Chapters 13- 15 & Quiz

Chapter 13: 
I am going to take a different approach to this chapters discussion:
I think it is pretty safe to say that in today's society people place a great deal of emphasis on public figures who give back to Americans or to the people of their communities. We are quite aware of Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign or Lance Armstrong's influence on cancer awareness. I notice groups such as cancer patients, obese individuals, minorities, or underprivileged children being targeted and put into the spot light of awareness. It really irritates me that the deaf culture never receives the recognition that these groups do. I mean, come on, there are numerous campaigns for the importance of spaying and neutering your pets, but nationally and locally the deaf culture is somewhat put into a dark closet. Honestly, I was never aware of the depth of this culture until I began reading this book. This is why Chapter 13 appeals to me so much. It is pretty interesting to me that President Jimmy Carter acknowledged the deaf community on his Inauguration Day walk by flashing the ILY sign. Am I saying that this was just a perfect thing to do to acknowledge them? No! I think that the deaf community deserves way more recognition wherever they go and whenever they go. But, I feel as if Carter did more than anyone else had ever done and even more than what public figures are doing now to communicate to them that they are seen and that they are important. Like I said earlier it is obvious that we place emphasis on public figures and of course after Carter used the "ILY" sign it seemed universally acceptable and appropriate. "The Smiley Face of Deaf Culture."  
However that was years ago. Now, flashing the ILY sign to a group of deaf individuals usually gets you nowhere. Quite frankly, I agree with the deaf community that this sign is overused and annoying. If you REALLY care about communicating with them and breaking that language barrier at least have the decency to learn a few more signs. It's pretty easy to use commercialized language. 

Chapter 14:
Fingerspelling is definitely a concept that I am still trying to grasp. I can make all of the letters and understand what another signer spells, but I am no master. I can definitely relate to Roger Mindel's concerns and this chapter eased my worries! Like the book suggests I have practiced finger spelling in the mirror, run through the "ABC's" a few times a day, and often spell words I see on posters or ads. I guess it should be kind of understood that improving manual dexterity would absolutely help! Of course, I never thought of that. Soooo...I took their advice to heart and bought a "medium hard rubber ball." I don't think it's working yet, but I haven't "exercised" with it enough to see a difference. Ha! I'm not all that into anything involving the word "exercise." 
Anyways a personal fun fact:  3 weekends ago I taught my dad the "ABC's" and he loved it! He printed off a chart so he could practice and now every time I go home he and I sign random words to each other! It's really fun! He likes to watch my Signing Naturally videos too...weird! I think it is extremely important to practice this technique frequently and I am thankful I have established the confidence to actually finger spell outside of class with my family and even my peers!

I can't wait until I am good enough for my hands to actually become a "new voice" but I do still have that general awkwardness.I feel like my classmates and I are mostly at the same stage of awkwardness where no one is confident enough to correct the others or point out large mistakes. Once we are all able to feel confident enough to give GOOD feedback to one another I feel as if we will all progress. 

Chapter 15:
I absolutely agree that all children should learn how to sign! The main points the book gave that I strongly support are:

• It is a useful survival skill for anyone
• You never know when someone in your family could become deaf (or you may have a deaf child in the future)
• A working knowledge of fingerspelling allows hearing people to communicate with deaf people
• Lastly because it is FUN! 

I did some further research on the opinion of the question "Should all children learn how to sign?" and found an article that adds some other interesting views in support of the topic. 

Here is the link, feel free to check it out: http://www.cchs.org/blog/top-10-reasons-all-children-should-know-sign-language/ 

I wish my parents would have been aware of all of the positive effects learning ASL can have! 

Quiz Reflection:

Let me just boast...I made a 100% on the quiz! Haha! I think it is just due to the simple fact that I am so interested in the information that this book offers. I encode information well when I am interested in the content and not bored to tears. This class along with this book really does something for me! It makes me feel productive, useful, and important. I want to use this information to help better the daily lives of deaf people and immerse myself in this unique culture! 

*If only I could get a 100% on all of the receptive tests in class...hmmm!