make sense that any light would distract them because not only does light allow them to see clearly, but it can represent a warning and alert system.
        I was surprised to learn that "not all light is equally disturbing" (pg 398).  While white light is seen as extremely 'loud' and 'annoying', other color lights such as red and blue "are more easily "ignored" by deaf sleepers" (pg 398).

The "darkness quirk"- Universal??

        The letter provided in this section by Sidney G. Pietzsch seemed to slightly contradict the previous question.  From experience, Pietzsch explains that not only Deaf adults from residential-school background have problems sleeping with lights.  He says that, "I am a Deaf adult from a "mainstreamed" background, and I find that I cannot sleep with the lights on either" (pg 399).  This go back to my previous statement...I think that this "quirk" could be because of their use of light in other important situations throughout deaf people's daily life.

Chapter 68

I never realized how important clothing and attire is to sign language!!

There are so many factors that determine whether an outfit is appropriate or not when signing (especially for interpreters or performers).  These include:

• Wearing solid colors
• Professional-looking outfits
• Sticking to colors such as black, dark blue, navy, deep purple, violet, teal, hunter green, cranberry, wine, and gray...Mainly colors that are unobtrusive (pg 393)
• Avoiding flesh colors, hot colors, and obnoxious patterns.
• Avoiding red, white, and ornamentation.
• Wearing simple and not flashy jewelry.

And although these 'rules' are not mandatory, they definitely put emphasis on how much of a difference you can make based on the type of clothing you wear.  These suggestions are mainly given for professional interpreters and performers, in attempt to avoid visual annoyance and distractions.  Even thought these suggestions are JUST suggestions and people have the freedom to wear whatever they want, I like how they showed what a difference clothing can make.  Some clothing has the ability to make it difficult to see someone's signing.

Chapter 67

        The question, "Do deaf people show a slight difference in their facial anatomy?", caught me by surprise, because I have never seen deaf people who look different from hearing people.  This chapter verified my belief, stating, "if a deaf or hard-of-hearing person's face is in repose, we don't think there are any distinguishing characteristics between a deaf face and a hearing one" (pg 391).
        Being deaf is known as the "invisible handicap" because you can not recognize a deaf person solely based on their appearance.  Instead, being deaf can be distinguished through hearing aids, clothing, pins, and obviously, sign language.
        When reading the question, I wondered if the reader was talking about the great amount of facial expressions that deaf people use.  In sign language, faces are used to determine grammar and emotion, allowing them to move their eyebrows, move their head, and using their nostrils...among other ways.  When watching deaf people sign, their facial expressions are intense, based on the fact that they are a major part of their communication.

Chapter 66

        Another cultural aspect of the Deaf community includes signsongs.  However, this new musical genre seems to be bringing up a lot of great questions.  In the beginning of the chapter, a woman named Holly Roth asked a couple questions that I had never thought about asking! These included:

1. It seems that many hearing children (and adults) are learning signs from their (hearing) teachers in order to sign and sing songs for (hearing) audiences.  I am bothered by this.  Do Deaf children and Deaf adults enjoy seeing hearing people sign and singing songs?

2. If Deaf children learn to voice songs for Deaf audiences, would this make sense?

3. Anyway, signing songs word-for-word is just a string of vocabulary words, not a translation.  Where's the meaning?

        "Signsongs are an artistic hybrid, borrowing the concept of choral singing from Hearing culture and the signs from Deaf culture" (pg 385).  I love this idea, and I love watching signsongs performed...which I guess is expected from a hearing person.  However, it is understandable that some Deaf people are opposed to signsongs.  Signsongs are not an original part of Deaf and ASL culture and they feel like hearing people are basically changing their language by performing them in straight signed English.  This goes along with Roth's third question, Where's the meaning?  If you translate signsongs into English, it does not make any sense to a person fluent in ASL.  But, meaning apparently is not the main worry for those performing.  Signsongs are instead visually pleasing to many (especially those who do not sign).  I can relate to this, because even though I am learning sign language, I still find these signsongs beautiful.  In addition, I found it interesting that in some circumstances, signsongs are used as a way for students to use their hands when singing, in order to prevent fidgeting.
        Another question that was addressed was, If Deaf children learn to voice songs for Deaf audiences, would this make sense?  I honestly did not have any idea as to what the answer was, but I love the way HPO confronted this question.  "Is there something artistically (and ethically) bogus about "borrowing" another culture's songs and appropriating them?  Many of us would say no.  Music is a universal language, and songs treasured by a culture become part of our global heritage" (pg 387).  Signsong is just another newer type of music that I think allows Deaf and Hearing cultures to come together.  I feel like another reason some deaf people have negative feelings towards this is because they are not willing to share their culture, perhaps based on bias?  In reality, signsongs have the ability to be beautiful and if performed correctly, they have the ability to remove the idea of cross-cultural pastiches and instead just show artistry.

Chapter 65

        This chapter showed me how the appreciation for music in the Deaf community truly varies based on the individual.  Some do not care at all about it, while others go to "Deaf Discos" where "the music is loud..some attendees will be able to perceive the lyrics or the melodies; others will feel the booming bass and percussive track vibrating through their chests" (pg 381).  

        I thought it was so interesting that Deaf people enjoy watching MTV as a way to watch visual rhythms and body language.  I never thought that a station like MTV could have such an affect on people, but it makes sense that it is a way for Deaf viewers to stay involved and enjoy mainstream music and music videos.  

        Another way that deaf people appreciate music is through "sign-songs."  Whether it is setting ASL poetry to a rhythm, or translating hearing songs to sign, I think this is fascinating...especially to watch!  In class, we have watched a few signers set hearing songs to sign language, and I think it is incredible to see how it translates into this beautifully visual language.  

        The chapter sums up by stating that "it all comes down to a question of aptitude, upbringing, and taste" (pg 383).  Deaf people have the opportunity to be successful with music, while others see it as a foreign concept.  Success with music can be shown through both Beethoven and Glennie.  Beethoven completed many symphonies after going deaf and struggling through all the frustrations and anguish in his life.  Evelyn Glennie had an incredible career as a deaf percussionist.  It is inspiring to see stories such as Beethoven and Glennie's when it comes to being deaf and a successful musician.   

Chapter 64

"At my daughter's wedding, I saw my nephew dance for the first time, and I was surprised to see him dancing so beautifully.  How could he do that if he's deaf?  My sister tried to explain how that could work.  I still don't understand.  Can all deaf people dance like him?"

        I feel like this is a very legitimate question because when we think of dancing, most of us (including myself) associate it with music, which deaf people can obviously not here.  It was interesting to learn that "while some hearing people are terrific dancers and some are incredible klutzes, the same applies to deaf people" (pg 377).  Music does not determine whether a deaf person can dance or not and instead, a sharp eye, alertness, rhythm, and coordination are the key components.  I loved learning that "dance classes set up for deaf students use visual cues, amplified music, and a lot of percussion" (pg 378).  In addition, my previous belief that deaf people feel vibrations through the floor was proven wrong in this chapter.  Instead, deaf people tend to feel vibrations of music through their bodies, specifically the breastbone.
        Also, I was glad that this chapter talked more about the how involved deaf people are in dance and dance companies.  I previously did not realize there involvement, and it was cool to see how Deaf students are offered these opportunities.  I learned that there are dance troupes at Gallaudet University, known as the Gallaudet Dancers.  In addition, there was the American Deaf Dance Company which was considered a "mixed troupe", including both hearing and deaf dancers.  I think it is disappointing that presently, the Gallaudet Dancers are the only group that has not been disbanded.
        I have always been told that 'Deaf people are loud' and this information about dancing and music definitely helped me to understand that statement.  Deaf people need to feel the vibrations of the music in order to enjoy it and dance to it and as a result, loud music with an extremely loud bass section with percussion is what is used.

Chapter 63

        It was great to learn about how movies affect deaf people.  I had never thought about how great silent movies would have been for deaf people but after reading this chapter, "moviegoers enjoyed quality...and when it came to following the plot and dialogue, deaf people were at no disadvantage" (pg 371).  Also, I did not realize that Deaf people worked with the silent movies, working as the technical crew and as performers.  When silent movies were replaced by the "talkies", Deaf people had to look for alternatives in order to keep up with the mainstream films.

        One way for films to be accessible for deaf audiences was through subtitles and captions.  Before reading this chapter, I had used these terms interchangeably, not really understanding the differences between them.  However, I now understand that subtitles are used to translate dialogue into different languages, while captions are used to explain sound effects and who is talking.  

        In addition, the six alternatives for watching mainstream movies were very interesting.  They included action movies, read the book first, subtitled foreign films, wait until the captioned DVD is released, TRIPOD, and silent films.  These all show that there are many great ways for deaf people to be included in the film world.  However, I think it is a little disappointing that in most scenarios, deaf people have to use alternatives to watch the movie instead of being able to just go see a mainstream movie without any issues.

Chapter 62

        Before reading this chapter, I knew that there was such a thing as Deaf literature, but I did not know exactly what was incorporated in it.  The chapter states that "by literature, we mean fiction, nonfiction, essays, journalism, memoirs, stories, poetry, plays, and all manner of hybrids, with the emphasis on creativity" (pg 365).  However, for Deaf literature, there are two different ways to look at it: (1) "Literature created by people who happen to be deaf" and (2) "Literature expressing a Deaf viewpoint."  Personally, I see the latter when I think of Deaf literature.  Just because a person is deaf does not mean that there only topic of discussion is deaf themes.  Many Deaf people have participated in all types of genres offered in literature.  This first author to write a prose book called "Observations of a Deaf-Mute on an Elementary Course of Education for Deaf-Mutes".  This book contained much information concerning sign language and the existence of a Deaf community in Paris.  Following in his footsteps, other Deaf authors began "breaking into new genres" (pg 366).
        In addition to the written literature, Deaf literature includes another spectrum based on sign language.  I think it is so interesting to see ASL literature and to see how it is considered a new and original genre!  It is shown through ASL performances, including stories, poems, song, and plays.  ASL literature "uses visual kinetic instead of written and spoken language, reflects Deaf perceptions, and represents a fresh cultural" (pg 367).  I would love to experience more ASL literature and see how this new genre expresses stories, poems, songs, and plays.

Chapter 61

        Like any other culture or type of people, deaf people have labels written on them, stereotyping them, usually reflecting preconceptions.  After reading this chapter, it was extremely disappointing to see all the uneducated and negative stereotypes that are meant to define deaf people and the Deaf culture.
        One of the stereotypes described is called 'The Silent Sufferer'...recognized by the novel, "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter".  Some people believe that based on deaf people's inability to hear, they are lonely and outcasts.  I personally think this stereotype is extremely irrational and according to HPO, "ASL-Deaf people are social creatures" (pg 359).  Knowing about Deaf culture and how socially active deaf people are, I do not understand this stereotype.
        Another stereotype listed is 'The Incompetent Dum-Dum'.  This stereotype basically defines deaf people as stupid and unintelligent, believing that they can not think for themselves.  I think this assumption goes back to the history of Deaf culture, and how in the past, this was the original view.  People use to assume that deaf people were 'deaf and dumb' or 'deaf-mute', and as a result, some people still hold this ridiculous belief.
        The stereotype, 'Exotic Alien', is another that surprises me.  The fact that people see deaf people as "exotic, weird, strange, and alien' just because they are deaf and use sign language seems to be very judgmental and slightly unreasonable.
        In addition, 'Life's Loser' is another stereotype that I have unfortunately heard of.  For deaf people who choose to only use ASL as their way of communication, they are looked at negatively because apparently, you are "nothing if you can't speak" (pg 362) in Hearing culture.  This belief that those who do not voice are 'losers' or insignificant is an idea that is used by hearing people with oralist beliefs.
       Another two, 'Evil Deafie' and 'God's Victim', seem very similar.  Both show deaf people as being cursed by God.  In the stereotype, 'Evil Deafie', this idea that deaf people are cursed gives an extremely negative view towards them, making them seem like they are dangerous.  In 'God's Victim', deaf people are seen as "touched by God" or "special to God" (pg 363).  It is so frustrating to see how far some people will go just to justify the differences that deaf people have compared to themselves.
        One stereotype that is often seen throughout media is the 'Tabloid Tragedies'.  This stereotype labels being deaf as extremely negative and sees being deaf as a tragedy...often leading to low self-esteem.  The authors had a statement referring to this stereotype that I found very powerful: "In our struggle to gain rights, empowerment, and better education for all deaf people, the last thing we need is to be branded as walking tragedies!" (pg 363).
        In addition to the stereotypes described above, HPO also discusses 'The Pathetic Waif/Emotional Basket Case', 'Super-Sleuth Who Can Read Lips Through Walls', 'Super-Deafie with Novelty Value', and 'Sleazy Card Peddlers'.  I find many of these over-exaggerated and according to HPO, many are based on single situations or even based on media such as television shows, movies, or novels.

Chapter 60

        When reading this chapter, I learned more on how influential the Internet can be.  I had never truly thought about how it could affect Deaf Culture, until I was introduce to many different aspects of Deaf Culture I did not originally know about.  

        For example, before reading the chapter, I did not really know about Deaf clubs, a place where "Deaf people congregated at the club, watched a captioned or subtitled movie, socialized, discussed politics, swapped information, chatted, gossiped, and networked" (pg 353).  I think this idea of a club specially formed for their culture is a very cool concept, and it was disappointing to learn how the Internet and other mass media has led to the extinction of them.  With all the information, entertainment, and socializing that the Internet provides, it seems like it was inevitable that these clubs would eventually die out, just like other organizations throughout other cultures have.

        In addition, the chapter talks about how some Deaf people try to avoid Internet, believing that is is "an intrusion, a distraction, a waste of time" (pg 354).  However, I disagree with this belief.  The Internet has become integrated into daily life, and the majority of people have had to adjust to this new aspect of life in order to stay up to date, whether it is work, home, or school related.  Although the Internet did affect Deaf clubs, there are many positive aspects of it, and I agree when the authors state that "there is something to be said for becoming computer-literate, just as there is for learning to use a TTY and fax-modem" (pg 354).  One of these positive aspects of the Internet include Deaf chatrooms, DeafChat, that I did not know existed until reading in HPO!  These "Deaf cyber clubs" allow people to become educated in Deaf Culture and to assist parents of deaf children.  Also, it includes "discussing their schooling, jobs, lives, families, issues, controversies, frustrations, and dreams" (pg 355).  I think this a great way for Deaf people to stay connected to their culture.   In addition, the Internet allows for an immediate spread of information, allowing more ASL resources to become available throughout the world.  

        It is interesting and really exciting to read that in the authors' perspective, "the Internet has the potential to bring down barriers between Deaf and non-Deaf, to provide a truly democratic and fully accessible meeting-place, to promote global understanding" (pg 356).  With this last statement, I find it hard to believe that the Internet is going to destroy Deaf Culture.