Is Hamill Right or Wrong?
When I first heard about a hearing actor being cast in a deaf leading role, my initial response was dismay. Learning it was Hamill’s decision left me astounded.
The more I ponder this, the more questions I have.
Does this mean Hamill sees himself as being more of a hearing person than a Deaf person because he grew up orally, not knowing sign language until he went to college?
Can a hearing person really understand what it’s like to be deaf? Hard of hearing?
Does Hamill feel a Deaf person too lowly to portray him? Or is it more of a concern whether the Deaf actor is too culturally Deaf to understand the upbringing of an oral deaf person?
Is Hamill deaf or hard of hearing?
Why doesn’t he request a hard of hearing or deaf actor with an oral background?
Is the quality of the voicing an issue?
I have no answer to these questions.
Apparently Hamill appreciates the scriptwriter’s two years investment in studying Hamill, ASL, and Deaf culture for the upcoming movie. In his blog, he has stated that he feels a Deaf person studying him for two months will not capture who he really is.
As I grew up an oral deaf person, I functioned like a hearing person. However I instinctively knew hearing people have no idea what it was like to be an oral deaf person. No Deaf person growing up in Deaf schools and Deaf families can share the same understanding, either. Only an oral deaf person who later learned sign language can identify with my experiences.
The hiring of a hearing actor in a leading deaf role may give Hollywood a clear-cut message it’s suitable to use hearing people for deaf roles. This may hurt the Deaf Community in the long run, though the deaf defenders of Hamill’s decision deny this possibility.
Whether Hamill realizes it or not, he is a role model for the young D/deaf children. How do they feel seeing a hearing person playing the role of Hamill, a deaf man? What kind of messages will they be receiving… perhaps that Hamill doesn’t see a d/Deaf person worthy of his leading role? As Hamill and his defenders apparently feel hiring Deaf people for other roles should be sufficient, this shouldn’t be a problem. The Deaf Community disagrees.
Whatever objections Deaf Community has, the deaf people disregards. Deaf Community feels a Deaf actor will give authenticity to the Hamill character. However the deaf people points out Marlee Matlin, a heterosexual, acting as a lesbian, with no objection from the gay community.
However, unlike gay community, a large segment of Deaf Community, including Gallaudet and NTID/RIT does , object to a hearing actor playing a deaf man. That’s the problem.
Deaf Community feels it’s a clear cut case of audism while deaf people thinks it’s reverse audism.
Had Hamill picked a signing and oral deaf or hard of hearing person for the leading role, would the whole community support him? I think there would be better acceptance of his decision.
His decision to hire a hearing actor has resulted in a sharp division within the D/d community, which is very unfortunate, in my opinion. Most of the deaf people with oral background or who are hard of hearing support Hamil’s decision while the majority of Deaf Community oppose it. More infighting and nasty bashing arise between the members of this community.
Clarification: Even though majority of the deaf defenders of Hamill’s decision are oral/hoh, some are culturally Deaf. Not all the opponents are culturally Deaf, though the majority is. MZ
Please no personal bashing. Address to the subject.
Warning: Non-productive comments will be deleted.
When I first heard about a hearing actor being cast in a deaf leading role, my initial response was dismay. Learning it was Hamill’s decision left me astounded.
The more I ponder this, the more questions I have.
Does this mean Hamill sees himself as being more of a hearing person than a Deaf person because he grew up orally, not knowing sign language until he went to college?
Can a hearing person really understand what it’s like to be deaf? Hard of hearing?
Does Hamill feel a Deaf person too lowly to portray him? Or is it more of a concern whether the Deaf actor is too culturally Deaf to understand the upbringing of an oral deaf person?
Is Hamill deaf or hard of hearing?
Why doesn’t he request a hard of hearing or deaf actor with an oral background?
Is the quality of the voicing an issue?
I have no answer to these questions.
Apparently Hamill appreciates the scriptwriter’s two years investment in studying Hamill, ASL, and Deaf culture for the upcoming movie. In his blog, he has stated that he feels a Deaf person studying him for two months will not capture who he really is.
As I grew up an oral deaf person, I functioned like a hearing person. However I instinctively knew hearing people have no idea what it was like to be an oral deaf person. No Deaf person growing up in Deaf schools and Deaf families can share the same understanding, either. Only an oral deaf person who later learned sign language can identify with my experiences.
The hiring of a hearing actor in a leading deaf role may give Hollywood a clear-cut message it’s suitable to use hearing people for deaf roles. This may hurt the Deaf Community in the long run, though the deaf defenders of Hamill’s decision deny this possibility.
Whether Hamill realizes it or not, he is a role model for the young D/deaf children. How do they feel seeing a hearing person playing the role of Hamill, a deaf man? What kind of messages will they be receiving… perhaps that Hamill doesn’t see a d/Deaf person worthy of his leading role? As Hamill and his defenders apparently feel hiring Deaf people for other roles should be sufficient, this shouldn’t be a problem. The Deaf Community disagrees.
Whatever objections Deaf Community has, the deaf people disregards. Deaf Community feels a Deaf actor will give authenticity to the Hamill character. However the deaf people points out Marlee Matlin, a heterosexual, acting as a lesbian, with no objection from the gay community.
However, unlike gay community, a large segment of Deaf Community, including Gallaudet and NTID/RIT does , object to a hearing actor playing a deaf man. That’s the problem.
Deaf Community feels it’s a clear cut case of audism while deaf people thinks it’s reverse audism.
Had Hamill picked a signing and oral deaf or hard of hearing person for the leading role, would the whole community support him? I think there would be better acceptance of his decision.
His decision to hire a hearing actor has resulted in a sharp division within the D/d community, which is very unfortunate, in my opinion. Most of the deaf people with oral background or who are hard of hearing support Hamil’s decision while the majority of Deaf Community oppose it. More infighting and nasty bashing arise between the members of this community.
Clarification: Even though majority of the deaf defenders of Hamill’s decision are oral/hoh, some are culturally Deaf. Not all the opponents are culturally Deaf, though the majority is. MZ
Please no personal bashing. Address to the subject.
Warning: Non-productive comments will be deleted.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I am equally sorry he had made the decision he did.
*sigh*
May 12th, 2008 at 11:21 am
I respected Matt to make the decission. you deaf guys shld have respect him to make the decission.
NO name
May 12th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I more agree that someone with similar background provides greater authenticity in character’s role and again, empowerment to those who share the same experience. Hollywood and hearing actors need to be more conscientious of minority linguistic communities and groups who desire to be not just well represented but also to be equally privileged.
Anne Marie
May 12th, 2008 at 11:32 am
No name, he have made his decision that he doesn’t hire a deaf actor. Matt is still Deaf.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:33 am
“Deaf Community feels it’s a clear cut case of audism while deaf people thinks it’s reverse audism.”
Excuse me? This is where the problem lies. If I think it is reverse audism then I’m automatically labeled “d”? Says what authority?
First off, this D/d is a problem in itself. Technically I’d be classified as D but because I look down at D/d, I choose not to get into this.
Truth is there are D and d that sees it as audism. And, then again there are ALSO D and d that sees it as reverse audsim.
It’s about time we deaf respect the other deaf individual’s choices. We can disagree, but, respect is a two way street.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Thank you for pointing this out, Candy. I need to make a clarification that I meant the majority of each camp.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Good bye, Matt.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I find all of this really amusing. People are saying that ASL (minority languages like Anne Marie Baer mentioned) should be valued.. but one fails to realize that Matt does not use ASL at all. He’s an oral deaf and there is nothing wrong with that. To foist the values of the ASL community on all of this is ridiculous.
To hyperventialite on this shows that the Deaf community is really navel-gazing here.
Just because he does not share the same values as Amy Cohen Efron, that does not mean he should be ridiculed, scorned, or whatever… all of those ‘Goodbye, Matt’ comments are truly idiotic and shows that Deafhoodism is really all bullshit. What happened to accepting them for who they are, not what we want them to be?
And, please save your armchair psychology analysis over whether he has accepted his identity as a deaf person or whatever…
This is so freaking lame!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:54 am
One Millin of Deaf people will watch, and Millions and millions of hearing will watch. Matt will making a big “hearing profits”! Business is business! That is his first movie to make big then maybe, maybe he’ll hired deaf actors later down the road! Heh. Gary, where is your wealthy movie?
May 12th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Matt by all accounts is not culturally deaf, so it is only natural for him to have this viewpoint. He’s entitled to his viewpoints. I understand the Deaf Community’s objections to this, but I think complaining in this case will only alienate Matt and others like him.
It’s my opinion that we need to respect his wishes and let it be. Ever since UfG thrust the community in the spotlight, I am seeing more opportunities for us, ironically enough. There’s been an explosion of Deaf actors on television. So, I believe there will be other opportunities for Deaf actors to land starring roles.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:58 am
ChrisH
I understand what your point. nothing what I can do for this I am not whine. let it go and enjoy watching movie I am looking forward to watching movie peace
May 12th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I pointed this out on LaRonda’s blog earlier today but I don’t think she will allow it to be posted, so I wanted to add it here.
———–
This is about Amy’s comment on the Dances with Wolves blog LaRonda wrote up… i found it really incredible that after Amy ganged up on Matt with 5-6 b/vlog posts, she is now claiming she is the victim here. This really boggles the mind.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Matt is a traitor. He bailed out on my business agreement. He disappeared from Deafexpo appearances. What a traitor.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Amy feels strongly about the needs of Deaf Community. So do Gallaudet and NTID/RIT.
It’s unfortunate that Hamill hasn’t thought about the ramifications of his decision on the Deaf Community. But it makes sense to keep in mind that he is not culturally Deaf.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Why should he be concerned about the ramifications on the Deaf community if he is not a member thereof?
May 12th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Right. That’s the problem. His concern isn’t how this may hurt the Deaf Community in the long run.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
From what I understand, this movie would never have been made if it were not for the actor who will be playing Matt. He is backing it, working on the writing and pushing it through. If the Deaf Community chose to make this project, I could see where they could rightly object if a hearing actor were chosen. However, if this entire project was created by this actor as a vehicle for his future, and Matt agreed to it and feels that this is a good match, nobody has a right to object. The bottom line is that it will allow Deaf actors and other Deaf people working in cinema to get jobs on this project. That is a good thing.
This looks like a knee jerk reaction to me.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
E, You said “People are saying that ASL (minority languages like Anne Marie Baer mentioned) should be valued.. but one fails to realize that Matt does not use ASL at all. He’s an oral deaf and there is nothing wrong with that.”
Let me clarify. I also mentioned groups, those who are raised oral as well. The actor Eben spent two years studying Deaf culture and took ASL classes.
Anyway I can see in one other way, Matt wishes to choose someone who he thinks portray him most closely, that is something he has in his own view we cannot always fully understand. It is a film about him, so well..
I am glad we have this discussion so that in the future any actor to be chosen will be more carefully considered.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Dear Amy Cohen Efron,
I saw Aidan’s blog. She mentioned that you need to apologize Matt Hamill for comparing something per Aidan’s statement.
You do not need to apologize Matt.
Matt is an oral-deaf person and he knows his identity. He need to represent all the deaf-hearing loss communities.
Once more, he must not let his alma mater down. RIT has been strongly advocating the NTID and deaf community on the campus for near 40 years.
Gallaudet and NTID had been planned to have the audition to recruit the leading and supporting roles and other actors for long time. All of a sudden, Matt announced that he accepts Eben (Sp).
As a result, Matt lets RIT and the deaf community down.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Here is my response
White Ghost: I feel Amy needs to apologize to Matt for comparing Blackface to Matt’s Production. Do not try to leave out small information to make me look bad. Thank you…
Aidan
May 12th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
This is not about Hamill. This is about the crooked deafhood faultline that extends from Gallaudet all the way to NTID.
This is also about the deaf community hijacking Hollywood’s attempt to include positive deaf role models. Cant you see what kind of a message the deaf community is sending to Hollywood?
If a flick would ever be made bout me, this will chapter repeat again unless they grow up for a change.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hamill has the right to choose whom he wants, isn’t America the Land of the free ? or does that only apply to hearing people via choice ? I respect other deaf people, but I do as I want, so why shouldn’t Matt ? We look to America to set an example of freedom of choices and preferences, the ‘Deaf’ example seems to be the opposite of that.. It says choose not as we want, you’re out, it would be blackmail anywhere else ! Would American Deaf REALLY ostrasize another deaf person because of that ? Good job the door to the deaf community opens both ways….
May 12th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I am deaf and my favoritie UFC fighter is Michael Bisping.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Aidan, I disagree with your vlog. Amy did help Matt who needs to understand about Deaf actor as a career.
You always obsess on cochlear implant issue.
I think Matt needs to apologize to Deaf actors.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
oops.. (obsess over on cochlear implant issue)to Aidan.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
FYI
Nesmuth is Ricky Roehm in case you are curious who he is.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
While I respect Mr. Hamill decision, I agree with what number 1 (Jeffery)said.
Both Gallaudet and NTID did the right thing.
I wish that Mr. Hamill should have considered this before- and chosen a Deaf actor.
That being said- all of us who are upset…we can send a strong signal…by doing nothing i.e. NOT seeing this movie. I will not see this movie.
Raphael J. St. Johns
May 12th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
WHO CARES!! LETS ENJOY WATCHING MOVIE
May 12th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Matt Hamill is banned at any ASL Expo events.
James
May 12th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
James
How happened he is banned at any ASL Expo events.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Who Cares?
Well…for one thing a lot of Deaf people care.
And those of us who care enought to be sensitive enought to the Deaf community care.
You have the right to see this movie, but for those of us who are offended, my seggestion is that we NOT see this movie.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Mishka ..
You wrote: “The Deaf Community disagrees.”
Really? According to what statistical measurements? Did you create any methodology to establish as fact that “The Deaf Community disagrees”?
If so, please let us know.
By the way, where is the Admissions Director for “The Deaf Community?” Is it through your blog? DeafSide? DeafRead? Support against Hamill? CIs?
Likewise, I could easily establish that, “The Deaf Community disagrees” with you.
)
Paotie
May 12th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
No, Poatie. I’ve been on the web all day, and I can tell you -from my readings AND from talking to many Deaf people today that Elizabeth got it right. Though you are correct- they are no real numbers -but the general feelings is that Elizabeth is correct.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Misha and other commentators,
I am waiting for Aidan Mack to publish my comment which she often delete mine from time to time. She better do it or will be her own undoing.
I admire your blog and Amy Cohen Efron for allowing much greater freedom within the comment forum. That’s why your blog keep getting many “hits”.
Well, I have mixed feelings about the whole thing going on with the controvesty of casting the hearing person for deaf role. If not for Esben Kosterbar’s past efforts with screenplay and film production assembly, etc.
In the late 80s, many comic book fans were enraged about Tim Burton casted Michael Keaton as “Batman”. Other people also got infuriated about someone out of their character or physical description to play an expected film role.
This latest “Hamill film” bickerings within the deaf community is part of emotional and cultural and linguistic respropective about what and who we are all about.
I felt strongly about why the CBS-TV and Hallmark, Inc, hired the hearing person to direct the “Nothing Sweet in My Ear” telemovie, instead of giving a lifetime opporunity to the “wet behind ears” potential deaf director. Why not?
The reality of filmaking world is the tight-knit community thru hiring their own acquaintances. People in general, tend to feel comfortable whose they frequently acquaint. That is pure human flaw!
More and more people of nowadays usually interact with their own acquaintances based on their own ideological beliefs and societal values than roam freely among the human diversity. How sad!
Ever more and more neighbors tend to associate with other neighbors based on their own political beliefs. Same thing with the house and apartment seekers. They are looking for their own ideological and cultural values to move in the neighborhood.
Matt Hammill basically made the MAJOR mistake by making the announcement about the casting of lead role before auditions. That was his own undoing to put some control over the ongoing controvesty.
Gallaudet and NTID/RIT needs to issue out the statements within their press releases ASAP to explain why they chose to shut down the audition process.
We could see that is really a big MESS for everyone!
Robert L. Mason (RLM)
May 12th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Maybe Matt didn’t like the way deaf acting so he pick hearing! Who knows? But Matt does act funny looks cuz he is deaf, so he want to look very normal in the movie. Money for looks!
May 12th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
RLM, Aidan delete comments some times her blogger, so she doesn’t respect my freedom of speech.
Matt can’t feel his Deaf identity when his brain is still hearing. He lives in the hearing world and he views over view of hearing world his all life.
I am not going to enjoy watching Hamill movie.
May 12th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I have to agree with Paotie. I haven’t weighed in on this issue at all, and didn’t like the way you drew the lines. The deaf/Deaf are debating the issue for sure, but I see it as Deaf and deaf on either side of the fence. Seems you made some sweeping generalizations that may further contribute to deaf/Deaf divisions, Elizabeth. Currently I’m reading all sides of the debate and haven’t yet decided.
May 12th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Hubs of Mishka Zena – Is Hamill Right or Wrong?…
hubs about Deafness Hearing to When I first heard about a hearing actor being cast in a deaf leading role, my initial response was dismay. Learning it was Hamill’s decision left me astounded. The more I ponder this, the more questions I have. ……
May 12th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
All the spat going on. I’m disappointed too but the very fabric of the U.S. Constitution states that you can’t tell Matt what to do. It’s his choice just like you have to respect the choices of CI users and homosexuals, bisexuals, transsexuals. It’s all about choice. If you don’t like what Matt chose then don’t watch his movie. Get on with your life. Too much of you have too much time on your hands.
May 12th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
My answer to your question in the title of your blog entry is neither. Mr. Matt Hamill is neither right nor wrong in the sense of morality. I suggest that he is simply exercising his artistic license. All through the history, there are countless artists, directors, producers, writers and many other people in different roles that exercise their artistic license. To be sure, there is criticism on their works but the good criticism focuses on the quality and taste of the art without attacking their choice to exercise artistic license.
We may criticize his decision in selecting actors but when we attempt to impose our morality, our belief, our philosophy on him, we are crossing the line. We become intolerant of his decision and consequently, do not want him to exercise his artistic license.
That is how I see Gallaudet University and RIT. Some said that these colleges were doing the right thing in canceling the auditions. I do not share the view. I see their action as a disturbing sign of intolerance toward other deaf people who do not conform to the ideal of the Deaf culture or whatever philosophy that the theatre people at these colleges hold.
Whether the consequence of the decisions made by Gallaudet University and RIT does more harm to or does any good benefit for the deaf people remains to be seen.
Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com
Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this post in the public domain.
May 12th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
this is in response to #34 (RLM): the following is a post I originally put up in response to Candy’s blog entry “Who Says Whose Life?” and I’ve cut-and-pasted it here.
what’s also surprising is that Dr. Davila himself supported the theatre department’s decision 100%–his office called our secretary to let us know of this.
it’s really disappointing to see the myopic reactions of certain people on the other side of this issue, but they certainly have the right to their opinions. disappointing, but hardly shocking.
Ethan Sinnott
_________________________________________________________
My name is Ethan and I’m production manager as well as member of the faculty at Gallaudet’s theatre dept. I’m going to say this once because I recognize that there are always going to be people who believe whatever they want to believe, and I’m not going to waste my energy on a pissing match. I need to go on the record here, and do with this what you will.
This has completely and absolutely NOTHING to do with kneejerk cultural militancy–-NOTHING to do with ‘reverse audism’–don’t confuse the issues. It’s the quickest way to poison the well.
There is no sinister political agenda at work here.
I’m sharing with you the gist of the official response from the Theatre Arts Department:
“…we at Theatre Arts are committed to the cultivation and empowerment of our students as the next generation of Deaf theatre artists, educators, and leaders.
Casting Deaf actors for a film where a hearing actor has already been cast in the (not a) lead Deaf role runs the risk of creating 2 negative perceptions: 1) that Deaf actors are already unequal and secondary now that the main Deaf role has already been filled by a non-Deaf actor, and 2) that Deaf actors cannot be entrusted with the lead role of a mainstream film, even if the lead role is a Deaf character.
holding auditions here on Monday the 12th as scheduled would only reinforce and enable those 2 perceptions. We cannot, and will not, in good conscience do that to our students, and contradict the spirit of our commitment.”
and this is supplemented by a key point of my own response to the producers:
“My view on this is that for every Deaf role taken by a hearing actor, that’s one less opportunity for a Deaf actor in a field [theatre and film] where Deaf people are vastly underrepresented.” This field is insanely competitive to begin with–roughly .05% of the entire national acting profession even make it to stardom, usually by luck and timing, not entirely talent.
At the surface looking in, you can’t–or won’t–see the whole picture. It’s not as cut-and-dried as Matt wanting to have it his way and respecting his wishes. His visibility is going to be either an asset or liability in terms of how his decision-making impacts the generally uninformed assumptions made of Deafness by hearing people. I can guess at Matt’s excitement of having a movie made about him, but let’s not be naive here. If Matt follows through with Eben Kostbar, Hollywood WILL interpret it as a validation of casting hearing people as Deaf characters and see nothing wrong with bypassing Deaf actors in mainstream films, which then will reinforce a dangerous, discriminatory precedent. This has absolutely NOTHING to do with how Matt communicates or what Matt wants for only Matt. Like it or not, he is a Deaf role model.
In light of the fact that Gallaudet’s theatre department is a long-term restoration project, it’s wholly irresponsible if we allow any tacit message that it’s somehow permissible for our ambitious, arts-minded students–who represent the hope and future of Deaf theatre and film in this age of our existential uncertainty (will there be a Deaf world a century from now? it’s not a lock)–to always be grateful for leftovers, and in being always grateful for such, it reaffirms outside perception of them as inferior and the lesser of equals.
That tacit message applies to all kinds of Deaf.
Thank you.
*NOTE: I grew up on PSE, was mainstreamed (I was the only Deaf student at my school), and graduated from RIT-NTID. I never dreamed I would end up at Gallaudet, but life is funny that way.
May 12th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Kim, perhaps you haven’t seen my clarification at the end of the post:
Clarification: Even though majority of the deaf defenders of Hamill’s decision are oral/hoh, some are culturally Deaf. Not all the opponents are culturally Deaf, though the majority is. MZ
That’s my personal observation so far. Talking with people privately, it’s also their observations.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
right or wrong,hamill is within his rights..
the rest of us gotta get up off our duffs and find our own investors-
May 12th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Hamill is within his rights. Gallaudet and NTID/RIT are also within their rights to cancel the auditions. Deaf people also have the right to make objections. Others have the right to defend Hamill.
I just find it unfortunate that Hamill would make a controversial decision which divides the Deaf Community.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Perhaps, Matt’s film is more about his extreme fighting than his deafness?
May 12th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I have a question for Ethan #40, anyone else is welcome to answer this question as well.
Hypothetically speaking, Suppose Matt never went to NTID/RIT and had a successful wrestling career at a different hearing college and he never learned any sign language at all and still does not sign to this day. Would you still be pushing for a deaf actor to play the role of Matt?
May 12th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
The blogger writes the 11th paragraph in her post as follows:
My discernment from the last line (infra supra) is that the blogger and Matt Hamill have been in the same boat. They understand one another.
As King Solomon would have made a decision, let Hamill have his own way.
Soit.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I hadn’t realized that Hamill was more oral. In that case, he probably felt it was more artistically genuine to have himself portrayed by a Hearing actor who, like himself, learned a bit of sign late in life.
He also is possibly thinking of how best to be portrayed so to have future opportunities open up based on it.
Hamill falls into a marginal category that confuses what we are fighting for: that Deaf roles should go to Deaf actors.
What we can emphasize is the ability of d/Deaf actors to play a wide variety of roles, including Hearing roles, and that they are a resource to be considered as important as others.
This means overlooking Hamill’s decision since it is the exception to ideal casting guidelines. Just don’t mention it in future discussions of deaf roles and casting, nor give the Hamill movie any Deaf community recognition. Hopefully this event will be forgotten in time and not affect opportunities for Deaf actors.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
to #46:
yes. no question about it.
again, this is not about “how Deaf is Matt?” I have no issue with how he communicates, or if he went to a Deaf or hearing university, or if he sees himself as “deaf” or “Deaf.”
May 13th, 2008 at 12:44 am
i hope if eben ever uses his voice during the movie; it should have a “deaf” accent. Even at the end of every hamill fight when he talks in the microphone, there’s a deaf accent. Lets see a hearing fool mimic that shit.
May 13th, 2008 at 1:58 am
if gally said no, fine… if rit said no, fine… if “D”eaf said no, fine… if Matt said no, fine… then so be it…
~Vans
May 13th, 2008 at 7:18 am
1 million of deaf in USA will not watch Matt Hamill, the rest of hearing billions will watch, Deaf lost and Matt laughing!
May 13th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Where are you coming from Nesmuth?
I’d really would like to know!
“The scourage…..” Inflammatory comments like that really makes my head turn in disbelief.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Jean, if it’s me, I would select a deaf or hoh person with an oral background. I would feel it’ll be more authentic.
Dog food, good point about the deaf accent. I imagine it’s difficult to master deaf speech.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Matt made the decission NOT YOU GUYS…. I respect and support him .. no one else will be like him
I am looking forward to watching movie.
way to go Matt
May 13th, 2008 at 11:41 am
No name, nobody is denying that Matt had made his decision.
Since his decision is unorthodox, it shouldn’t be a surprise that it has caused deep controversy within an oppressed minority.
Everybody is entitled to express their opinions.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:43 am
No name, I don’t need to respect and support him. I am sorry that I make a descision.
May 13th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Mishka and ChrisH.
respect your comments.
Peace out
May 13th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
dont need to get an agrument over this smile
May 13th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
No name:
While I respect his decision, I nevertheless submit that it was the wrong one. The places of employment for deaf actors/actresses are very limited.
Since Mr. Hamill is deaf (by some accounts oral deaf), he has a unique duty to show to the world what a Deaf person can do.
Imagine, if you will, the role of Sarah NOT performed by Marlee Matlin in the movie “Children Of A lesser God”, but rather by a hearing woman.
Hearing audiences would never have been exposed to the bright, wonderful community of Deaf artist that exists worldwide.
Yes, Mr. Hamill has the right to chose anyone he wants. But he also has the obligation to the Deaf community.
As I have stated before- neither I nor any one of my friends will see this movie.
May 13th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Five videoclips show Hamill employing semi-Sim- Com. Anyone who wants to play him should use the
same “semi-Sim-Com”.
Film critics who preview films will tell you that
X speaks with heavy Britsh accents in an American
film and that Y speaks with impeccable American-
Englih accents in an American film even though he is a native of Italy. Critics who are deaf are
perfectly free to criticise actors that play
a deaf role. The critics could freely criticise
Y as lacking the knowledge of both ASL and Deaf
Culture. A critic may say that Y’s signing is
a mixture of SEE#2 and Sim-Com; another critic may say that Y’s signing is Signed English.
I know that it is an awful ego conflict, but Hamill should be honest by dropping Eben Kostbar in order to recruit an oral actor who uses
“SEMI-SIM-COM’. That would show the true Hamill.
Do not lie to the moviegoers, so to speak. Eben’s
name will remain intact as a biographer.
May 13th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
“Matt Hamill is probably the most dishonest, greedy, self-absorbed loser in the sport. Dealing with him first hand, I’ve realized that he has lied to sponsors, friends, and coaches to further his wallet size.”
“That being said, Matt is probably the only one that has lied repeatedly to our business and those that were close to us. He is also not man enough to reply to anyone that he’s screwed in the process.”
http://mmafever.blogspot.com/2007/03/matt-hamill-sponsorship-scammer.html
May 13th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Chris H,
Thanks for sharing your personal frustration with Aidan Mack’s heavy censorship practices on her blog. At least, she published my comment, not another comment regarding Sidney Poiter and Denzel Washington. I am really puzzled about it!
Ethan S,
Many thanks for posting the official reply of the Gallaudet Theatre Arts Department regarding Hamill’s film production auditions. The reasons stated clearly for why Gallaudet chose not to let it happen. I truly appreciate it very much.
Other commenators and Jean Boutcher, your points are decently good!
RLM