TV Documentary on Deaf Life in America

Gallaudet University reports that “Through Deaf Eyes,” a two-hour PBS documentary exploring nearly 200 years of Deaf life in America, airs on March 21, 2007 at 9pm ET (check your local listings). “he film presents the story of Deaf life in America – a story of conflicts, prejudice and affirmation that reaches the heart of what it means to be human.”
The film was inspired by the exhibition, “History Through Deaf Eyes,” curated by Jack R. Gannon of Gallaudet University. I’ve had the honor of meeting Mr. Gannon in person when he spoke at the Department of Transportation during Deaf Awareness Week in 1993. Stockard Channing narrates the program, which includes interviews with Dr. I. King Jordan, Marlee Matlin, Bernard Bragg, historians, and deaf Americans.
Based on what I’ve read about the documentary, it takes an honest look into the things that separate people who are deaf. Those “who are part of the cultural-linguistic group who use American Sign Language and often define themselves as ‘Deaf’ – with a capital, and cultural, ‘D’ – and deaf people who, for a variety of reasons, do not identify with the Deaf cultural community.”
Personally, I respect each person’s choice. Just wish people wouldn’t hold it against a person for making such a choice.