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: Thursday, March 7
Part 2 (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 2, you will earn 30 points, 25 points for the written responses and 5 points for participating in the class discussion.

The Isolation Myth a.
Mark criticizes the idea that deaf people isolate themselves from hearing people.
What are his criticisms? b.
How can a person’s participation in a core group strengthen their ability to cope?
No Deaf Militants a.
Why is Mark so frustrated with the use of the word “militant” to describe those
Deaf people who advocate the use of ASL?
Olympic-Sized Differences a.
What are some of the different viewpoints of advocates who want to educate deaf children?
Hear’s To You a. Mark discusses how important the world of sound is for hearing people, and so it’s

natural for them to respond with horror to the thought of being without sound. What was his recommendation to deaf people how to respond to hearing people’s fears?
Men Are Pigs II a. Why do you think that so many men are resistant to learning sign language? What is your personal opinion?
We’re Fine, Thank You a. Mark made a point of how our attitudes, increased sensitivity, and accessibility have helped to improve the public image of deafness. Name and describe one of the specific technological or cultural advances that Mark discussed.
Don’t Feed the Deafies a. Mark discussed his experience with the woman in the line at the grocery store who was telling her husband about deaf people and Deaf culture. Although she obviously knew what she was talking about, Mark felt uncomfortable. Why? b.
What is his advice to deaf people who encounter hearing people who might behave strangely or show disrespect towards them (deaf people)?

Academic Freedom a. Mark says that he (and all of us) benefit from a broad academic education from different fields and disciplines. Although he (and often, us) can’t remember the specific details of many disciplines, we still benefitted from our experience and exposure. How? b.
Mark would like to encourage educators to provide deaf students with a specific type of educational experience (other than sit down, shut up, and learn). What did he suggest?
The Other Half of Bi-Bi a. What does bi-bi mean? b.
Mark is concerned with how many deaf people have inadequate English skills.
Why?

Raising the Bar a. How did Mark acquire such strong English skills despite the fact that he was deaf and could not hear spoken English?
Men Are Pigs II a. Why do you think so many boys and men resist the idea of taking a sign language class?
Super Phony a. What are Mark’s current standards for communicating with others in sign language as opposed to when he was in high school? b.
What is a Super Phony? How is Mark a Super Phony?

Millionaire School for the Deaf a. Mark makes a humorous proposal for setting up the Millionaire School for the
Deaf. In fact he is really commenting on how many hardworking people who are ordinary are underpaid and underappreciated for doing really difficult things. Which group of people was he referring to? Why?
Cochlear Controversy a. Do you think it is appropriate for parents to decide their deaf toddler or young child will receive a cochlear implant? Why or why not? Share your opinion freely.