Deaf Culture In The Film, Children Of A Lesser God

In a world of sound, many time people take advantage of the opportunities a gifts sounds give. This gift creates and unveils many unforgettable memories in one’s life. Without sound, would humanity still blossom these ideals, or would they fall into a world of silence? This idea is popular yet foully. Living in a world without sound is something much of the population endures. Many people in society view this as a disability or pity, however those who are deaf or hard of hearing, view it as their culture. The ideal of culture plays a major part in self-identification, especially in those who have alternate circumstances. In the movie, Children of a Lesser God, the main character (played by Marlee Matlin) is deaf, stubborn and non-verbal. The
The strong sense of belonging comes from relating one’s feelings to another’s. However, this belonging only happens when communication is mutual, especially for Deaf culture. The way Deaf children choose to communicate is often times chosen by their parents or a doctor, leaving it up to them to pursue down that path of communication. It becomes how they identify with certain groups in the Deaf or hearing world. In the movie, Children of a Lesser God, the main character Sarah struggled to distinguish herself in any particular social groups because of the disrespect she received from both the hearing and Deaf world. Similarly, a young girl named Allison was bullied and criticized by the deaf world for the way she “grew up… for talking…for not being deaf enough.” It began to happen in the hearing world too, and she felt like there was nowhere to belong, leading her to “walk away from the community” (Letters: Deaf Culture in America PAGE #). The cruelty she endured is not always the experience Deaf children go through, in fact many find a balance between both cultures and are open to learning and respecting them. This idea of respect is often mistaken for pitying or aiding those who are perceived as less fortunate. Respect is in fact not segregated to those views, but a widespread affair for each individual to become a part of. There is no limit to how respect should be shown, however many people use that to their advantage. The American society believes that every culture should become influenced or altered to become more like their own. For many years people have been “obsessed with fitting deaf children into the hearing lifestyle because they say it is reality and in the process, they deprive many deaf children of the opportunity to learn language and become fully functioning individuals with their own right,” (Letters: Deaf culture in America PAGE #). Deaf people