Storytelling In American Culture

Storytelling has been a tradition within American society since the United States of America was formed. Some of the most animated stories are told with a combination of emphatic gestures and compelling comments that their audience can see and hear. Although Deaf people are unable to physically hear stories, it does not mean they cannot understand them and have their own way of enjoying stories. Many Deaf people have the ability to enlighten and tell their audience stories using American Sign Language (ASL) along with the use of technology. Some of these individuals are deemed smooth signers and at an early age, excel in reenacting their personal experiences, songs, or even fictional material. It is thanks to these forms of storytelling that the face-to-face tradition remains among Deaf community and Deaf culture.

However, it is surprising to learn that Deaf storytellers continue entertain other Deaf individuals, as well as those who can hear. An example provided by the book is that a storyteller began to tell stories reflecting how Deaf people overcome obstacles, while hearing people were seen as ignorant and runner-ups (p. 45). Hearing people took this as offensive and would make rude remarks to the storyteller, yet the storyteller would not modify the stories just to satisfy their audience. These stories reflected the storytellers culture. This was surprising due to the fact that hearing people are biased. If the storyteller was telling stories that appealed to the hearing people and disregarded Deaf people, they would most likely not make remarks about the story being