Still during my trip to CA, I had the pleasure to meet some of the best Deaf entertainers. Talking about beauty in the way of expression, I ended up actually meeting one of my inspiration from the very one tv show that changed my course of life,Switched at Birth, Marlee Matlin (who plays Melody Bledsoe) was sweet and kind while knowing my poor signing skills need to improve a lot, she even spoke to me, I said spoke, not signed.
Well, let's just say I did learn a lot on this event. Deaf people are very appreciative of the effort hearing people makes either to communicate, help or support them or their organization. KODA West is an organization to help the education of the Deaf culture to children of Deaf adults. (www.kodawes.org)
John Maucere show was hilarious, but also does taught me a lot about the Deaf culture. It is so true that Deaf people are hugers. I have 1 friend that is Deaf, every time I see her, she hugs me, since I gre up in Brazil, in Brazilian culture it is common to hug and even kiss the cheeks when you meet someone for the first time, but after living in the US for almost 15 years, I'm not use to it anymore, but since this friend likes it, I had nothing against it. However, when I did get to the event, for the 4th time, a was received with a huge hug from the Deaf people in there, and not just one from the organizers, but people sitting at my table as well, so I need to come to the conclusion, that is not coincidence, that is just their culture. During John Maucere presentation, he also showed that Deaf people are very touchy, maybe loud and very excited, always.
Even though they are huggers, I didn't feel much difference on the "welcoming" attitudes, maybe I was giving a wrong vibe or something, but while I didn't know anyone there, and I still don't really but one KODA who gave me her number because I took a picture of her with Marlee, I stood there for about 30 min and not one soul came to talk to me or ask me anything, seeing that i was alone. From what I think, if I go talk to them, they will be friendly, but either they do not want to make new friends or are just scared to talk to people, which I would even understand considering how many people they may see on a daily basis that will not want to even try to communicate with them if they needed something, but in a Deaf event, I would think they would assume I know their language and culture and would not be afraid or skeptical to make contact, yet, nothing happened, I stayed alone the whole time until time to eat.
Anyway, being a volunteer to the NY Deaf Theatre and interested in Deaf/ASL performances, this event, for sure, inspired me more and more to keep looking for it, keep studying, getting involved, practicing and eventually reaching my goal to become fluent in ASL and work with Deaf performers, either producing a show (whatever kind, TV, Live, Stand up, Movie) or working behind the scenes as part of their management/marketing team.
From top to bottom left side: Shoshana Stern, John Maucere, Lauren Maucere
From top to bottom right side: Deanna Bray, Marlee Matlin, Bernard Bragg
(Sorry, I'm definitely not good on selfies)
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