Sweet Nothing in My Ear: Thumb Up
Long before the movie made its appearance tonight, controversies broke out in the forums and blogs, with the c.i. camp heavily advocating the cochlear implants and the ASL camp decrying the use of the cochlear implants. In attempts to tear down the other camp while promoting their propaganda, both camps used misconceptions. Between these two camps, the public revealed its deep ignorance regarding the cochlear implant and the Deaf Community.
This movie focuses on the relationship between the spouses and the conflicts they experience as their cultural modes they are raised in clash sharply, straining their marriage. The hearing husband wants to explore the idea of cochlear implants for their late deafened son, alienating his Deaf wife, Laura, due to her cultural beliefs that deafness is not a disability. Her parents, heavily enculturated in the Deaf Community, increase the tension as they attempt to interfere with the couple’s decision-making.
On the witness stand, a deaf mom with a cochlear implant, Valerie Park proclaims that her daughter, also fitted with c.i., can speak with anyone anytime. Well, we know that’s not 100% accurate. This will give people a false impression that cochlear implants are guaranteed success. The deaf mother is able to speak and hear well with her cochlear implant. Has she become deaf after acquiring spoken language? The movie doesn’t say and this may give the hearing public the false impression that cochlear implant will work with all deaf adults, those who become deaf before they develop spoken language and those acquiring spoken language prior becoming deaf.
Throw in some surprise, as the flashback Laura had with the steaming teakettle whistling and the discovery that she wasn’t born Deaf as previously thought.
Cochlear implants: Politically correct? Politically Incorrect?
Laura : And what do you say, when he looks up at you and asks, “WHY DADDY? Why are you doing this to me? Is there something wrong with me”? What do you say? Is there something wrong with being deaf? I’d like to know! What do you tell him?
Dan: What do I say when he looks up at me and says–you had the chance to get some of my hearing back and YOU DID NOTHING?” What do I say THEN? ” Sorry, sweetheart. It wasn’t POLITICALLY CORRECT”?
Difficult questions. Parenting is the toughest job in the world.
After the ER visit, Adam has been pressured by his father to use his voice. At first, he doesn’t, then he speaks without any warning at the dining room while Laura’s parents are visiting, catching everybody off guard. Later he refuses when his father asked him to speak to his hearing grandmother on the phone. Adam is visibly torn by the tensions between his parents, wanting to please both parents.
Dan making appointments with the medical professionals without discussing with Laura first aggravates the marital tensions even further.
Dan’s mother reacts at Laura’s rejection of the cochlear implant, not understanding how a parent can not want a child to hear and speak.
I feel the portrayal of Laura’s Deaf parents to be accurate. Remember the furor incurred when the Deaf and hearing siblings debated about cochlear implanting their deaf kids in the movie Sound and Fury? The father defiantly proud of his deafness and the wife supportive of him, but haunted by a secret they withheld from Laura and insists that they must tell her. The secret is finally out. Then the slow painful realization dawns on her that her father couldn’t accept her hearing when she was small, failing to provide her hearing aids.
I missed some parts due to few emergency tornado warning notices. Don’t you hate when this happens?
Laura’s mother, Sally telling her daughter she has choices now, unlike Sally when Laura became deaf.
The guilt Dan feels for wanting his own son to hear, thinking aloud.. does this make him the evil hearing parent?
Both Ed Waterstreet and Phyllis Frelich’s acting are impeccable.
One wonders why the Deaf son Adam hasn’t been asked if he wants a cochlear implant. Of course this is best done by a neutral professional person, like a clinical psychologist, if his parents are unable to make a mutual decision.
The biggest issue I see with this show…. it shows the conflicts between the hearing world and the deaf world about the cochlear implant.. However, only one biased person testifies that cochlear implants work. No testimony from cochlear implant experts is provided. So the viewers are left with the impression that all cochlear implants do work, which isn’t always the case. This significant omission is disturbing and possibly paints the Deaf Community ‘selfish’ and self-centered, unfairly.
The scriptwriter and the director show exceptional sensitivity toward Deaf culture and ASL. Linda Bove, a renowned Deaf actoress, works in as the ASL consultant. A byproduct of a hearing family and mainstreamed programs, Marlee Matlin is an user of simultaneous communication, talking and signing at the same time, using signed English. Since the role calls for an ASL user, she needs guidance in using sign language and faces frequent reminders from the director not to mouth the words so much. I would think placing a marble inside her mouth would do the trick, but on second thought, as it may present a choking hazard, it may not be a good idea after all
The fact that the movie ended with no conclusion about the choice the parents need to make regarding whether to implant their deafened child or not indicates that the cochlear implant isn’t the core issue of the movie, but rather how the parents’ struggles with the basic core values testing their marriage. The conclusion shows their reunion and a determination to face the obstacles together, with their love for each other renewed, stronger than ever.
Overall, I think it’s a good movie about the tensions parents face with conflicting values and how they handle the tension. It rates one thumb up.
email contact: mishkazena@aol.com
Please let’s have a constructive and pleasand dialogue without any personal insults. Thank you. MZ
Long before the movie made its appearance tonight, controversies broke out in the forums and blogs, with the c.i. camp heavily advocating the cochlear implants and the ASL camp decrying the use of the cochlear implants. In attempts to tear down the other camp while promoting their propaganda, both camps used misconceptions. Between these two camps, the public revealed its deep ignorance regarding the cochlear implant and the Deaf Community.
This movie focuses on the relationship between the spouses and the conflicts they experience as their cultural modes they are raised in clash sharply, straining their marriage. The hearing husband wants to explore the idea of cochlear implants for their late deafened son, alienating his Deaf wife, Laura, due to her cultural beliefs that deafness is not a disability. Her parents, heavily enculturated in the Deaf Community, increase the tension as they attempt to interfere with the couple’s decision-making.
On the witness stand, a deaf mom with a cochlear implant, Valerie Park proclaims that her daughter, also fitted with c.i., can speak with anyone anytime. Well, we know that’s not 100% accurate. This will give people a false impression that cochlear implants are guaranteed success. The deaf mother is able to speak and hear well with her cochlear implant. Has she become deaf after acquiring spoken language? The movie doesn’t say and this may give the hearing public the false impression that cochlear implant will work with all deaf adults, those who become deaf before they develop spoken language and those acquiring spoken language prior becoming deaf.
Throw in some surprise, as the flashback Laura had with the steaming teakettle whistling and the discovery that she wasn’t born Deaf as previously thought.
Cochlear implants: Politically correct? Politically Incorrect?
Laura : And what do you say, when he looks up at you and asks, “WHY DADDY? Why are you doing this to me? Is there something wrong with me”? What do you say? Is there something wrong with being deaf? I’d like to know! What do you tell him?
Dan: What do I say when he looks up at me and says–you had the chance to get some of my hearing back and YOU DID NOTHING?” What do I say THEN? ” Sorry, sweetheart. It wasn’t POLITICALLY CORRECT”?
Difficult questions. Parenting is the toughest job in the world.
After the ER visit, Adam has been pressured by his father to use his voice. At first, he doesn’t, then he speaks without any warning at the dining room while Laura’s parents are visiting, catching everybody off guard. Later he refuses when his father asked him to speak to his hearing grandmother on the phone. Adam is visibly torn by the tensions between his parents, wanting to please both parents.
Dan making appointments with the medical professionals without discussing with Laura first aggravates the marital tensions even further.
Dan’s mother reacts at Laura’s rejection of the cochlear implant, not understanding how a parent can not want a child to hear and speak.
I feel the portrayal of Laura’s Deaf parents to be accurate. Remember the furor incurred when the Deaf and hearing siblings debated about cochlear implanting their deaf kids in the movie Sound and Fury? The father defiantly proud of his deafness and the wife supportive of him, but haunted by a secret they withheld from Laura and insists that they must tell her. The secret is finally out. Then the slow painful realization dawns on her that her father couldn’t accept her hearing when she was small, failing to provide her hearing aids.
I missed some parts due to few emergency tornado warning notices. Don’t you hate when this happens?
Laura’s mother, Sally telling her daughter she has choices now, unlike Sally when Laura became deaf.
The guilt Dan feels for wanting his own son to hear, thinking aloud.. does this make him the evil hearing parent?
Both Ed Waterstreet and Phyllis Frelich’s acting are impeccable.
One wonders why the Deaf son Adam hasn’t been asked if he wants a cochlear implant. Of course this is best done by a neutral professional person, like a clinical psychologist, if his parents are unable to make a mutual decision.
The biggest issue I see with this show…. it shows the conflicts between the hearing world and the deaf world about the cochlear implant.. However, only one biased person testifies that cochlear implants work. No testimony from cochlear implant experts is provided. So the viewers are left with the impression that all cochlear implants do work, which isn’t always the case. This significant omission is disturbing and possibly paints the Deaf Community ‘selfish’ and self-centered, unfairly.
The scriptwriter and the director show exceptional sensitivity toward Deaf culture and ASL. Linda Bove, a renowned Deaf actoress, works in as the ASL consultant. A byproduct of a hearing family and mainstreamed programs, Marlee Matlin is an user of simultaneous communication, talking and signing at the same time, using signed English. Since the role calls for an ASL user, she needs guidance in using sign language and faces frequent reminders from the director not to mouth the words so much. I would think placing a marble inside her mouth would do the trick, but on second thought, as it may present a choking hazard, it may not be a good idea after all
The fact that the movie ended with no conclusion about the choice the parents need to make regarding whether to implant their deafened child or not indicates that the cochlear implant isn’t the core issue of the movie, but rather how the parents’ struggles with the basic core values testing their marriage. The conclusion shows their reunion and a determination to face the obstacles together, with their love for each other renewed, stronger than ever.
Overall, I think it’s a good movie about the tensions parents face with conflicting values and how they handle the tension. It rates one thumb up.
email contact: mishkazena@aol.com
Please let’s have a constructive and pleasand dialogue without any personal insults. Thank you. MZ
April 21st, 2008 at 11:21 am
Gotcha. It is all about parenting… coming down to making the best decision. Even my husband and I don’t always agree on what is best for our children ;o).
April 21st, 2008 at 11:34 am
The problem is mainly this is an issue that cannot be resolved by making a film like this. I make no comment on the acting, I haven’t seen it, but the topic was going to polarise views simply by being mentioned, the film was made for that purpose… Whether it is an attenpt to widen the debates or suggest directions, or whether it is made to compliment the contention it raises…..
I wish they would make a film where many deaf and HoH sectors gather together to thrash issues out that obviously bug them, because hearing-deaf issues seem the least of our problems. ‘Deaf’ will love it, others will sigh, oh dear, here we go again… the film is less about hearing-deaf contention and ALL about deaf versus CI ones…
April 21st, 2008 at 11:46 am
My CODA husband and I watched the movie last night, and we weren’t really impressed. My husband didn’t like it because every time Marlee signed, he could hear someone else’s voice speaking for her (He didn’t tell me whether there were voices for Phyllis and Ed). Why use voices for the deaf actors?? Why not let them be? When Marlee and Jeff met at a doctor’s office, there was no interpreter. Hello?? Even though my husband is hearing, I never rely on him as my interpreter. I get a certified/licensed/qualified sign language interpreter. I can’t believe the director and/or producer failed to put in the interpreter during that scene. Also, during the courtroom, when asked about Adam’s future, it was mentioned that Adam could pursue further education with an interpreter all the times. Why didn’t they mention Gallaudet, NTID, CSUN, extension centers, or community colleges that offer deaf programs??? Lastly, I was very disappointed with Jeff Daniels’ signing skills. He was “married” to Marlee for 9 years, come on! He should have been fluent by then. Oh well, I thought after all those years, the movie would have been a lot better or almost perfect, but there are still a lot of mistakes, hence our disappointment with the movie.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:56 am
It’s just MM scoring some brownie points to help her keep her cozy BOT chair at Gally.
Richard
April 21st, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I agree about the interpreting by the husband at the dr office not being appropriate. Unfortunately it still happens everyday all over the country.
Yup, Jeff Daniel’s signing sucks big time. One month instruction in ASL isn’t enough.
I am looking at the big picture, the conflicts of the parents about their child, the strain on the marriage, and the Deaf Culture.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I found this article at RLM’s web site. It mentions voice actors. Interesting.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/16/AR2008041602436.html
April 21st, 2008 at 12:21 pm
So what happened in the end ?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Only one thumb up? Why not two?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Yup — Rated 5 stars for the show. It can happen to anyone out there. There are either hearing husbands or wives with lousy signing that I have met. By the way everyone is unique. I am glad the show went well. The main focus on their straining marriage due to conflict of both Deaf and Hearing world is very important to all of us. It can happen to the interracial marriage and many others.
I am sure some doctors go over the line and discuss the CI issue or others. The ER doctor should back off and focuses on stitching Adam’s knee and move on. That doctor should mind his own business.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:28 pm
At least that show is much better than other shows — why bother to complain?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Misha,
I already gave “Nothing Sweet in My Ear” telemovie “lukewarm approval”, but too many concerns about questionable appearances and issues being mentioned and portrayed.
I am much opposed against any kind of thepasian methods done by any performers which often damage the performer than helping out their performance.
Thank Goodness, Actress Marlee Matlin didn’t put marble in her throat as you espoused such a suggestion.
Actor Lawerence Oliver once told Actor Dustin Hoffman “Acting is much easier!” Hoffman deprieved himself for two days’ no sleep for his role in “Marathon Man”. Hoffman wanted to be seen as a real exhaustive character.
Same idiotic thing happened with actor and singer Jared Leto, who is frequently seen as most beautiful man in the world with his flawless physique, eyes and everything as many men would wish for.
Jared Leto forced-fed himself for the role of John Lennon’s real-life killer, Champan to resemble Chapman himself. Guess what?
Jared Leto got himself in the wheelchair due to the circulation problems in both legs from being gluttonous for his movie role.
Jared Leto turned himself from an incredibly gorgeous man to the overweight guy. He replied “I will never get fat again for any movie role”. Leto tried to prove himself as a serious actor, instead of focusing on his ideal male beauty. See what happened?
That’s why I am totally opposed to the idea of CI inside our human bodies. I ever am cringed at the images of our American soliders getting mangled bodies from the Iraq and other regions.
I hate to see many beautiful human beings being mangled, drilled, physically alternated (ex. plastic surgery).
I ever oppose the skin fattenings of HIV-positive individuals to cover up their diseases.
How can we protect ourselves from getting infected from any HIV-positive or POZ individuals, who intentionally infect other unsuspecting non-infected individuals?
I am stronly believed in natural process, not artifical substance. That is nothing to do with me being a culturally deaf greatly oppose the presence of CI and other artifical means.
Robert L. Mason (RLM)
April 21st, 2008 at 12:32 pm
The play was started here in Minneapolis. Terrylene was the role of mother. The play and the movie were similiar except at the ending. The mother and son left Dan. They lost in trust with him because he did not share his concern with his wife. He betrayed her. So she took her son out of the house. Dan was crying. In the movie, they made a peace with each other. They promise to work things together without the judge. So they leave us to decide what we are hoping for… CI for his son… or no CI for his son. Great Play…. and great movie… lucky there was no tornado warning in Minnesota.. we were fine watching the whole movie. MZ, thanks for your summary and opinion. I always value your opinion. thanks
April 21st, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I read an article where Jeff Daniels had to learn to sign his part of the script–so it was to be expected that his signing was shoddy but it’s not the core point of the movie.
Yes, I was surprised at the lack of mention of Gallaudet, CSUN, NTID as viable post-secondary education options for Adam. The fact that “needing an interpreter all the time in the classroom” is somewhat accurate should Adam pursue education in a regular college, but is also portrayed as cumbersome. This projected the idea that a deaf person will always need to be dependent on interpreters and thus, takes away the idea that a deaf person can lead fully independent lives.
BF
April 21st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
To be honest with you, Dan’s (Jeff Daniels) signings are terrible BUT somewhat normal for a hearing man. I have a deaf friend who lives with her live in boyfriend for 25 years. His signings SUCK a BIG time…much worse than Dan’s. So therefore every hearing person’s signing skills do vary from individual to individual.
So I believe that is kind of normal, in my opinion.
Overall in this movie, it was all right. I’m glad it was all about struggles between deaf and hearing rather than CI being in front of storyline. However, I’m appalled that the court scene, they don’t even mention the Deaf colleges such as Gallaudet, Northwestern Community College and CSUN, institute schools as NTID & RIT and other colleges with Deaf programs.
In the therapy office, oh gosh, they should have requested a certified interpreter regardless whether a hard of hearing therapist could converse in both voice and signing language.
I’ve read other comments in various sites in regards of this movies, they’d asked why couldn’t they ask Adam about CI. I’ve believed that is so wrong because when Dan and Laura were clashing over Deaf, hearing and CI and hadn’t compromised anything at all. Therefore, they SHOULD NOT ask Adam unless the parents agree first. Better leave a child out of the decision on CI until the parents are on the same agreement and page. Just think, if they still clash and ask Adam, that would cause more drift between the parents. That may/would make Adam think it may be his fault. Just my humble opinion.
Misha
April 21st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
why not two thumbs up? Not in my opinion.
The movie doesn’t provide accurate information regarding cochlear implants. That’s a big minus for me.
Jeff Daniels has lousy signing. He speaks to Adam without signing at the dining room as if he expects Adam to understand him simply because Adam vocalizes a word or two.
Improper use of interpreting, ignoring the conflict of roles.
Too much cropping off Laura’s shots due to her tendency to mouth her words is noticeable.
No mention about post secondary programs for the deaf.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
My husband and I were NOT impressed with that movie.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I have to say I am sadden that we are criticizing signing skills and filming techniques and all that. I think the storyline was far more than just the cochlear implant.
The movie, as I watched it with my roommate whose niece got an cochlear implant 2 years ago, turned to me during a commerical break and asked me “Do you have that kind of deaf pride that resent the idea of getting a cochlear implant?” It was a shock to me, I did not expect him to ask me about that. I asked him what prompted him to ask me that specific question. He said “I saw how you reacted when I told you that my niece got a cochlear implant. Your face showed a disgust look as if my sister made the wrong choice.”
I had to tell him that he is right, I did think she made the wrong choice. I explained to him that I come from a large deaf family because there is at least 14 known deaf family members in my family, and maybe more because every year my mom goes to her family reunion and finds out there are more deaf family members. Anyhow, I told him I don’t see deaf as a disability and in all fairness, one of the witness or the lawyer talked about how deaf people draw governmental financial support based on their “disability” and yet claim that deafness isn’t disability.
The overall theme of the movie is “us vs them” perspective. Deaf vs Hearing, Hearing vs Deaf, Deaf vs cochlear implant, manualism vs oralism and all that. The movie brought up lots of fair questions that we all must examine if we want to move forward and rise above the “us vs them” mentality.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I second you, Tom Green! That is also your favorite motto – “I second ya!” Aha!
You made a good point about the troublesome aspect of “Us v. Them” mentality.
RLM
April 21st, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Those who are not impressed with the movie, would you mind sharing with us the reasons?
Tom, I appreciate you sharing your personal experiences.
Yes, to be fair, the movie is more on the struggles of the parents in communicating and respecting each other while facing a difficult dilemma more than the cochlear implants itself. On that alone, without the inaccuracies on cochlear implants, and interpreters, etc, I would give it a two thumbs up.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:30 pm
comment #3
My husband said the same thing. I guess I was too flexable about the movie. I thought they should have an interpreter in the doctor’s office.
I don’t mind Dan’s signing because of my friend who is deaf and lipreading and her hearing husband. Her husband is just like Dan. His signing isn’t going smoothly, but he can sign. They have been married for a pretty long time. They both often talking with voices.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
On a lighter note, when I watched the movie, I thought how funny that they casted Phyllis Frelich and Marlee Matlin in the same movie. Phyllis got a Tony award for her role in the play Child of Lesser God, while Marlee got an Academy award, maybe Golden Globe award, for her role in the movie Child of Lesser God.
It wasn’t until after the movie when Hallmark showed an advertisement for Love is never silent that I realized Ed Waterstreet and Phyllis Frelich were the parents in that movie.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I was disappointed in all bad sterotype that the movie had about Deaf people and Deaf culture.
During the court hearing, for example, no one mentioned anything about the fact there are many medical doctors, Ph.D’s, lawyers, writers and yes, college Deans and college Presindents who ARE culterally Deaf.
Instaed, the father side had some “expert” saying that deaf people have the same grade level of a 4 grader-and the main deaf kid will never be able to go beyond that.
If I was anyone associated with this movie, I would have had the mother’s lawyer bring in testimony about deaf professioanls like Davilia, Jeff Rosen, Dr. Steven Weirner, etc. etc.
Instead, we get the flase impression that to be a Culturely Deaf person is to be doomed.
Overall I’d give the movie a C+/B-.
Raphael J. St. Johns C-87, G-00
April 21st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Raphael,
Let me be the bearer of this quote that the judge frequently said in the movie.
“This case is not about whether or not the child is qualified for cochlear implant. This is a custody case.”
I have never heard of a custody case where expert witnesses were brought in. Although yes, the father’s lawyer had a couple of experts because he was trying to prove that deaf people, especially his deaf wife wasn’t up to the par in being able to provide a life full of opportunties. Dan made a snakey move trying to discredit his wife as a lovely mother who could successfully provide a life of full of opportunities.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Raphael J. St. John, I second ya!
Why the Ed Waterstreet character diminished to some kind of author, who wrote something about “Deaf Pride” from his own personal insights?
Why not turn the Ed Waterstreet character into the respectable college professor with background in social theory, social behavior or anthropology or sociolinguistics than just an author of “Deaf Pride” book.
Phyllis Frelich character was too submissive and sneaky. Not many culturally deaf women behave that way! I don’t like how the Phyllis Frelich character changed the subject when Laura Miller (MM) character asked her about whenever she confronted her own deaf husband. That Phyllis Frelich character walked up to the store window and told MM character – “How nice for her own father’s wristwatch”.
I could go further on this subject. I chose not to.
Robert L. Mason (RLM)
April 21st, 2008 at 3:09 pm
FYI, Tom Green
“Nothing Sweet in My Ear” and “Love Is Never Silent” Hallmark production telemovies are directed by very same person, Joseph Sargent.
RLM
April 21st, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I watched last night and thought the story line is pretty good except for the part in doctor’s office no interpreter there that sends public wrong message that interpreter is not needed and let family member sign for deaf person.
Which will make deaf community more frustrated and harder to request interpreter service in doctor’s office because of this TV show giving public an impression that family can sign for deaf person. That bothered me great deal.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:11 pm
And you made my point.
Regardless of what the “judge” was saying…this made a wrong impression on the veiwing public.
Agian, you made my point.
I still give it a C+/B-.
And FYI- I have been innvolved in custody fights- and yes they do bring in experts.
Raphael J. St. Johns
April 21st, 2008 at 3:13 pm
My post # 27 was directed to #23.
Raphael J. St. Johns
April 21st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
.
I can see why the mother changed the subject. Remember that Laura is “daddy’s girl” and she loved her dad. For Laura to ask her mother about whether or not she (the mother) has confronted the dad would have another conflict for Laura to face. Remember Laura is already struggling internally because she knows how her father feels about cochlear implants, deaf pride and deaf culture.
Laura did the same thing when Adam asked her why Dan wasn’t there. Laura said “Drink up, time for bed.” without answering Adam’s question.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I have seen Shoshannah Stern with CI in two different TV movies this spring. She is daughter of the deaf parents: Dr. Ron Stern, who was one of the three candidates for presidents of Gallaudet in 2006 and Hedy Udovicih. Ok. Ok. Would anyone out there tell me whether Shoshannah was implanted or just uses a CI device for movies?
April 21st, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Interesting question, however was it necessary to ask? I mean do we ever ask “Tom Cruise played a character that kills people, is he a killer?” or “Drew Barrymoore knows how to do kung-fu, what color belt does she have?” or Kevin Spacey was a pedophile in American Beauty, did we ask if he has a record as a pedophile?
April 21st, 2008 at 3:35 pm
In my opinion SWEET NOTHING TO MY EAR was one of the few GOOD Deaf-related movies. It talked about the relationship between Deaf wife/hearing husband and their Deaf son. The movie left the conclusion open … for us the viewers to make our own at-the-end stories. Yes there were some particiulars that were not accurate. What is the Hollywood movie that is 100% accurate? Kudos to marvleous Deaf actors who made ASL more beautiful on TV!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I thought the acting by Marlee Matlin and Jeff Daniels were excellent as well as the other actors. Did anyone notice the resemblence to Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner of the them versus us of the older generation being set in their ways and the younger generation wanting to give the different options a try? This move was great and yes it did show that parents will do almost anything for their kids. Parents will change the subject with their kids or spouses when they don’t want to answer the questions asked, I know we do it. They should have pointed out the great many people who are very successful in all of the professions who happen to be deaf.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Just finished a script, an alternative version of the movie, see “Bitter Something Out My Eyes” now published on Deaf Anthology so it may appear on Deafread tonight.
Smokey
April 21st, 2008 at 4:05 pm
I would not say that the movie was the best there is relating to Deaf culture, etc.
But it was better than so far in the past and it seems to get better and better. The best actors in the movie was Phyllis Frelich and Ed Waterstreet regardless what and how they had to act or say according to what the director wanted them to do.
What really disappointed me about the movie was at the end. They had the Hallmark magazine shown with an article “Learning to Hear” about a woman that got cochlear implant. Where is the balance of having an article about ASL?
Did AGBell requested Hallmark to place “their” article in the magazine and plug it in at the end of the show?
Should we contact Hallmark why they used the plug-in article which was one-sided and not bother to contact NAD, Deaf community, etc for the fair and balance views?
If I were NAD, I would raise hell about it.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I agree, egbertpress. Thruout the whole movie we see unbalance versions of issues and bais against the culterally Deaf.
Pls. people, see this movie again, you’ll see what I mean.
Raphael J. St. Johns
April 21st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I thought it was a cheesy, terribly made movie with over-acting from Matlin, Daniels, and others. the only bright spot was Deanna Bray, who played the HOH therapist.
Plus, when the husband mentions the CI has 16 channels…that’s ancient…they now have 24 channels. It was clearly biased toward the deaf community, and I have a CI! I just thought the movie made too much of a big deal over the CI. Studies now indicate that over 72% of the culturally deaf population accept CI’s because they now understand that having one does not mean they’re suddenly “Hearing” and can function as a Hearing person.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I really like most of your comments. As a hearing mom to a child who uses a cochlear implant, I thought the movie was ok. It was truly more about the parents’ relationship than anything, but I didn’t feel that it was necessarily biased toward one or the other side of the issue. We do have to remember that it’s tv. They are going to compress things unnaturally because they have to or we’d be watching a 5 hour version of the story.
Now, my concern here more lies in comments like #35. and
“That’s why I am totally opposed to the idea of CI inside our human bodies. I ever am cringed at the images of our American soliders getting mangled bodies from the Iraq and other regions.
I hate to see many beautiful human beings being mangled, drilled, physically alternated (ex. plastic surgery). ”
It just gets to be a little much for all of us.
One thumb up for me, too, MZ…..two thumbs down for the above mentioned comments.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
justamom,
in your comment,
Now, my concern here more lies in comments like #35. and
“That’s why I am totally opposed to the idea of CI inside our human bodies. I ever am cringed at the images of our American soliders getting mangled bodies from the Iraq and other regions.
I hate to see many beautiful human beings being mangled, drilled, physically alternated (ex. plastic surgery). ”
I have never said anything like that and what lies that you claim that I have made.
I am not against CI, Oral, Cued speech. I am not a bias commenter.
But AGBell is against having deaf babies to learn sign language at start like hearing babies are learning signs now. Do you support that???
April 21st, 2008 at 5:41 pm
egbertpress,
I have problems with your comment and the one listed. you are number 35. Notice the word “and.” Reread it please.
I support a family’s choice in the matter. My son doesn’t sign, but that choice isn’t for every family. I support providing a child with language. That’s what we’ve done for my child. Remember I’m talking about an infant who has learned from a very young age. It all depends on the child, the family, the age of diagnosis, amplification, etc. I actually don’t think we should debate this issue. From what I see here there are many “shades” of deafness. It’s diverse. From deaf/hoh individuals who sign to those who don’t; some in between. I think we’re all bias to an extent; including you.
April 21st, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I have to agree with justamom #4′s comment.
)
April 21st, 2008 at 6:13 pm
to justamon
Oh so you used the word “and” to mislead me?
I “re” and “re” read both comments.
#35 is NOT bias
It is you decide to be bias and not let your deaf child to know that there is another language.
It is you that want your child to be like you and that you have a easy life not to learn sign language which your child can learn with ease but you refuse to learn sign language because you want to easy way out for yourself and let your child do the hard work to learn your hearing culture which is so hard for any deaf person to adapt to.
Your child can learn both culture with ease but you are the one that refuse to do it.
My God, justamom, you are xxxxxx.
April 21st, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I know this is a very sensitive topic, but please refrain from making personal insults toward other commenters.
Thank you
April 21st, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I must say that I enjoyed the movie last night. I like when the father admitted that it was him who did not accept his son being Deaf. I hope hearing parents will realize that they have a problem and be willing to go for help. If they feel depressed that their children are deaf and want to fix them. They need to be fixed first. They see a psychiatrist and ask for anti depressant medication. Brooke Shields (well known model, actress and writer) asked for help when she experienced postpartum blues. I personally feel that many hearing people go through depression stage when they learned that their children are deaf. I am not saying this to mock them but it is true and understandable. Another thing I hope it makes them realize that Drs are making money from THEIR deaf children too. I want to add one more thing here…I have noticed some hearing moms are giving John Egbert a hard time as he tried many times to explain in first grade level about Deaf babies rights. I hate seeing him spending too much energy on those moms because those moms are depressed and need psychiatrist help. No question about it. John is right and we all know he is right. I am sure millions are by his side. Look at my hearing Professor…a former attorney that she supported and respected ASL very much. John…many people all over the world are behind you. And me too.
April 21st, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I mean They need to see a psychiatrist…my attorney supports and respects ASL…Thanks.
April 21st, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Sweet Nothing In My Ear
He can speak to us and hear us from another room. He carries on phone conversations with his aunt who has a different accent. He hears with his back to us. He’s mainstreamed with his community peers. It’s quite a different picture than you are experiencing. So please understand that I am speaking our truth. There is no conspiracy. My son does not use ASL.
Comment by Justamon
April 3rd, 2008 by
Mishka Zena Blog
Open-minded Deaf person’s views
For those of you out there who truly care (just kidding), today my son was speaking with his aunt on the phone (she has a funny accent as he’s used to a southern drawl), and he told her all about my birthday party…cake, etc. She asked him what flavors of ice cream we had, etc. He told her about mint chocolate and chocolate. In other words, it was cool that he was able carry on a great conversation long distance with a funny sounding aunt using his cochlear implant
Comment by mom2boys’
April 6, 2008
Cochlear Implant Online Blog
April 21st, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I see we are steering away from the movie to the pro panda about DBC vs. AGBell now.
Back to the movie… I appreciate Paotie, Banjo, Candy’s, and of course both Elizabeth and Rachel’s postings about the movie. People have different responses to the movie, and I see that the movie tugged our hearts in different ways.
So the movie succeeded in communicating to each of us in different ways.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Though many parents experience normal grieving over the loss of the hearing in their infants/children, it doesn’t mean they are psychiatrically ill if they want their kids to hear again. Since the hearing society values hearing and speaking highly, they want their children to carry on the traits, Due to that, they want to take advantage of modern technology available that may help their kids talk and hear based on what their doctors and audiologists tell them. They know nothing about Deaf Culture and ASL.
The Deaf people want their Deaf kids to carry on being Deaf as deafness is a treasured trait in their culture.
It’s all based on different cultural values.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:03 pm
#41
Karen Mayes Says:
April 21st, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I have to agree with justamom #4’s comment.
)
Karen, is justamom #4 Richard Roehm?
#4
Richard Roehm Says:
April 21st, 2008 at 11:56 am
It’s just MM scoring some brownie points to help her keep her cozy BOT chair at Gally.
Richard
“HaHa!
I’m just messin’ with ya. Can ya dig it, ya’know what I’m sayin’?”
p.s. still do the bong?
Mary Jane 13
April 21st, 2008 at 7:14 pm
#46 ChrisH
Wow!
Justamom and mom2boys are the same people or creative provocateurs from some organization or group that are against sign language culture?
Wake up now folks, don’t be fooled by these “Moms” or whomever these “oral only philosophy” organization hopes to confuse you.
Thanks Chris!
April 21st, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Mishkazena-
I did not say that when hearing parents are depressed about their children are being deaf…are psychiatrically ill themselves. I was saying that when hearing parents are depressed or upset about their own child who is deaf may need to see a psychiatrist and ask for anti depressant medication. When the medication takes effect and when they are able to think rational then they can learn how to cope that their child is Deaf. I am tired of seeing hearing people to try fix us. They need to realize that they are the ones who need to be fixed. We are fine, normal and capable human beings.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I am complaining about K.L who always obsesses over the brain REQUIRES sound and language in order to develop. K.L supports Deaf baby with hearing and cochlear implant.
K.L doesn’t know about ASL to teach deaf children.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:22 pm
(Deaf baby with hearing aids and cochlear implant.)
April 21st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Hi Mishka, I agree with your take on the show, too (and justamom’s comments (#38, 40).
I liked the fact that the plot, ‘gooey’ as it was, revolved around the fact that deciding what is best for the child (in this case, when it comes to CIs) is the responsibility of the parents and is not a legal decision, a medical decision, or a cultural decision to be made by the community, the teachers, the medical profession, the courts or even by extended family, however loved and respected they are. At 8, though, I’d probably bring him into the discussion, too, but again, guess that’s just a personal choice.
Every so often I got the strange sense that I was being handed alternating (and oh so carefully worded and measured to be exactly equal) video pamphlets selling me on the wonders of Deaf Culture or the wonders of Hearing with CI Technology
, and felt as if I had accidentally answered the door and found myself politely listening to someone preaching his or her religious affiliation door to door, but really hoping they might get called away soon.
I found the strangers’ voiceovers atop the deaf actors’ signing somewhat distracting and jarring, and I thought the inaccuracies about CI channels, interpreter availability, and the requirement of mainstreaming kids with CIs probably just reflect dated info and the time lag between when the script was written and now and a little dramatic license. But I loved the delightful play within a movie scene (The Wizard of Oz)…
April 21st, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Thanks MZ.
Chris,
I am justamom/mom2boys. Actually didn’t do that to be misleading. While I’m sure you’re suggesting that I am. I am just a mom to three boys. On any blog you go to your name is in there each time. I don’t change it. Sorry for the confusion. How about I’ll be….just a mom to three boys? Again sorry to be confusing.
Mike or Michael or Mikel,
This isn’t a conspiracy theory. Read the above. I’m just a mom no one is telling me what to do. I’m not from any organization other than that of working to raise three happy healthy children. Sorry again for the confusion.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Oops, I meant #40, not #4
)
April 21st, 2008 at 7:57 pm
*laughing” Karen, thought you were adding to the conspiracy theories there … I was pondering that one and thinking … welllll, now that would be a stretch, but then, I’ve never seen them in the same place at the same time …
April 21st, 2008 at 8:17 pm
To avoid further confusion. My post was about comments on #11 and #35. Two different posts. Sorry.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Ah I forgot to mention about the last commercial — In my opinion the Housekeeping (I think) magazine was shown with an article “Learning to Hear” about a woman that got cochlear implant should be removed. Or …… add the Deaf child “Learning to Sign” or something like that. Diane
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
I think that the movie was good for these reasons: First time Marlee Matlin actually signed in true ASL and did not speak… Deaf Culture and Pride was explained very eloquently…And the fact that they left the audience to wonder what they will decide to do… . I did not like the stereotype that the son would need an interpreter at all times, and that the majority of Deaf collect disabiltiy checks. The voiceovers were bothersome at first, then I got used to them. After all that’s what they do in Deaf Theater.
The one thing that really pissed me off was the statement that Deaf kids graduate at a 4th grade reading level. This may be true based on statistical research, however, maybe they need to explain why this is happening. It has nothing to do with whether you have a CI or not. I will paste in my previous comment from the other forum:
I think CI’s can be beneficial as far as helping with speech and gaining access to environmental sounds… I am not against them. However, hearing parents must remember that speech is not language and signing still should be used along with auditory and speech training especially during the first few years of life.I do not understand hearing parents hesitant to commit to learning ASL for their deaf child, yet they will bend over backwards to make sure they go through a surgery, get speech and audiological training, and be immensely involved in AV therapy that I am sure requires much more time and energy than taking ASL classes.
In my profession (Professional interpreter and teacher of ASL, MA in Special Education)I have found that most deaf kids do poor in school not because of CI’s or lack thereof, but because the parents think CI’s or hearing aids are enough and focus so much on speaking that they do not bother to learn ASL and sign IN THE HOME! Over 90% of hearing parents of deaf children fall into this category. This is a parental problem and I blame many “experts” who spew out that by signing to a CI child you will be hindering their ability to learn how to speak and “listen”. Age birth-5 years are the most critical and for anyone who has ever studied language acquisition…well,here is a simplified version. There are dendrites in your brain that must be stimulated in order to develop and mature. These dendrites in the language part of the brain need to be stimulated with FULL language (either visually or auditorally).The key word here is FULL. If there is any hearing loss whatsoever then the child is not gaining access to FULL auditory language. CI’s or hearing aides do not give a deaf person FULL language through their ears. They need the FULL language through the eyes to stimulate the dendrites and have a normal developing language part of the brain. If the dendrites are not stimulated FULLY then they do not continue to grow. Now you have a child with language delay, which is really the underlying disability of being deaf that is never put down on an IEP, and often ignored, and becomes almost impossible to overcome. When the kid fails , they then decide to add signing. But just throwing a deaf kid into a signing environment or with an interpreter after years of not signing does not make everything okay. You need early intervention from birth and parents willing and devoted to taking the time to learn ASL, sign at home, and then you will have deaf kids reading and writing at much higher levels.They will learn Written English as a second language taught from their first: ASL. You cannot learn a second language without a first, and you cannot learn a first and be fluent in that language if you do not have FULL access to it from birth. The speech and auditory training can be done at the same time, but is secondary only after this first crucial step has been achieved. All of this can be done whether you implant or not, aided or not. And I have seen successful college educated Deaf people, but most of them either had Deaf parents who signed from day one, or hearing parents who signed AT HOME and continued to learn ASL throughout their child’s life, and not just give up learning when the child started kindergarten (as most do). Many educated Deaf people I have met all have different degrees of hearing loss. Some use aides, some have CI’s and some use no aides at all. Some speak very well, some do not speak one word. The point: Speech is secondary to leading a normal life. You do not need to speak to be able to think and understand and reason. THAT is what is the most important issue when raising a Deaf child. Make sure the brain is developing properly so you can raise a healthy, vibrant, adult who can think abstractly and can reason intellectually. Speech or not!
And to add this: When I talked about the dendrites, that is all scientifically proven. There is nothing anyone can do to change that. If you are doing the AVT route with a CI, maybe there are success rates, however, keep in mind their language acquisition is not natural and therefore, they will never have that native fluency that we hearing people take for granted.They will always have a struggle to communicate, something they will always have to work on forever, and that will affect their thought processes. If CI was an absolute cure, that would be a different story. But they are just much more powerful hearing aides that allows them to hear their own voices so learning speech may be much more successful. That is great and I am not against that, but those kids are still missing the natural acquisiton of language that we heaaring people are so fortunate to have. The scientific community are so into making sure that they “fix” what is broken (and make a pretty penny doing it) they fail to see what the real issue is for deaf children. It isn’t their inability to hear that will cause them not to speak, it is their inabiltiy to hear that will cause them to not acquire language in the most natural and effortless way possible. That should be what all the “experts” are concerned about and they should be informing the parents as such. It is such a disservice to these kids that have to work so hard on something that should be almost effortless and natural.
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:18 am
I liked it because it brought up the issues for me to discuss with my family, who saw and understood the deaf perspective a little more.
No one that I know of in any of my extended family is touched by deafness, and our friends at the gym were the only deaf people we knew or interacted with, up until a year ago.
Wow – almost exactly a year ago, and over 100 captioned videos ago!
( http://deafpundit.wordpress.com/2007/05/05/subtitling-moviesvlogs/ )
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:22 am
I’m wondering if many missed the real point ? The film was lauded as cultural clashes over implantation between hearing and deaf, when it is blindingly obvious the real dissension is here, between deaf and Deaf, is the film actually a cop out ?
I am sure anything with MM is eagerly welcomed by deaf culture, and they can argue about signing skill levels till the cows return, but it is a bit like playing to the gallery, and, preaching to the converted, (2 cliche’s for the price of one !), but was there any real resolvement at the end ? if not then a wasted film, or at least an admittance this issue will never be resolved. I don’t think hearing are really involved in these issues, online I see ONLY deaf verus Deaf involved.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:01 am
Erica,
I’m sure we can talk about this until the cows come home….even though the post is about the movie.
We will have to agree to disagree. The real point to all of this is language acquisition. I also understand that each of us seem firmly “planted” in our rows as it relates to a method of teaching a child language. I even agree with you as to brain development, and thus providing my son with access to spoken language has been a tremendous advantage in developing the auditory centers of his brain. We go to AVT one time per week for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The rest of our time is spent at home together. So what you invision as “immense” while it does take time “together,” is not the worst thing in the world. We can also agree to disagree on what is a natural language for a child. My child’s CI gives him far more than access to environmental sounds and help with speech. He is on target with his peers with language development, carries on great conversations, listens to books and comprehends them, etc. He’s just over 5. You are correct in saying that early access to language is important, and for children like my son, this process was begun very early in life. Since the children you speak of who are failing b/c of AV/CI are in a school for the deaf, then I also assume that you can not comment on the children who are AV/CI or oral who are not in schools for the deaf. All of the graduates of our AV program have been (graduated from highschool/college) or are currently enrolled in mainstream programs. What I ask is that you reserve your judgements for parents who are not doing their part with their children who sign or children who listen and speak. That is where the true issues lie.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:11 am
To Karen Mayes:
Please get my name straight. IT’s Raphael, NOT Rachel. You have this habit of useing Rachel for me.
I’ts Raphael.
Thanks.
And- after reading all the posts on the movie, I’m still giving it a C+/B-.
It was a unfair movie in terms of the Deaf Culture/Deaf person.
Please see the movie again- you’ll see examples after examples of how the Deaf character was portrayed (i.e. what type of life- at a 4th grade?) , and the many statements that were said that degraded the Culterally Deaf.
Raphael J. St. Johns
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 am
Huh, I am talking about Rachel Chaikof, from her blog http://www.cochlearimplantonline.com, not you… sorry for this confusion
)
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 am
I came across this blog entry which is good…
http://jimspoliticalthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/04/accepting-changing-of-deaf-culture-like.html
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
ok- so sorry for my mis-understanding. It’s just that you and others havein the past mistyped my name.
Take care.
Raphael.
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Linda Bove was also responsible for the dictation of quality of signings and deaf materials within this telemovie. She was hired as the ASL/Deaf Culture consultant.
The CBS-TV, Hallmark, Inc and Director Joseph Sargent should hire more than one deaf consultant on ASL and Deaf Culture.
Not many people realize that Linda Bove and Ed Waterstreet are the real-life couple anyway. I dearly love them very much. I have seen them last time was three years ago at the Ford Theatre in DC.
No questions about how impossible for Linda Bove to be entirely responsible for the whole production. She was not the kind of person as a prima donna and insist of having her way. Linda Bove is much a collobrator and people person.
The producers should know BETTER than only hiring the consultant and techinical advisor for the telemovie.
Robert L. Mason (RLM)
RLMDEAF blog
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/8745/
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
ASLisRisen, I didn’t pay attention after the movie ended Was it an advertisement or informational package?
It is very odd that they show only cochlear implants and not ASL.
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I’d forgotten about that! As i rememebr now- It was asome type of infomational
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Realllllyyy?
and none on ASL?
This isn’t neutral, then.
*shaking head*
elizabeth
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
20-30 seconds piece where people could get information about CI. Yet another reason why I did not like this show. So sory about my keyboard(again).
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
As I remember now, Elizabeth….Nothing on ASL/Deaf Culture.
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Just a mom to three boys:
I do agree with you that your son is acquiring language and his success is something to be applauded. And I think CI’s are great for what they are able to accomplish. I also agree with the parents’ role in either method as well is crucial. I did not mean to judge any parents who choose the CI AVT method and decide not to sign, what I am concerned is that perhaps they are making acquiring language more artificial and manufactured through a machine than naturally and effortlessly. You cannot claim that your child’s listening and speaking acquisitions are effortless… And I would not want my child to be working hard to do something that could be so natural and with ease…Something that all humans should be able to do with ease….Communicate. I do not want to ignore the successes of the CI but going back to the movie, they misrepresented what it can accomplish and made it seem like a cure. I would not want my child to be trained to function as a “hearing” person and the moment their CI battery dies they are full blown deaf.
Also, one never knows from the moment of implantation if it will be successful for their child, so putting all your eggs in one basket is a chance I am not willing to take with my child’s brain development. Why not have CI and signing? Babies learn multiple languages in Europe, so why not sign and talk? Why are hearing parents against signing? This is not the 1800′s where signing was looked upon as freaky or not normal. Today, most hearing people often are curious about signing and think it is quite interesting to watch. I teach ASL and all my classes are full of hearing people who are interested in the language so I do not understand what the fear of signing to their deaf child comes from…I would much rather do the extra work myself of learning ASL to make my child’s language acquisiton easier for him/her, than the other way around.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I found out the promotion was for an cochlear implant article in Hallmark Magazine
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Elizabeth,
It is funny that you found out about that in Hallmark Magazine. Good sleuth! I also just
so happened to learn that Congress — are
you ready? — has a committee called “Health
Hearing Committee. Guess who is a member of
the said committee? HILLARY RODMAN CLINTON,
the projected winner of the Democratic Pennsylvania!
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
That’s why IMO- The Hallmark Magazine adds it at the end to send out the strong message of CI. It is like a *drop the bomb* to us, the Deaf community. I wish NAD or even Gallaudet pays the advertisement to add the ASL articles. I am sure AGB, Hallmark, or CI organization has plenty money to pay the CI article story for the show. Who knows.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
AGBell learned their lesson about their mistake regarding about the letter to Pepsi. So, a lesson learned, they decided to change their strategy and maybe did this effort to plug in this very last effort to mislead the public again about “Learning to Hear” article.
NAD or Gallaudet should demand equal side of information about ASL.
But as usual, AGBell is tooooooooo powerful with loads of money and NAD just unable to show its true colors for the Deaf community.
April 29th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I am really surprised to hear people not happy with the movie, Sweet Nothing in My Hear. I love it. I enjoy every second. I have watched it three times already. The actors and actresses are great. The lines are great. Of course, we all wish some lines were changed. But it is a 2 hours movie. What do you expect from the director? He tried his best to balance both sides in a very short time (1.5 hour w/commerical). MM did an excellent job. I have seen all her shows / movies. She is the best in that movie. In that movie, I feel she is one of us. I can identify her. I love her more and more after Dancing with the Stars. She PAH is our Deaf celebrity after Bernard Bragg. I am proud of her. Thanks MZ for allowing to hear both sides. I am really pleased with it in spite of Hallmarks ads at the end. CI people were smart to install their ads. Where were the Deaf business people? Their fault… I will buy several movies plus LOVE IS NEVER SILENT. I have the tape from the TV. Now I will have DVD soon. Hurrah!! Our lives are better each year!!! Too bad I am getting older but I am enjoying my time now.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Oh-so you love all bad sterotyping that the movie does about Deaf People?
NO where does it have anything about a succeesful Culteral Deaf person. During the court hearing,for example, the lawyer was able to bring out that lie that all Deaf people are reading at a secound grade level-without any mentioned that A LOT of Deaf people are MD’s, lawyers, writers, etc. Thus, feeding the negative impression that Deaf people are dumb.
Is this what you love about this movie?
May 6th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I loved the fact that this movie portrayed Deaf people as a people, who have their own language and the right to make their own choices and the ability to make those choices!!
As to the garbage about “all Deaf only having the ability to “read and write on a fourth grade level,..”…..what are you doing,.on a constructive basis in your own part of the world,..both Deaf and hearing,..to IMPROVE the EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES FOR DEAF CHILDREN,..educate Hearing parents of Deaf children to the fact that the Deaf DO have their own viable language and culture,..and improving the opportunies of those Deaf around you and with whom you associate?
Meself,..I am visiting blogs like Mishka’s blog and using those blogs to educate college age Hearing kids to the fact that the Deaf are an abused and ignored minority in some places!
Ideas and people’s attitudes can be changed,..if we work in positive ways to changes those attitudes!!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
You ask the wrong question- and really you are throwing this discuession out to another direction-if you really want an answer to that question.
My points are about this movie-and the social implications for the cultural Deaf.
Yes-it is garbage. And you made my point. People get their impressions from movies, books, TV programs, etc.
It’s very important -I would use the word “fundamentally”- to use facts, not myths like this movie used to give the correct impressions about the culturally Deaf.
This movie, for the most part, does not do that.
It gives out of mis-information and feeds into the terrible myths about Deaf poeple.
Raphael J. St. Johns
May 6th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
The lats paragragh should have been:
It gives out alot of mis-information and feeds into the terrible myths about Deaf people.
Sorry about my typos.
Raphael J. St. Johns