The book review “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 more important to me. I had heard about Deaf culture, but I didn't really know 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 Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The most interesting topic in “Anything But Silent” is found 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 believes that everyone who is biologically suitable for the implant should have one and wants to have one. The absence of the sense of hearing is purely a deficit and should be corrected, says Jim. “The idea that I can survive, let alone thrive, in a world without his him is just too foreign” (Drolsbaugh 105). Jim goes so far as to deny that Deaf culture exists. I find Jim's opinion extremely offensive and hurtful. Everyone is “lacking” something. This doesn’t mean we need to be FIXED. It's healthy to be comfortable with who you are. Mark says: “Deaf culture is who I am. It stings a little when he rejects it” (105). I admire the way Mark handled this meeting. Although he is "disappointed to learn that Jim still feels the need to go out and 'fix' him," Mark continually asserts that everyone is entitled to their opinions (105). I wouldn't have reacted so calmly. The least interesting thing about this book was the repetitive reference to martial arts and their greatness. I'm not interested in sports at all. I have no idea why people get so worked up 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 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 face, like ordering cold cuts. I had never considered this problem before. I better understand the diversity of views on cochlear implants. I discovered the harmful effects of the audist ideal. These effects include discouragement and avoidance of signing, isolation, and low self-esteem. It's okay to help people, but it's not okay to imply that they're broken. It's not okay to be condescending. Just because someone hears doesn’t make them better or smarter. Being hearing does not make a person qualified to judge what a deaf person is missing in their life. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay I understand the importance of deaf culture now. It is a social framework that gives people a sense of belonging and a way to.