What is this on my television (computer) screen?

[krickets]

I have to say that ABC family really blows me away sometimes. This week's (and last week's) Switched at Birth had some great topical moments.

Last week, Daphne's distracted during Melody's class:

Melody: "Do you realize how badly you screwed up? I'm not talking about dating your boss. Your mom can yell at you about that. I don't care. I'm talking about as a Deaf person. Do you know how hard it is to get an opportunity like you had in that kitchen?"
Daphne: "Of course I do. I had thirty interviews before Kathryn got me that job."
Melody: "But you threw it away? I know, I know - you were in love. But you cannot afford to make bad decisions. Make every opportunity count because they will not come along as often as they do for other people."
Daphne: "Okay. Thanks. Point taken."
Melody: "I'm serious. Enough with this guy! Wake up! It's time to take charge of your life again. One more thing. These people (she points to bulletin boards with information about Helen Keller and Andrew Foster) kicked down doors to give us the rights we take for granted. Do not disrespect them by blowing off my class. You got it?"

This week, a storyline about Daphne returning to her old neighborhood and realizing how much her luck has changed since the Kennishes have come into her life; On privilege:

John: "Sweetie, none of those people went home hungry tonight. That is what you wanted to do, and you did it."
Daphne: "What did either of us do to deserve all of this?"
John: "Well I... I worked hard for this."
Daphne: "No, you were just lucky. Talented and smart and determined, but also? Just lucky. To be born in this country, to have parents that were educated, and not have to worry about anything but what you wanted to be when you grow up."
John: "That's true."
Daphne: "It's all just luck. Whether you're Deaf or hearing, tall or short, if you can shoot hoops or create art... so much of what defines us is just dumb luck. And don't say it's what you do with the dumb luck that counts."
John: "But it is."
Daphne: "Well, I want to do more with my dumb luck and I don't know how."
John: "You really are your mother's daughter."

A story about Bay who has enrolled in a Deaf school as a part of a pilot program for hearing students with Deaf parents or siblings and not understanding why some of the students are giving her a hard time:

Bay: "Look, I don't know what your deal is. If this is something about Emmett or...?"
Natalie: (signing) "Everywhere I go I have to accommodate you. Except one place. Here. My school. And now everything is going to get rebuilt around you?"
Bay: "I'm sorry. I don't want that."
Natalie: (signing) "They can put us in the same school but you will never belong here."

I also loved the advice that Kathryn gave to Toby about Nikki. Which is not entirely quote-worthy but smart none-the-less.

Comments

[daybreak777.livejournal.com]

I need to add The Emmett show to my list! So much TV to watch!

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Yes you do! But you've only missed 2 eps! So that's something!

[daybreak777.livejournal.com]

Four hours, actually. But who's counting anymore I'm all caught up!

Do you understand the signs on the show? Oh, and be careful with your hands, KC!

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Yes some of them I understand very well because they're simple and used all the time in sign and just on the show in general. But most of them? I don't have a clue! I have also noticed that they don't always show you a good shot of the signer. Sometimes the other person is blocking the full sign or whatever, but I really feel like the show is so respectful to the Deaf community and issues that they deal with and represents it very well.

[theladyscribe]

ABC Family just has quality shows, period. And every time I watch Switched At Birth, I want desperately to go back to Egypt to work with the Deaf Unit again.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

They really do. I believe this more and more. And BUNHEADS? God, kill me with perfect.

I am taking my 2nd ASL class this semester. I started last summer and I feel like this show definitely inspired me to bite the bullet after years of wanting to learn. (But also a couple of Deaf students that come into the library that I know.)

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Ugh:

“If they communicate by standing on their heads, we will stand on our heads.”

LOVE THAT. What a great place.

[theladyscribe]

Yeah, and I got the privilege of working there for a semester. I was an office aide, so I got to help draft a grant proposal/request for money to help them translate the New Testament into ESL. It was one of my favorite/best experiences not just in the program but through college.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

It sounds amazing.

[ozmissage.livejournal.com]

You are making me want to watch Switched at Birth! I keep catching the end of it while I'm waiting for Bunheads to start and it reminds me of a WB show (and I loved WB shows).

[crickets.livejournal.com]

It surprised me really. I think it was one of those things I caught up with on netflix one day just because I was bored? I didn't expect it to like it as much as I do.

[lenina20.livejournal.com]

I am so downloading the first season as we speak, really! ABC Family is currently airing my favorite show in history, so -

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Awesome. There have only been 2 episodes of S2. But I think S1 was pretty long because of ABC Family's split seasons. Tell me what you think!