Search - Through Deaf Eyes on DVD

For the mainstream audience

Chris | Centerville, Utah | 04/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a deaf person and an instructor of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture/History, I heartily recommend this as a nicely-done glimpse into the huge breadth of American Deaf History. All the highlights are here: Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, Gallaudet College/University, A.G. Bell, Milan Conference, oralism, cochlear implants, etc.

So why four stars?

I have only two gripes with the production:

1) There seemed to be a large number of deaf/hard-of-hearing interviewed that used their voices while signing. Of course, it is their prerogative, but I'm afraid it unnecessarily reinforces the stereotype that a deaf/hard-of-hearing person must be able to speak in order to be deemed worthy to listen to. I know many deaf persons that have poor speaking ability and yet they are among the smartest people I've ever met. But, in the majority hearing culture, they are viewed as being inferior. (In "Through Deaf Eyes," deaf scholar Ben Bahan nicely explains that viewpoint and how he came to realize it.)

2) There seemed to be a lot of emphasis on cochlear implants (with a large part of the last 1/4 of "Through Deaf Eyes" focused on this issue). Yes, I know it is a relatively new topic and a relatively "hot issue" in the Deaf-World right now, but honestly... 10 years from now, there will be another new and worse "threat" to the Deaf-World: the eradication of the so-called "deaf gene." Cochlear implants don't make someone hearing; they still have a hearing loss. So, I felt like there was a bit too much on the cochlear implant issue.

All said, it is still a WONDERFUL INTRO to the Deaf-World, and American Deaf History. "Through Deaf Eyes" will serve as a springboard to explore the issues further."

A good start of a look into the Deaf-World

LARRY | Capitol Heights, MD | 04/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a Deaf person, I thought that *Through Deaf Eyes* was a good start or a good step looking into the history of the American Deaf people. Of course, keep in mind that a 2 hour movie is impossible to cover over 200 years of the American Deaf history. So, what you're seeing here is just a glimpse.

You're going to see glimpses and interviews on Deaf education, ASL, oralism, cochlear implants, racism, the DPN movement, technologies, Gallaudet University, notable people and many more. You'll also see mini-movies made by Deaf film-makers.

The Deaf community's reaction to this documentary is varied. Some thought it was great. Some thought that there was too much focus on oralism and therefore giving the wrong message. Some felt that this could have been done better. While I feel that this could have been done better, I also feel that this was a good start to allow outsiders to catch a small glimpse into the Deaf-World. I do hope that this will be made into a series."

200 Year Visual Romp Through American Deaf

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 05/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chris of Centerville's excellent review of this DVD has it pretty well nailed. It is good exposure to America of the deaf among us, and their history. It has great short films and characteristic brief snippets of deaf relating their life, their history, their frustrations, their triumphs (loved the Gallaudet president story).

Also, her noting that the latter part emphasis on Cochlear Implants was quantitatively speaking potentially misleading to the uninformed viewer. America in many cases believes and at the least hopes that technology and science will be the savior of everything, including deafness. They also love the latest, greatest attempts from this field. So, Cochlear Implants are the latest offering.

The plays were highlights for me of this well done effort. As others have pointed out, it is always so difficult to compress 200 years into 2 hours, but this is good attempt. Maybe its success will inspire more."

Wow! What a great show.

R. Collom | 03/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am still stunned about how much this documentary moved me. I love learning and understanding others. This program fulfills both. For those of us who are not deaf or know anyone who is deaf - this provides us with a very well orchestrated view on the life of the deaf. This program should be required viewing in every school."