Analysis of the book "Anything But Silent" by Mark Drolsbaugh offers readers a delightful and entertaining look at Deaf culture. The only deaf person I know personally is my ASL teacher. I also met deaf and hard of hearing people in passing. I took ASL to fulfill a course requirement. I struggle with foreign languages ​​and thought the muscle memory involved in ASL might be stronger for me. I had heard about deaf culture, but I was largely unaware of it. This book fueled my curiosity with perspectives on a variety of issues through the lens of Deaf culture. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The most interesting topic in “Anything But Silent” is in the chapter “The Impossible Ideal.” Mark Drolsbaugh writes about an interaction he had with a family member he calls Jim. Jim had read Mark's article on the pros and cons of cochlear implants. Jim is of the opinion that anyone who is biologically suited to the implant should have one and would like to have one. The absence of the sense of hearing is purely a deficit and should be corrected, Jim argues. “The concept that I can survive, let alone thrive, in a world without sound is simply too foreign to him” (Drolsbaugh 105). Jim goes so far as to deny that deaf culture exists. I find Jim's opinion extremely offensive and hurtful. Everyone is "missing" something. That doesn't mean we need to be FIXED. It's healthy to feel comfortable with who you are. Mark says, “Deaf culture is who I am. It kind of stings when he rejects it” (105). I admire the way Mark handled this meeting. Despite being “disappointed to learn that Jim still feels the need to go out and 'fix it,'” Mark continually states that everyone is entitled to their own opinions (105). I wouldn't have reacted so calmly. The least interesting thing in this book was the repetitive reference to martial arts and how great they are. I'm not interested in sports at all. It's completely foreign to me why people care so much about them. I understand that Mark likes martial arts. It builds his confidence, keeps him healthy and he's good at it. I didn't read this book to learn about sports and I found these sections boring. Personal opinion This book taught me several things. I learned how much effort it takes to read lips. Hearing people should meet deaf people halfway when trying to communicate. I learned about common problems deaf people run into, such as ordering deli meats. I had never considered this issue before. I better understand the variety of opinions on cochlear implants. I learned about the harmful effects of the audit ideal. These effects include discouragement and signature avoidance, isolation, and low self-esteem. It's good to help people, but it's not good to imply that they're broken. It's not okay to be condescending. Just because someone feels doesn't mean they are better or smarter. Being hearing does not make you qualified to judge what a deaf person misses in their life. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay I understand the importance of deaf culture Now. It is a social environment that gives people a sense of belonging and a way to communicate with each other. Everyone has or wants a group like this, to which they can belong. It is not meant to be an “us versus them” mentality, but rather a group within the larger group.