directed by Nyle DiMarco & Davis Guggenheim
When I learned about this documentary, I immediately had to see it. I’m not a deaf person, but the rights of deaf people are very important to me. And no, I don’t have any deaf family members or coworkers, but I’m learning our national sign language. Why? First, because I simply like learning languages and it’s always an interesting adventure for me to learn new words, expressions and grammatical rules (yes, call me crazy, but I like those grammatical riddles). Second, it’s because I’ve met deaf people in my life in some random situations (on the street, in a hospital etc.) and I felt frustrated that I cannot communicate with them. Especially when a deaf woman is in hospital and there’s no translator so she has no idea what’s happening to her. That was actually my hospital roommate and after a week spent together, I went out of the hospital thinking “time to learn sign language”. Now, I can tell you that the world of deaf people is fascinating, because even though they don’t hear, they can be very emotional, creative and innovative, so everyday I gain a lot of inspiration from their community. That is why today I’d like to recommend you this documentary about a significant protest organised by the students of Gallaudet University in 1988. It’s the only university in the world that is specifically designed to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing people. However, since the beginning of its existence, the university president had always been a hearing person. In 1988 there was a chance for a deaf professor to take over such position, but certain authorities decided to keep a hearing person there. And at that point, the students got furious and began a huge protest in order to finally be represented by a deaf president. You may ask why it’s so important for them? Well, as a hearing person I do agree that only a deaf person may fully understand another deaf person. Additionally, in the previous boards those important people didn’t even know ASL (American Sign Languages), which shows their ignorance and lack of understanding what kind of university they are managing. Also, a deaf president gives the students a strong motivation boost, because in the world where people with disabilities are considered more of a problem (horrible reality), there’s a man like them who’s reached the top and it gives hope. No matter if you’re deaf or not, you have the right to dream big and live successfully. So yes, deaf representation is important everywhere. If you’re curious what happened during those protests and what the outcome was, you should see this documentary. And perhaps get inspired to learn your national sign language, even a few signs to communicate. I’m sure the deaf will be thankful for your effort.
My rating: 7/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 