Season 33, episode 17 of the long-running hit animated sitcom The Simpsons titled “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” is noteworthy for its use of American Sign Language (ASL) (although the characters have only 4 fingers), and for its casting of Deaf actor John Autry II to voice the Deaf character Monk. Autry became the 1st Deaf performer to voice a character on the show because of this role.
The ep. 17 additionally features a number of other Deaf performers, including comedian Kathy Buckley and three youngsters, Kaylee Arellano, Ian Mayorga, and Hazel Lopez from No Limits, a nonprofit organization committed to deaf children. This fact reinforces the effect of “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” as a turning point in US entertainment history for the Deaf community.
Care for Deaf People and Deaf Culture
“The Sound of Bleeding Gums” installment of The Simpsons shows that its creators are concerned with real-life issues on the show, specifically regarding people of diverse communities such as the Deaf. For example, to voice the Deaf character Monk, they casted Deaf actor John Autry II, who delivered an excellent performance. Another notable part is the script, which was thoughtfully written by Loni Steele Sosthand, whose sibling was born deaf. Also, details related to Deaf culture were carefully presented. At one point in the episode, Monk tells Lisa,“I’m not anybody’s cause,” reflecting how Deaf people actually feel. They never want pity or help in accomplishing things just because they can’t hear. They believe they’re capable of doing anything a hearing person can do. The Deaf are proud of who they are and being Deaf is a vital part of their identity.
The Use of ASL in the Episode
The creators additionally deserve credit for attempting to have characters with only four fingers communicate in American Sign Language. This process must have been challenging to animate, which could account for the fact that signing is only featured at the end of the episode. It’s a fairly brief sequence, but it’s also fun to see the characters perform the virtually impossible task of signing while lacking a fifth finger. To ensure the accuracy of the ASL used in the episode, the producers employed two ASL consultants, despite the limitation of The Simpsons characters having just four fingers on each hand.
Deaf People Have a Bright Future in Entertainment
With CODA winning Best Picture and other awards at the 2022 Oscars, and the airing of “The Sound of Bleeding Gums” on The Simpsons, the Deaf community undoubtedly has a bright future ahead in the entertainment industry, especially in the field of animation. The Deaf actor John Autry II provides a great source of inspiration for other aspiring Deaf and hard of hearing actors. His ability to land a starring role on The Simpsons despite being Deaf is inspiring to both the Deaf and hearing communities.
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