Uncoding the Ethics
The purpose of taking the video, Uncoding the Ethics as performed by Freda Norman (1992)
into consideration is to highlight the relationship that the deaf community has with ASL interpreters.
Many deaf people depend on the use of interpreters in the workplace, in court, as well as many other
settings. A deaf person's experience includes giving up control of the communication in any given
interpreted situation. In fact, the interpreter has full control over what both parties (a deaf person and
a non-signing hearing person) have to say to each other. This can cause some deaf people to feel
uncomfortable and have some fearful feelings when using an interpreter. However, ASL interpreters,
in general, are professional and highly ethical when working with the deaf community. While the
killing of a deaf client (caused by an interpreter) as depicted in Uncoding the Ethics may be an
extreme case, Ms. Norman does recognize that a few interpreters may be unethical and be
responsible for bad things due to the fallibility of human nature. Uncoding the Ethics is put together in
a masterful way and reminds deaf people that an interpreter may fail with his or her performance.
Deaf people as consumers of the interpreting services will need to be watchful for any misconduct, for
example. While Ms. Norman started off by exclaiming that the story is true, only at the end does the
viewer realize the narrative ‘killing scene’ is unlikely to be true. However, at the same time, the
viewer's feeling is stirred with fear based on not having full control over communication with
interpreters.
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The Power of ASL
14
Winter 2019 – Issue 16