Paul McCartney’s New Video Featuring Johnny Depp, Natalie Portman And Sign Language
Paul Harrison has been Tweeting about this new music video directed by Paul McCartney, because it features Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman using Sign Language.
Famous as they both are, they can also both hear. Paul’s question is:
https://twitter.com/#!/paulbharrison/status/191841246262726656
This has created a lot of discussion on both Twitter and Youtube. My personal view is that it is a very good idea for hearing people to learn, and speak, Sign Language if and when they wish to. I can hear and I wish I’d been taught it myself.
However, of course this should not take away any opportunities for Deaf actors and performers who are just as talented as anyone else. In videos like these, it would be great if Deaf actors could be signing along with the song. Unfortunately though, very few of them have the fame of Johnny Depp yet.
Another point to consider is that hearing celebrities may be trying to show that they understand the needs of Deaf fans by learning Sign Language, and that they would like to include this group in their music or performances. Lady GaGa revealed that she was learning American Sign Language last year so that she could communicate with Deaf fans, and this really impressed me and made me like her as a person as well as a musician.
So, readers, what do you think?
Same Difference 