Is it offensive to sign in public? - Page 2

Banjo · 08-10-2009, 07:08 PM

People can be really silly sometimes.

Buffalo · 08-10-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

People can be really silly sometimes.

Yup.

whatdidyousay! · 08-10-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ely599

Ok well basically I am hearing and I've been signing for four years now and my bestfriend and I took ASL together in high school. We would sign everywhere we went so we could practice at anytime. One day in Target, we were signing off and on and laughing and talking and this girl came up and said "my dads deaf and he finds it offensive when hearing people sign and they arent helping a deaf person" and it seems odd to me because we want to become interpreters and I'm wondering how anyone is supposed to learn if they cant sign without a deaf person present. My teacher is deaf and he was outraged that someone would get mad about that.
We went to Washington school for the deaf and only the top three people in the class could go and my friend and I were chosen. For three days we participated in a program where we could expand our knowledge and were not able to speak. We were complimented on how well we sign and our use of facial expressions. I don't think a whole school would allow this program of hearing students to be able to come if they found it offensive but I'd like to
hear from others. What do you think? Is it offensive if a hearing person signs in public when Deaf arent around?

I never of such a crazy thing! So would it be offensive if 2 people talk in Spainsh and that is not their lauguage! I took sign lauguage and I would
practice with a hearing people in public! How else would you learn if do not
practice all the time! I would not worried about people like that girl! It is her issues to deal with! I say NO is not offensive to signs in public if no deafs are around! I would have been very interested in watching as I forgot how to signs!

***VamPyroX*** · 08-10-2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyleb

No, it is not offensive. I feel that your dad finds it offensive because he may have been left out when hearing people don't tell him what is being said. Since ASL is another language, such a justification falls down on itself when you consider the fact that there are relatively few deaf people that know ASL and Deaf culture. It is extremely important that hearing people learn ASL because it also helps them when they need it.

This isn't Ely's dad that we're talking about. It was a random girl that approached Ely and said that it was her (the girl) dad that finds it offensive.

But you're right, it shouldn't be offensive. Using sign language is like speaking a foreign language... should offend anyone.

kyleb · 08-10-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VamPyroX

This isn't Ely's dad that we're talking about. It was a random girl that approached Ely and said that it was her (the girl) dad that finds it offensive.

But you're right, it shouldn't be offensive. Using sign language is like speaking a foreign language... should offend anyone.

Oh OK, I misunderstood.

deafcajun · 08-10-2009, 11:39 PM

If a deaf person is offended because two hearing people sign to each other, then does that justify a hearing person getting offended when two deaf people speak to each other?

Digital Import · 08-11-2009, 01:17 AM

my partner (at work) and I are both taking asl classes and we are constantly signing back and forth through out the day. We have had a few Deaf people come up to us and start conversations, but never had one tell us we were being rude. Most Deaf people that I have encountered think that it's really cool that people in my field (EMS) are learning asl. I have noticed that hearing people can be a little uncomfortable when we sign around them though. Only time we've had problems though was one time we were in Wal-Mart, my partner made a joke about our last call and we both started laughing. Guy near us thought we were making fun of him or something and got rather upset. Oh well. But yeah, I've never gotten anything but positive feedback from Deaf people when I sign in public.

LDNanna · 08-11-2009, 01:48 AM

My ASL teacher told me about taking her class to a local chain restaurant. The class was to sign to each other, the teacher and not speak. They were to order without speaking. You get the idea... mind you, the manager is aware, the event is planned.

Another customer and his wife were so offended that he asked the manager to make the class leave! They stared, glared and pointed, rolled eyes, etc. at the class. The manager was very nice. He asked the man to leave!

This stuff happens. When signing with friends I try to make sure nosy hearies understand, if they are interested and seem friendly I will often try to include them if it is appropriate and I have the time. If they seem hostile, I just usually ignore them.

At another place, I went in alone. Eek, forgot to wear ald or ha's, cause it was vacation! I was getting a simple take out order. Server was great, but a customer waiting in line to pay - different story! Ugh. She told her friend - (I read her lips) "She don't hear you - never mind her!" As if she should just butt in and act as if I wasn't being helped first. I just smiled at her and got good eye contact. She lowered her eyes and stepped away. Her friend looked embarrassed.

Sign anywhere exept where your signing could get you in big trouble. Where is that? My former terp said some gangs will be offended. Not a problem here, but to be careful in larger cities or bad neighborhoods. I don't know about that. I have never been in that situation. Has any one here ever had a problem with that?? Could this be true?

Bottesini · 08-11-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nan_Mathews

Sign anywhere exept where your signing could get you in big trouble. Where is that? My former terp said some gangs will be offended. Not a problem here, but to be careful in larger cities or bad neighborhoods. I don't know about that. I have never been in that situation. Has any one here ever had a problem with that?? Could this be true?

I only think that is true if a gang perceives you as a weakling and easy target.

I don't think they will be mistaking ASL for gang signs.

Also I'm surprised about your restaurant experience, the worst thing I have ever seen is people watching and then looking embarrassed if caught.

LDNanna · 08-11-2009, 01:40 PM

So true, Bots, yet I believe she was reacting to stories like this one -

Deaf Today v3.0: Suspected Gang Members Kill Deaf Man

This is from 2006, old. I think something may have been mentioned a year or more ago in Jamie Burk's site as well. I am "deafinately" not sure about Jamie's site, and I am on my way back to work.

Hey - Guess What???? They have hired another Deaf person to work in our office!!! Wow!! I can't wait for him to start. He is young and oral deaf. I hope he signs. We will definately be signing in public if he does. haha!

shel90 · 08-11-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nan_Mathews

My ASL teacher told me about taking her class to a local chain restaurant. The class was to sign to each other, the teacher and not speak. They were to order without speaking. You get the idea... mind you, the manager is aware, the event is planned.

Another customer and his wife were so offended that he asked the manager to make the class leave! They stared, glared and pointed, rolled eyes, etc. at the class. The manager was very nice. He asked the man to leave!

This stuff happens. When signing with friends I try to make sure nosy hearies understand, if they are interested and seem friendly I will often try to include them if it is appropriate and I have the time. If they seem hostile, I just usually ignore them.

At another place, I went in alone. Eek, forgot to wear ald or ha's, cause it was vacation! I was getting a simple take out order. Server was great, but a customer waiting in line to pay - different story! Ugh. She told her friend - (I read her lips) "She don't hear you - never mind her!" As if she should just butt in and act as if I wasn't being helped first. I just smiled at her and got good eye contact. She lowered her eyes and stepped away. Her friend looked embarrassed.

Sign anywhere exept where your signing could get you in big trouble. Where is that? My former terp said some gangs will be offended. Not a problem here, but to be careful in larger cities or bad neighborhoods. I don't know about that. I have never been in that situation. Has any one here ever had a problem with that?? Could this be true?

If someone asked me to leave a restaurant because I use ASL, I would pour my drink on that person. Not kidding.

shel90 · 08-11-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nan_Mathews

So true, Bots, yet I believe she was reacting to stories like this one -

Deaf Today v3.0: Suspected Gang Members Kill Deaf Man

This is from 2006, old. I think something may have been mentioned a year or more ago in Jamie Burk's site as well. I am "deafinately" not sure about Jamie's site, and I am on my way back to work.

Hey - Guess What???? They have hired another Deaf person to work in our office!!! Wow!! I can't wait for him to start. He is young and oral deaf. I hope he signs. We will definately be signing in public if he does. haha!

If he is oral deaf, he probably doesnt know any sign language and there is a chance that he wont want to learn it.

Digital Import · 08-11-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shel90

If he is oral deaf, he probably doesnt know any sign language and there is a chance that he wont want to learn it.

ok i know this is going a little

and i do appologize for that, but what is oral deaf and how is it different from deaf?

Thanks

souggy · 08-11-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digital Import

ok i know this is going a little

and i do appologize for that, but what is oral deaf and how is it different from deaf?

Thanks

Oral deaf, someone who speaks instead of signs. I am an oral deaf. Usually a lot of oral deaf have what I call "deaf shame" lingering around them that is instilled into them by the education system and their parents. You know the whole "you will never be as good as a hearing person, no matter how hard you try" kind of shame. My parents has always encouraged me to be Deaf, with the capital D, but other factors in my life got me down the route of being oral, but with me it is... what's the English phrase? "Old habits die hard," I think?

I am working on incorporating sign language into my life; which is still strong in me because I do it on my own time.

I won't be able to meet other signers if I don't sign in public.

Bottesini · 08-11-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nan_Mathews

So true, Bots, yet I believe she was reacting to stories like this one -

Deaf Today v3.0: Suspected Gang Members Kill Deaf Man

This is from 2006, old. I think something may have been mentioned a year or more ago in Jamie Burk's site as well. I am "deafinately" not sure about Jamie's site, and I am on my way back to work.

Hey - Guess What???? They have hired another Deaf person to work in our office!!! Wow!! I can't wait for him to start. He is young and oral deaf. I hope he signs. We will definately be signing in public if he does. haha!

I read that story and I am a little skeptical of the explanation. I think there was more going on. I have lived in bad neighborhoods before and never had a problem. I also was never combative or confrontational with gang bangers.

rockdrummer · 08-11-2009, 08:07 PM

You get all types in all crowds. The deaf community is no exception. In my opinion, it would be selfish for anyone to find it offensive.

LDNanna · 08-11-2009, 08:16 PM

I am very glad that I do not have to worry about gangs in my usual routes.

You may remember from my earlier posts that my bosses gave me grief about deafness, signing, any and everything. I am very excited that now they would consider hiring another deaf person, let alone hire him. I feel like maybe I did a good job, and now "paved" the way. (nah - probably not)

Shel, you may be right that he may not sign, but it's still cool that I am not the only one here now. Shel, wish I had your courage. I do stand up for myself, just never had to pour a drink on someone for that reason. Too cheap! ha!

shel90 · 08-11-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nan_Mathews

I am very glad that I do not have to worry about gangs in my usual routes.

You may remember from my earlier posts that my bosses gave me grief about deafness, signing, any and everything. I am very excited that now they would consider hiring another deaf person, let alone hire him. I feel like maybe I did a good job, and now "paved" the way. (nah - probably not)

Shel, you may be right that he may not sign, but it's still cool that I am not the only one here now. Shel, wish I had your courage. I do stand up for myself, just never had to pour a drink on someone for that reason. Too cheap! ha!

I never had to do it but I would use water. It is free, right?

shel90 · 08-11-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digital Import

ok i know this is going a little

and i do appologize for that, but what is oral deaf and how is it different from deaf?

Thanks

Someone who is deaf but doesnt know any sign language. I am a former oral deaf.

shel90 · 08-11-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by souggy

Oral deaf, someone who speaks instead of signs. I am an oral deaf. Usually a lot of oral deaf have what I call "deaf shame" lingering around them that is instilled into them by the education system and their parents. You know the whole "you will never be as good as a hearing person, no matter how hard you try" kind of shame. My parents has always encouraged me to be Deaf, with the capital D, but other factors in my life got me down the route of being oral, but with me it is... what's the English phrase? "Old habits die hard," I think?

I am working on incorporating sign language into my life; which is still strong in me because I do it on my own time.

I won't be able to meet other signers if I don't sign in public.

Yea, I grew up with that "deaf shame". If only I knew.

LDNanna · 08-14-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shel90

I never had to do it but I would use water. It is free, right?

Bebonang · 08-16-2009, 12:20 AM

There is one thing I notice was hearing people were signing dirty or nasty finger signs that is offensive and making joke or poking fun of us, Deafies like pretending that they are signing which they don't know nothing about. That is what bother me a lot. As long as hearing people who are interest in ASL or sign language to just sign the proper and clean sign language without the offensive nasty sign language. I don't know if the father notice something that bother him what the person was signing. But it is a free country to have anyone signs or speak in any native languages. I would open my arms to hearing people for signing the proper ASL. This is my opinion what I think is wrong with the father opposing on the hearing person way of signing. If they are laughing and doing something nasty with their signs, then it would be offensive. Do you see what I am talking about?

Buffalo · 08-17-2009, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

I only think that is true if a gang perceives you as a weakling and easy target.

I don't think they will be mistaking ASL for gang signs.

Also I'm surprised about your restaurant experience, the worst thing I have ever seen is people watching and then looking embarrassed if caught.

I have heard of stories of deaf people getting hurt by the gang members. I saw on the tv back in Detroit that a young deaf black teenager was beaten up by the gang. I think one of his eyes was hurt. I can't remember if he was blinded in that eye as well.

More on deaf beating in San Diego - San Diego Deaf Hate Crime

Megan8987 · 08-21-2009, 05:27 PM

Gang members have signs that show who they represent, also have signs saying...err...down with the other gang...(and thats the clean version)

They also have different colors representing their gangs...like Red for Bloods and Blue for Crips. You just have to be careful of what neighborhood your in, but hearing people have just the same problems by watching what color shirt they wear. Thought I should help clear up the questions with my 2cents

Bottesini · 08-21-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalo

I have heard of stories of deaf people getting hurt by the gang members. I saw on the tv back in Detroit that a young deaf black teenager was beaten up by the gang. I think one of his eyes was hurt. I can't remember if he was blinded in that eye as well.

More on deaf beating in San Diego - San Diego Deaf Hate Crime

I am surprised. I hadn't heard about it. Guess I am glad to be in relatively safe Iowa.

deafskeptic · 08-21-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalo

I have heard of stories of deaf people getting hurt by the gang members. I saw on the tv back in Detroit that a young deaf black teenager was beaten up by the gang. I think one of his eyes was hurt. I can't remember if he was blinded in that eye as well.

More on deaf beating in San Diego - San Diego Deaf Hate Crime

I remember meeting a deaf man who used to live in LA and he told me about some deaf who got killed by gang members because they thought they were using gang signals.

Alee · 08-27-2009, 05:32 PM

It's not offensive to sign in public, but I've had several uncomfortable encounters with people who think it is...

CJB · 08-28-2009, 02:30 PM

It's not offensive at all -- we all have the right to speak whatever languages we want.

pagedancer · 09-09-2009, 02:55 PM

This thread is fascinating to me, especially as a hearing person who wants to practice ASL. I came out of ASL class last night with a friend of mine and we were signing to each other to practice both expressive and receptive skills. I've gotten used to signing with my Deaf roommates and I sometimes forget and sign to my hearing friends who don't know ASL just out of habit. I try to practice as much as possible and people probably think I'm crazy when they see me walking down the street signing to my iPod. It's good to have the reassurance that I wouldn't be offending anyone.

Bebonang · 09-10-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pagedancer

This thread is fascinating to me, especially as a hearing person who wants to practice ASL. I came out of ASL class last night with a friend of mine and we were signing to each other to practice both expressive and receptive skills. I've gotten used to signing with my Deaf roommates and I sometimes forget and sign to my hearing friends who don't know ASL just out of habit. I try to practice as much as possible and people probably think I'm crazy when they see me walking down the street signing to my iPod. It's good to have the reassurance that I wouldn't be offending anyone.

Not bad what you are doing. You are free to do your signing to yourself or to another hearing person who don't know anything about ASL or Sign Language. Keep up with your signing skills. Don't let anyone tell you to stop signing. Keep doing it.

08-16-2009, 12:20 AM	#52 (permalink)
Bebonang "Deaf Cree Militant" Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron in Canada Posts: 2,874	There is one thing I notice was hearing people were signing dirty or nasty finger signs that is offensive and making joke or poking fun of us, Deafies like pretending that they are signing which they don't know nothing about. That is what bother me a lot. As long as hearing people who are interest in ASL or sign language to just sign the proper and clean sign language without the offensive nasty sign language. I don't know if the father notice something that bother him what the person was signing. But it is a free country to have anyone signs or speak in any native languages. I would open my arms to hearing people for signing the proper ASL. This is my opinion what I think is wrong with the father opposing on the hearing person way of signing. If they are laughing and doing something nasty with their signs, then it would be offensive. Do you see what I am talking about? __________________ I HAVE BEEN DEAF SINCE BIRTH, AND IT IS STILL AWESOME TO BE . <Deaf> <very happy>

08-27-2009, 05:32 PM	#57 (permalink)
Alee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Spain Posts: 8	It's not offensive to sign in public, but I've had several uncomfortable encounters with people who think it is... __________________ Alejandra & Edgar <3

09-09-2009, 02:55 PM	#59 (permalink)
pagedancer We are made of star stuff Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 33	This thread is fascinating to me, especially as a hearing person who wants to practice ASL. I came out of ASL class last night with a friend of mine and we were signing to each other to practice both expressive and receptive skills. I've gotten used to signing with my Deaf roommates and I sometimes forget and sign to my hearing friends who don't know ASL just out of habit. I try to practice as much as possible and people probably think I'm crazy when they see me walking down the street signing to my iPod. It's good to have the reassurance that I wouldn't be offending anyone. __________________ "Pages and dancers become infinitely interesting when turning."

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

08-10-2009, 07:08 PM	#31 (permalink)
Banjo Mr. Movie Guy Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,959 Blog Entries: 1	People can be really silly sometimes.

Today
Deafness	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

08-10-2009, 11:39 PM	#36 (permalink)
deafcajun Banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cajun Country Posts: 45	If a deaf person is offended because two hearing people sign to each other, then does that justify a hearing person getting offended when two deaf people speak to each other?

08-11-2009, 01:17 AM	#37 (permalink)
Digital Import Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 15	my partner (at work) and I are both taking asl classes and we are constantly signing back and forth through out the day. We have had a few Deaf people come up to us and start conversations, but never had one tell us we were being rude. Most Deaf people that I have encountered think that it's really cool that people in my field (EMS) are learning asl. I have noticed that hearing people can be a little uncomfortable when we sign around them though. Only time we've had problems though was one time we were in Wal-Mart, my partner made a joke about our last call and we both started laughing. Guy near us thought we were making fun of him or something and got rather upset. Oh well. But yeah, I've never gotten anything but positive feedback from Deaf people when I sign in public.

08-11-2009, 01:48 AM	#38 (permalink)
LDNanna Everything purple is mine Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 887	My ASL teacher told me about taking her class to a local chain restaurant. The class was to sign to each other, the teacher and not speak. They were to order without speaking. You get the idea... mind you, the manager is aware, the event is planned. Another customer and his wife were so offended that he asked the manager to make the class leave! They stared, glared and pointed, rolled eyes, etc. at the class. The manager was very nice. He asked the man to leave! This stuff happens. When signing with friends I try to make sure nosy hearies understand, if they are interested and seem friendly I will often try to include them if it is appropriate and I have the time. If they seem hostile, I just usually ignore them. At another place, I went in alone. Eek, forgot to wear ald or ha's, cause it was vacation! I was getting a simple take out order. Server was great, but a customer waiting in line to pay - different story! Ugh. She told her friend - (I read her lips) "She don't hear you - never mind her!" As if she should just butt in and act as if I wasn't being helped first. I just smiled at her and got good eye contact. She lowered her eyes and stepped away. Her friend looked embarrassed. Sign anywhere exept where your signing could get you in big trouble. Where is that? My former terp said some gangs will be offended. Not a problem here, but to be careful in larger cities or bad neighborhoods. I don't know about that. I have never been in that situation. Has any one here ever had a problem with that?? Could this be true?

08-11-2009, 01:40 PM	#40 (permalink)
LDNanna Everything purple is mine Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 887	So true, Bots, yet I believe she was reacting to stories like this one - Deaf Today v3.0: Suspected Gang Members Kill Deaf Man This is from 2006, old. I think something may have been mentioned a year or more ago in Jamie Burk's site as well. I am "deafinately" not sure about Jamie's site, and I am on my way back to work. Hey - Guess What???? They have hired another Deaf person to work in our office!!! Wow!! I can't wait for him to start. He is young and oral deaf. I hope he signs. We will definately be signing in public if he does. haha!

08-11-2009, 08:07 PM	#46 (permalink)
rockdrummer Weapon of mass percussion Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago area Posts: 4,086	You get all types in all crowds. The deaf community is no exception. In my opinion, it would be selfish for anyone to find it offensive.

08-11-2009, 08:16 PM	#47 (permalink)
LDNanna Everything purple is mine Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 887	I am very glad that I do not have to worry about gangs in my usual routes. You may remember from my earlier posts that my bosses gave me grief about deafness, signing, any and everything. I am very excited that now they would consider hiring another deaf person, let alone hire him. I feel like maybe I did a good job, and now "paved" the way. (nah - probably not) Shel, you may be right that he may not sign, but it's still cool that I am not the only one here now. Shel, wish I had your courage. I do stand up for myself, just never had to pour a drink on someone for that reason. Too cheap! ha!

08-21-2009, 05:27 PM	#54 (permalink)
Megan8987 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 20	Gang members have signs that show who they represent, also have signs saying...err...down with the other gang...(and thats the clean version) They also have different colors representing their gangs...like Red for Bloods and Blue for Crips. You just have to be careful of what neighborhood your in, but hearing people have just the same problems by watching what color shirt they wear. Thought I should help clear up the questions with my 2cents

08-28-2009, 02:30 PM	#58 (permalink)
CJB deafblind writer Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: U.S. Posts: 1,409	It's not offensive at all -- we all have the right to speak whatever languages we want.