What It's Like To Be Deaf | AJ+

Summary

The video script narrates the experiences of a 23-year-old deaf woman who navigates through life with confidence and independence. She addresses common misconceptions about deafness, emphasizing that not all deaf people can lip-read and that speaking louder does not aid communication. The speaker passionately advocates for American Sign Language (ASL) as a fully-fledged language, rich in syntax and structure, on par with spoken languages. She challenges the deficit-focused view of deafness, highlighting the vibrant and diverse deaf community that includes individuals of various races, ethnicities, and identities. The script also dispels myths about the deaf community's stance on cochlear implants and spoken English, showcasing a welcoming and open group that values connection and communication with hearing individuals.

Takeaways

• 🔊 The speaker is a 23-year-old deaf individual who has a job, went to college, and pays their bills, emphasizing that being deaf does not hinder their ability to live a fulfilling life.
• 🗣️ Hearing people often misunderstand deaf individuals by speaking louder or assuming they can read lips, which is not always the case and can lead to miscommunication.
• 👄 Some deaf people are skilled at lip-reading, but it requires practice and is not a universal skill among the deaf community.
• 🤔 People sometimes give up on communication with deaf individuals by saying 'never mind,' but the speaker encourages them to continue trying to communicate.
• 🤝 American Sign Language (ASL) is a fully formed language with its own syntax and grammatical structure, and it is recognized as equal to spoken languages like Spanish or French.
• 👂 Being deaf is a disability in the sense that it involves not hearing, but the speaker argues for a focus on the positive aspects of life for the deaf rather than on what they lack.
• 💬 The deaf community is diverse, including people of different races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities, and it is welcoming and open to new members.
• 👂‍🦽 There are misconceptions that the deaf community is against spoken English or cochlear implants, but the community is actually friendly and open to different forms of communication.
• 🙌 The deaf community values self-advocacy and representation, with individuals like the speaker identifying as black deaf women and speaking up for their community.
• 😄 Deaf people have a rich culture and humanity, sharing humor, body language, and the desire to connect with others, just like hearing people.
• 🌟 The video is part of a series on the deaf community, showcasing the diversity and richness of their experiences and inviting viewers to learn more about their stories.

Q & A

What is the speaker's experience when meeting hearing people for the first time?

The speaker finds that hearing people often try to talk louder when they realize the speaker is deaf, which is not helpful. They also sometimes assume the speaker can read lips, which is not always the case.

Why does the speaker emphasize that not all deaf people can read lips?

The speaker points out that some deaf people are good at reading lips due to lifelong practice, but it's a misconception that all deaf people can do this, and it's important to clarify this common misunderstanding.

How does the speaker describe American Sign Language (ASL)?

The speaker describes ASL as a beautiful and formally recognized language with its own syntax and grammatical structure, comparable to other languages like Spanish or French.

What is the speaker's perspective on being deaf being considered a disability?

The speaker acknowledges that being deaf is a disability but challenges the deficit-focused perspective, suggesting that the focus should be on the positive aspects of life and the community for those who are deaf.

How does the speaker describe the deaf community's diversity?

The speaker highlights that the deaf community includes people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities, including those who are blind, disabled, or children of deaf adults (Codas).

What is the speaker's stance on the misconception that the deaf community is against spoken English or cochlear implants?

The speaker clarifies that the deaf community is not against spoken English or cochlear implants. Instead, it is a welcoming and open community that embraces diversity and individual choices.

Why does the speaker say that the deaf community is not a quiet or subdued group?

The speaker asserts that the deaf community is vocal and active in advocating for their rights and protecting their community, contrary to any misconceptions of being quiet or subdued.

How does the speaker identify herself within the deaf community?

The speaker identifies herself as a fourth-generation deaf woman, emphasizing her strong connection to the deaf community and her personal identity.

What does the speaker wish to convey about the deaf community's interaction with hearing people?

The speaker expresses a desire for deaf individuals to be able to communicate and connect with hearing people, emphasizing the importance of understanding and inclusion.

What is the speaker's view on the deaf community's openness to hearing individuals learning sign language?

The speaker views it as a 'beautiful thing' when hearing individuals learn sign language, as it fosters a meaningful connection between the individual and the deaf community.

How does the speaker describe the deaf community's use of humor and body language?

The speaker notes that the deaf community uses humor and body language just like hearing people, highlighting the shared humanity and the community's lively and expressive nature.