Hey SADA!
So far, November has been plentiful with opportunities to go out to events related to the Deaf community in and around Austin.
Of course, I couldn’t hit up every single event going on recently, but Mashaal and I did make it out to the Texas Book Festival to see Marlee Matlin’s presentation. She presented about her most recently authored book, Leading Ladies.
Marlee began writing her books inspired by her childhood dream to write a book telling the world it is ok to be Deaf. Her books follow the story of Meagan, a young Deaf girl who grows up in a predominately hearing centered world. At the book festival, Marlee read from a chapter of the new book. I haven’t read any of her books yet, but someday when I come out from under the piles of reading I am a slave to for school, I will definitely try to put them on my reading list. Reading for my personal enjoyment? What’s that?
Anyways, Marlee takes a lot of flack from the cutlural Deaf community at large for some choices that she has made in the past, such as using her voice at the Academy Awards way back when I was still a in diapers. I know there are also a lot of feelings that go around about her fame, wealth, etc. There’s definitely always been some sense of crab theory in the Deaf community. I understand since I feel there are many talented Deaf actors out there who have probably been overlooked since Marlee is somewhat of the “go-to” girl when Hollwood needs a Deaf actress. But despite all of the various opinions about her–love her or hate her–I met her in person at the book festival. I found her to be very humble, sweet, and generally open to questions. She really wanted questions from kids. One little girl asked her if she had a husband, to which Marlee replied, “Yes, I have a husband, and he is a police officer.”
After the talk, another little boy asked her if she ever had any “mean friends.” It was so cute. I took my picture with her at the book signing and chatted it up with various people while waiting in line, including the current Miss Deaf Texas, Katherine Murch. (Picture coming soon…)
One last note, I also met Marlee’s personal interpreter and production manager, Jack Jason. I love his name–it just sounds like it pops and belongs in Hollwood…Jack Jason! *Jazz hands* He was totally cool as well. They met some 20-something years ago when he first began interpreting for her in New York, and they have worked together ever since. I have to say, he has a pretty sweet job since he gets to travel the world with her for business trips. I think I would totally be willing to take on an interpreting job like that. So if anyone is planning to become famous/well-noted and will need an awesome interpreter to travel around with…remember my name!
–Annie 
What does “crab theory” mean?
I have never in my life understood why people (deaf or not) get angry at people who have more than they do. I can understand anger at oppression, but not just having more per se.
Also, there are lots of black actresses overlooked for Hallee Berry, middle aged actresses overlooked for Meryl Streep, etc. That is definitely the way that industry goes. More casting choices are made for superficial reasons (like height or hair color even!) or politics, or the ever-popular marketting, than for talent. But you knew that. As a hearing person, it seems to me that it’s a good thing, a foot in the door as it were, that she has been able to work at all. I would love to hear an (polite) opposing, or consciousness-raising response. Also, why were/are people mad that she spoke at the Academy Awards?
Crab theory is a phenomenon that tends to impact minority groups, but is most often discussed in the Deaf community. It means when members of a group criticize the successes of other people. Negative comments, jealousy, etc. The name comes from the metaphor of crabs in a pot or bowl, trying to escape, but as one crab tries to crawl out all of the other crabs pull it down. There is a good explanation on this forum link:
http://www.netcashcows.com/forum/self-improvement-professional-development/learn-crab-theory-5879.html
Anyways, of course you are correct about Hollywood–that’s the way the business goes. But on the other hand, you can probably name 5 middle-aged white actresses or five black actresses easily. Can you name 5 well known or famous Deaf actresses or actors? I certainly can’t. I mean–I can name five actresses that are Deaf that I know of. But being a hearing person involved in the Deaf community that comes easier than just an average joe hearing person who isn’t involved in the Deaf community. That being said, even the actresses I know names of may be well noted in the Deaf community but not yet in the general “hearing” performance world such as Marlee Matlin. I never said it was a bad thing that she has her foot in the door. I applaud her for being successful–I just mentioned something that is well known in the Deaf community.
As for why some people were upset when she spoke at the Academy Awards, I don’t think I am the appropriate person to discuss the details. I encourage you to watch the documentary Through Deaf Eyes. Both views about this issue are shortly discussed in that movie. Is it a big deal now? No, not really…since it happened, what? 20 years ago? Again, I just mentioned it as that topic is something that she is known for in the cultural big-D Deaf community.
Annie,
Thank you for remembering me in your blog. I feel quite honored.
It was quite a pleasure to chat with you while we were waiting in line to see Ms. Matlin. I hope to see you again soon.
Until then, remember to “be the change you wish to see in the world” (Gandhi). Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Katherine Murch
Miss Deaf Texas 2007-2009