Opinion: Appreciating Deaf Culture

Of the many cultures, communities and countries represented at Liberty University, one that might go overlooked is the Deaf Community. The Deaf have their own culture, community and lifestyle in the same way other represented groups have. Though it might seem too difficult to interact with the Deaf, it is necessary for strengthening the community at Liberty. 

Hearing people should educate themselves about the Deaf Community and not fear interacting with them.

One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of supporting the deaf community is letting them communicate for themselves. While speaking up for equal access to communication is noble, standing beside them and giving them the chance to be seen is better.

I was privileged to interview Jacob Stanfield on how hearing people can better interact with the Deaf Community. Jacob graduated from Liberty University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences. He is teaching at a school in Culpeper, Virginia and is pursuing a Master’s Degree of Secondary Education at Liberty University as well. As a cochlear implant student, he experienced both deaf and hearing interaction at Liberty and was willing to answer questions on interacting with the deaf.

I began by asking him for his opinion on how he believes we (hearing people) should interact with the Deaf Community. 

“Honestly, recognizing a deaf person and being able to interact with them rather than running away. Writing with pen and paper, back and forth, or trying to understand gestures. I understand the ‘deer in the headlights’ look, but I, as a deaf person, am willing to write on pen and paper and communicate with you.”

He continued to discuss the do’s and don’t’s with the Deaf Community.

“We’re deaf in a hearing world. Write back and forth. If you’re trying to get a deaf person’s attention, tap them on the shoulder, wave your hand or flicker the lights. Don’t throw things to get attention. Remain respectful. Maybe that deaf person will become your friend.

“Don’t say, ‘Oh, you’re deaf? I’m so sorry for you!’ We don’t like that pity. We’re fine with who we are. Do not go up to deaf people and ask, ‘When are you going to get a cochlear implant?’ It’s rude, and it’s a personal choice in the Deaf Community to either use hearing aids or cochlear implants. Don’t ask a deaf person to teach you curse words. It’s a different thing if you’re asking about other words and want to learn the language, but if you just want to learn curse words, we’re not going to teach
you that.”

This, of course, does not encompass all that we as hearing people can do to connect with the Deaf Community, but it is a good place to start. The Deaf Community, in many ways, is like any other community that speaks a different language. They do not want to be overlooked, forgotten or ignored entirely because of a language barrier. As with other languages, people should take the time to learn what they can of American Sign Language (ASL) and the deaf community. Watch YouTube videos by deaf creators such as Jeremy Lee Stone and Dack Virnig. Deaf people can — and should — be seen; we need to look for them and support them.

Something I’ve enjoyed seeing as of recent years is the rise of deaf actors/actresses in popular movies. With the thrilling “A Quiet Place” series, the emotional “Sound of Metal” and the heartwarming coming-of-age film “CODA,” the general public has gotten a taste of the Deaf Community and ASL. Marvel’s latest installment to their superhero time line, “Eternals,” also highlights a deaf actress. Being more aware of the Deaf Community is a massive step that needs to be taken and learning from the deaf is the best way to take this step.

In concluding the interview, Jacob said, “Thank you so much for giving me and deaf people the chance to be seen at Liberty. And thank you for giving me the voice to state my opinion.”

Bower is an opinion writer. Follow him on Twitter.