by Monica Aviles
There is over 38 million of deaf and hard of hearing people in the U.S. American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used with not only your hands, but body movements and facial expressions as well. It is not a universal language, but it is the third most used language in the U.S.
Deaf culture is vibrant and is filled with members who take pride in their deaf identity. Currently, ASL is offered in some high schools as a foreign language, festivals supporting deaf culture are held, there’s even a university in Washington for the deaf and hard of hearing (Gallaudet University).
Although, it wasn’t always like this in the U.S. The history of ASL began in the early 1800’s, but it wasn’t until 1960 when it was finally considered an actual language. Due to their inability to hear, they were discriminated against, tortured, or at times persecuted.
Historically, deaf children would be beaten or punished for using sign language and would be forced to learn how to speak. There was even a university created named “Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb”(Now known as Gallaudet University). It was believed that deaf individuals were “sick” or “broken,” and they needed to be fixed.
Most deaf individuals dislike the word “disabled,” because that word implies “less than.” Many are born deaf, or lose their hearing as they get older. “Being deaf is an identity”, according to most deaf individuals.
This history of discrimination and injustices does not stop the deaf community from succeeding and showing the hearing world that they are people too, and are capable of anything. Ludwig Van Beethoven gradually lost his hearing at age 26 until he became completely deaf at age 52. He is known as one of the greatest classical composers ever. Thomas Edison lost his hearing during his teenage years, he is considered to be one of America’s most famous inventors. His most famous invention is the light bulb. Marlee Beth Matlin, lost most of her hearing at the age of 18 months. She is a well known actress who has won an Academy Award for Best Actress for Children of a Lesser God.
“I live my life like everyone else; everyone has their own obstacles. Mine is deafness. The handicap of deafness is not in the ear; it is in the mind. You can do anything if you set your mind to it.” – Marlee Matlin
Redwood alumni, Alexander Nicolas Watson, class of 2017, was born with hearing loss. He is currently attending Merced community college, and is proud to be deaf. “It is beautiful to be able to sign with your own hands, and the language can benefit many people,” says Alexander. He has met many kind individuals at Redwood who have learned ASL, but has also felt isolated at times.“Sometimes people would leave me out of conversations. They would think, eh, that person is deaf, he doesn’t need to know what is happening.” He also believes the word “disability” is better than using the word “disabled” because “disabled sounds more of a negative label towards the deaf community. We have a disability, we are not disabled.”
“ASL is not English with hands, It’s a whole separate language. We have to fight to be seen, and to have representation.” – Alexander
More people are aware of deaf culture and its language. There’s an increasing amount of resources and education for the deaf and hard of hearing every year. Here are two tips when coming across a deaf or hard of hearing person:
- When you are in a conversation with a deaf/hard of hearing person, look at and speak directly to the deaf person, not to the interpreter.
- When communicating with notes/text, keep in mind that some Deaf persons may lack fluency in writing.
Monica Aviles
Monica Aviles ('21) is a senior, and is in her second year of writing for the arts & entertainment section. The majority of her writing revolves around culture, activism, and different forms of art. Outside of the Gigantea, Monica is on the girl's wrestling team, president of the asl club, and is involved with many other clubs like Red Ink. You can reach her by email at monic.av3959@vusd.us
Great Story! I’m learning sign right now, so it’s good that you researched the info as much as you did! Definitely an underrated story!