The Simpsons' Season 33 episode 17, called “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” is remarkable for using American Sign Language (ASL), and for its casting of Deaf actor John Autry II to voice the Deaf character Monk. Autry became the 1st Deaf performer to voice a character on the show through this role. The episode even features several other Deaf performers, like comedian Kathy Buckley and three youngsters, Kaylee Arellano, Ian Mayorga, and Hazel Lopez from No Limits, a nonprofit organization devoted to deaf children. This fact reinforces the influence of “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” as a turning point in US entertainment history for the Deaf community. The Use of American Sign Language in the Episode The creators additionally deserve credit for attempting to have characters with just four fingers communicate in ASL. This process must have been difficult to animate, which could explain why signing is only featured at the end of the episode. It's a brief sequence, but it's entertaining to see the characters attempt the nearly impossible task of signing while missing a fifth finger. Despite the fact that The Simpsons characters only have four fingers on each hand, the producers used two ASL consultants to ensure the accuracy of the ASL used in the episode. Concern for Deaf People and the Deaf Culture “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” installment of The Simpsons demonstrates that its creators care about dealing with real-life issues on the show, especially regarding people of different communities like the Deaf. For example, to voice the Deaf character Monk, they casted Deaf actor John Autry II, who delivered an impressive performance. One more thing is the script that's thoughtfully composed by Loni Steele Sosthand, whose sibling was born Deaf. Also, details related to Deaf culture were carefully presented. At one point in the episode, Monk tells Lisa,“I’m not anybody’s cause,” reflecting how Deaf people actually feel. They never want pity or assistance in doing things simply because they can’t hear. They feel they’re capable of doing anything a hearing individual can do. The Deaf are proud of who they are and being Deaf is an essential part of their identity. Deaf People Have a Bright Future in Entertainment With CODA winning Best Picture and other awards at the 2022 Oscars, and "The Sound of Bleeding Gums" airing on The Simpsons, the Deaf community undoubtedly has a bright future in the entertainment industry, particularly in animation. The Deaf actor John Autry II provides a great source of inspiration for other aspiring Deaf and hard of hearing actors. His ability to land a starring role star on The Simpsons despite his being Deaf is uplifting and encouraging to both the Deaf and hearing populations alike. For more information on this story, watch the video below.
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Juliette Gordon Low: Founder of the Girl Scouts and A Deaf Champion Who Wouldn’t Hear “No”11/3/2022 Every year on October 31st, Girl Scouts across the United States commemorate their movement's Founder's Day. The date was chosen to honor Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low's birthday. Ms. Low wouldn't really accept "No" for an answer whenever confronted with negativity in her never-ending pursuit to make Girl Scouts of the USA a success, paving the way for numerous young girls to pursue and live a life of boldness, self-assurance, as well as integrity. Sign Language Use Although the Girl Scouts of the USA now offer a sign language badge, lists of badges awarded during Juliette Gordon Low's lifetime do not include one. Juliette was never known to communicate through sign language. However, the fact that she was a Deaf woman who achieved a rare level of greatness has left a profound imprint on the world. She encouraged both Deaf and hearing girls to effectively communicate by whatever means necessary to accomplish their goals. Juliette's main goal in founding the Girl Scouts movement was to empower girls of all ages, ethnicities, as well as religions to join together and develop courage, confidence, as well as character. Learn more about Juliette Gordon Low in the video below. |
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May 2023
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