Constructing Hearing Loss or “Deaf Gain?” Voice, Agency, and Identity in Television's Representations of d/Deafness

Abstract

Representations of deafness and Deaf culture on television have significantly increased and improved in the last 26 years. This paper explores these changing depictions, examining entertainment television from 1987 through 2013. Findings suggest that the pathological model persists, in which deaf characters are framed as vulnerable or dehumanized, and promote the cochlear implant as a "cure" for deafness. At the same time, episodes about tolerance and acceptance reinforce deafness as a cultural trait, especially in storylines in which multiple characters speak in American Sign Language.While ASL frequently appears in d/Deaf representations, its portrayal is incomplete and simplistic, downplaying its grammatical complexity. These competing discourses illustrate that what it means to be deaf or experience deafness is culturally constructed depending on context and experience, and reflects real-life tension between the Deaf community and medical experts who continue to pathologize deafness. Only through diversity in the roles for d/Deaf actors will television help to counter stigmas about disabilities and promote mainstream acceptance of Deaf culture.

‘Civilising’ Deaf people in Tibet and Inner Mongolia: governing linguistic, ethnic and bodily difference in China

“…Within that field, scholars are reminding us that the deaf, when perceived as a cultural group, vary across a range of identity-related and demographic categories (Foss 2014, 428). Ethnicity is one such factor that has largely been ignored in Deaf Studies.…”

Misconceptions of the Deaf: Giving voice to the voiceless

“…In this study, the Deaf were advocating for choice around cochlea implant surgery. The Deaf emphasised the loss that is associated, not with deafness, but with receiving a cochlea implant; a loss of language and identity, which is threatening Deaf culture (Foss, 2014). Contrary to dominant constructions, 'being able to hear is not as important as being a member of the deaf community' (McDermott & Varenne, 1995, p. 329).…”

“…Even if the Deaf conform to the social conventions, rules and standards of hearing culture, social power and authority is still implicitly exerted over them. In many cases, the assumptions regarding the ability and capacity of the Deaf are unfounded; based on social stereotyping rather than actual ability (Foss, 2014;Padden & Humphries, 2009;Van Dijk, 2003). Yet these dominant assumptions about the Deaf have the potential to be constantly re-enforced through discourse, which influences the power relationships between the Deaf and the hearing.…”

“…This statement demonstrates the way in which medical professionals 'continue to pathologize deafness' (Foss, 2014) and how the needs of the Deaf are frequently dismissed within this discourse. Combined, these discussions highlight a disparity between how deafness is popularly understood within the medical and broader community, and what it means for the Deaf.…”

“…Yet most dominant discourses, and the stereotypes they produce, routinely portray the Deaf as disabled (Ladd, 2005;McKee, 2008). These constructions produce further misconceptions, leading to prejudice and sometimes, discriminatory practices (Foss, 2014;McKee, 2008). The social injustice and prejudicial treatment experienced by many of the Deaf in a hearing world (see Barnett et al, 2011;Davidson, Cave, Reedman, Briffa, & Dark, 2012;Sheppard & Badger, 2010) is a product of the marginalisation of Deaf culture.…”