Sign language has become a politically charged issue in the deaf community: a means to create a cohesive social group. For the same reason that cochlear implants are viewed as controversial, speaking is occasionally viewed as selling out. Matlin's move did not deter her, however. With moral support from Whoopie Goldberg, Matlin maintained her identity as a proud member of the deaf community while still being willing to express herself in whatever way she pleased. Matlin is married to a police officer and has four children. She still works as an actor and views herself not as a deaf person who happens to be an actor but the reverse: as an actor who happens to be deaf (Putz 2005). Her level of comfort with the mainstream hearing society is far from threatening to the cohesiveness of the deaf community. Matlin can also be a role model for any aspiring actor needing encouragement from those who actively pursue their dreams without fear.

Matlin would not seem to be a controversial figure but she has been. Reading about Matlin reminded me of how politically charged deafness and deaf culture have become. Speech and cochlear implants can be viewed as bridges between deaf individuals and the world around them, as a means to solidify membership in the deaf community, or both. Matlin shows that deafness is not a hindrance to success; only doubt can prevent the fulfillment of a dream. What...

The deaf community is no more monolithic than the Jewish community or the Latino community. Each person must decide for himself or herself whether or not to embrace speech.
Most likely, Matlin was using her voice to express herself fully. Her decision was a courageous and admirable one, because deaf children and also adults sometimes feel ashamed to use their speaking voice. The voice can be a more shocking reminder of the barriers between deaf and hearing communities. When Matlin was a child her brother humorously referred to her voice as being a foreign accent (Putz 2005). Vocal expression does not need to be perceived as a negative for deaf people. Those who choose to use their voice are not subverting the deaf community. In some ways, those who elect to speak are enhancing the diversity of the deaf community. Being proud of a minority voice is one of the strongest affirmations a deaf person can make. Matlin shows that deaf individuals can remain deeply involved with their communities: actively encouraging deaf children to pursue their dreams and preserving the integrity of the deaf community by encouraging multiple means of solidarity.

Putz, K. (2005). Marlee Matlin What my parents understood. Hands and Voices. Retrieved Mar 9, 2009 at http://www.handsandvoices.org/articles/fam_perspectives/mmV81.htm