Week 6: Train Go Sorry

I am a hearing student (or deaf student) assigned the book Train Go Sorry in my Introduction to Humanities Class. Other readings assigned in this class include several essays from the book My California. In both books and film, we examined the cultures of California that form a microcosm of the U.S.; and the U.S. forms a microcosm of the world. In this essay, I will incorporate 4 required questions. "Train Go Sorry" in the deaf world translates to "missed the boat." More specifically in the story it refers to a missed connection or opportunity. The story revolves around an African-American student named, James Lee Taylor. Taylor’s roots are stemmed from poverty. Being a deaf student and attending a prominent school on low finances can alter one's future for better or worse. Taylor proves he can over come the odds and eventually graduates. One thing that specifically helps him progress through school is by living on campus. He grew up in the New York City projects. Due to bacterial meningitis which commonly triggers deafness, James had to endure obstacles from a very young age. James has a brother Joseph who is discussed prominently in the book. His brother has many individual issues as well as deafness. Joseph is quickly sent to Riker's Prison after countless encounters with law enforcement. While Joseph is in prison James becomes anxious to visit him and eventually does, only to find out that Joseph's court date coincides with James visitation. When James realizes this, he realizes he has missed the boat and a critical opportunity.

This book was written and narrated by, Leah Cohen. Cohen was raised at the Lexington School for the Deaf and her parents and grandfather were all deaf. Her Grandfather was a student and father was the superintendent of the school. Growing up around deaf parents and being raised among deaf students and people, Cohen felt like an outsider because she had no physical ailments. This is a rather unusual precedent I found intriguing. The shoes Cohen is constantly filling are those of the deaf community. Her effort to be one with the deaf culture eventually pays off and she becomes an interpreter, helping her feel more connected to the people she loves so much. Whenever Cohen's parents noticed her speaking a lot, they encourage her to use a different form of sending messages, sign language. Her parents had a significant influence on the outcome of her life. Cohen is also perplexed at the immense difficulty deaf individuals have in their efforts to speak. She analyses every aspect of the deaf community and tries to improve their lives anyway she can, truly inspirational.

The image that sticks out in my mind, probably due to its emotional attachment, is how the student's at Lexington are handled. During chapter 8 Cohen describes the classrooms as being places where students are unable to communicate effectively. Deaf schools need to state of the art facilities and constantly should be updating their programs. With technology significantly affecting communication, there are plenty of methods for deaf students to relay their messages. Even when her father was attending the school and while she grew up their, the facilities sound rather out of date. These classrooms need to be tailored to the students needs with adequate services. This chapter was interesting and significant because Cohen gives good insight into what it is like being in a world surrounded by and dictated by voices.

Five facts that people should aware of regarding the ASL or Deaf Culture. The ASL *American Sign Language" is not the form of communication for deaf individuals. Hearing loss can be genetically linked, which is why the majority of deaf individuals have a family history of the defect. A large portion of the deaf community does not view themselves as being at a disadvantage. They consider themselves to be another minority. Bacterial meningitis, which James had, can be tested for by a simple blood test. Doctors can determine which form and how severe a case it is. Years ago, the teletypewriter was implemented across deaf cultures to aid in communication.

Video Clips:

Deaf West Theatre: This clip was performed by the sign language theatre and the show they are performing is, "Big River." This video displays that deaf individuals can accomplish just as much as the speaking world. I enjoyed the diversity and enthusiasm of the theatre group, it made it entertaining to watch.

Marlee Matlin Dancing with the Stars: Dancing with the Stars star, Marlee Matlin is in an interview and using sign language along side an interpreter. I admire the deaf community’s resilience to not let the noise of the mainstream media damper their soft voices.

Indiana Visual Arts Day: The Indiana School for the Deaf offers numerous activities and alternatives for kids to express their hidden talents. Deaf students need a voice as well, and the school provides a platform for them to thrive from. More programs need to be modeled after the one in Indiana.

Waiting for the World to Change: "Waiting on the World to Change" was palpable and somewhat emotional song. ASL was used to sing along and their body language is incredible. The deaf community needs more attention to improve their communication methods and lives in general.

Deaf News: The deaf community truly has a world of their own. This newscast was presented in ASL. Everyone of the production team communicates using sign language and other symbols. I am glad to see the deaf community has taken the initiative to provide normal services that the speaking world enjoys.

This was a great assignment. It was very informative and the book was well written. The story flowed nicely and was an easy read, but pack with knowledge. I did not know we would be examining the deaf culture and it was very interesting. I have a new outlook on the deaf community and have an appreciation for the struggles they go through on a daily basis in order to send communicate effectively. The videos enhanced the experience and provided visual aids which allowed me to gain a better understanding of their communication methods.