Of course.....Sesame Street!
Maybe I'm feeling nostalgic today or maybe I'm recalling with amazement how a wonderful children's show, Sesame Street, gave me my first exposure to the deaf community through the arts.
I never thought anything of it. Linda the Librarian couldn't hear and she would communicate with other characters on the set through sign language and expressions.
The fact that it didn't phase me or confuse me makes me think how clever it was to integrate a deaf actor into a widely popular kids' show to normalize the deaf culture - I recall growing up comfortable and at ease when I encountered deaf acquaintances, coworkers, etc. later in life and maybe it's due to the fact that I was exposed second hand to a deaf person at an early age.
Click on the link below for a stroll down memory lane with Linda as she shops for a hat:
Sesame Street Video: Linda Shops for a Hat
There are so many resources available to enjoy the arts offered from the deaf community that you do not need to be deaf to enjoy:
National Theatre of the Deaf
Deaf West Theatre
New York Deaf Theatre
and so many more! If you are in these areas, consider taking in one of their shows - it's sure to not disappoint! It's so beneficial to support these organizations not only for the deaf actors, producers and participants, but also for the community at large to continue to appreciate the arts from a different perspective.
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