ASL 1
"Anything But Silent" by Mark Drolsbaugh (Fourth Edition)
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Due Date: Thursday, March 21
Part 3 (30 points)
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Goals for the reading assignment:
a. To continue exploring Deaf culture and the Deaf community.
b. To develop an understanding and respect of why many culturally
Deaf people actually appreciate and love being deaf.
Preface: Anything But Silent “takes the reader on a journey into the
rich tapestry that comprises the Deaf community. Mark Drolsbaugh
demonstrates the many ways one can be deaf in the world and through
his use of humor, the reader is able to understand what it essentially
means to be a deaf person (Drolsbaugh).” As you answer each of the
questions, it is expected that you will take the time to honestly consider
if and how your own understandings and opinions about deafness have
shifted.
Assignment: Some of the questions below ask for factual information
provided in the book. Other questions ask you to provide your own
opinions or perspectives about the content or episodes in the book.
Please provide succinct and concise responses to all your questions (in
other words don’t ramble, consider your words carefully and get to your
point).
In-class discussion: During class we will discuss the book, your
responses, and any questions you might have. Your participation in the
discussion is considered to be part of the assignment.
For Part 3, you will earn 30 points, 25 points for the written responses
and 5 points for participating in the class discussion.
Anything But Silent
(The Impossible Ideal to You Deaf People; pp. 103 to 164)
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No questions, but you still need to read chapters:
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Techno-Nerds
The Return of Super Phony
Drive Me Crazy at Below Invoice
Intimate Moments
Super Phony on Spring Break
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The Impossible Ideal: (3 points)
Do you agree with Jim’s perspective? Or Mark’s? Why or why not?
Role Models: (2 points)
Did you have any role model(s) that have inspired you? Explain. If you do not
have a role model yet, maybe you can be a role model for someone else?
Explain.
The Gentle Art of Deflection: (2 points)
If you have a Deaf relative in your family, would you support him or her having
an interpreter at your family events? Why or why not?
On The Fence: (3 points)
a. Explain the meaning of “Hearing-Minded.”
b. Mark’s being on the fence means what?
c. What were his two solutions to deal with his being on the fence?
Ohh, My Back: (2 points)
What are the ways to meet halfway for communication between hearing people
and Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing people?
Captioned Films & Spastic Mailboxes: (2 points)
Before the technology came, describe how Deaf people understood the movies
and handled phone calls?
The Timeless Argument: (3 points)
Honestly, where do you stand in this argument? Explain the pros and cons
from your perspective.
How Could it Happen?: (3 points)
How in the world could this [punishment for using sign language] be permitted
to happen?
It Was Worth It: (2 points)
What did Mark gain by writing and publishing his “Deaf Again” book?
You Deaf People: (3 points)
What would you advise these people with their “You Deaf People” view? And
what are your reasons for your advice?