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All right. So it's another debate about hearing actors playing Deaf characters for the umpteenth time. This time it's The Stand, right after Sound of Metal. I'll address some of the arguments hearing people make in favour of hearing actors playing these characters.
Here we go:
Here we go:
"It's ACTING. Calm down."
This is a lazy excuse and doesn't consider a number of factors, such as opportunity, authenticity, and, well, logic. Even if a Deaf actor's playing that character, they're still acting, because they're still pretending to be someone else.
This is a lazy excuse and doesn't consider a number of factors, such as opportunity, authenticity, and, well, logic. Even if a Deaf actor's playing that character, they're still acting, because they're still pretending to be someone else.
Deaf actors never receive the same opportunities as hearing actors; as a result, Deaf roles are, more often than not, taken by hearing actors. Deaf actors are seldom asked to audition. These roles are given to hearing actors by producers who don't understand Deaf culture.
This is why it's important to have Deaf artists behind and in front of the camera. If you're going to tell a story, you must tell it authentically, which means having people who know what they're talking about. (And don't directors always want authenticity? Truth? Realism?)
One of the great things about hiring Deaf actors is that you don't have to ask the actor to "act Deaf" (whatever the hell that means). You can focus on building the character: their loves, joys, desires, fears. As a result, you get a better performance.
"There are no good Deaf actors."
Bullshit.
There are SO MANY GOOD DEAF ACTORS. I've had the tremendous privilege of working with some of them. But because hearing people keep taking the Deaf roles, you seldom see them on film or TV. But they're out there perfecting their craft.
Bullshit.
There are SO MANY GOOD DEAF ACTORS. I've had the tremendous privilege of working with some of them. But because hearing people keep taking the Deaf roles, you seldom see them on film or TV. But they're out there perfecting their craft.
"But Deaf actors can't follow what the director's saying."
This is just ableist. And this is why it's important to have Deaf artists both behind and in front of the camera. A Deaf director will communicate clearly; a Deaf producer will have qualified interpreters are on set.
This is just ableist. And this is why it's important to have Deaf artists both behind and in front of the camera. A Deaf director will communicate clearly; a Deaf producer will have qualified interpreters are on set.
It's true that Deaf people are masters at adapting. But it's a survival mechanism: reading lips or using technology or writing on a notepad have allowed us to keep up.
We shouldn't have to do these things. If we're working on a film set, that set should be accessible. Period.
We shouldn't have to do these things. If we're working on a film set, that set should be accessible. Period.
"But the actor is hearing for part of the story."
So? If a hearing actor is playing a Deaf character, a Deaf actor can play a hearing character for however long is needed. Hell, Deaf people have had to conform to hearing normalcy since forever, so we know how to be chameleons.
So? If a hearing actor is playing a Deaf character, a Deaf actor can play a hearing character for however long is needed. Hell, Deaf people have had to conform to hearing normalcy since forever, so we know how to be chameleons.
"But the part requires speaking."
News flash: Deaf people can speak. It's a stereotype to think that Deaf people cannot speak.
News flash: Deaf people can speak. It's a stereotype to think that Deaf people cannot speak.
"Accessibility costs money."
It's a worthwhile investment, because if we give Deaf artists the chance to truly show their skills in the mainstream, it'll spark a creative revolution. And then accessibility will become more commonplace, and it won't be so costly.
It's a worthwhile investment, because if we give Deaf artists the chance to truly show their skills in the mainstream, it'll spark a creative revolution. And then accessibility will become more commonplace, and it won't be so costly.
Bottom line: Deaf people should be allowed to tell Deaf stories. Deaf artists are creating some truly rich and exciting work, and there is perhaps no one better suited to taking advantage of a visual medium. The potential for revolution and revelation is incredible.
