Cultural Norms and Values

.docx

School

Southern New Hampshire University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

404

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by AdmiralShark4033 on coursehero.com

A Quiet Place Jalisha Jones Southern New Hampshire University ATH 111: Intro into Cultural Anthropology Cultural Norms and Values in Film

Represented Culture It was crucial for John Krasinski, the producer and Lee Abbott the father in the film, to honor deaf culture and those in the deaf community, and he turned to Millicent (Reagan Abbott) as a valuable resource in gaining a deeper understanding of life without sound. To effectively communicate with the cast and crew, they all learned American Sign Language (ASL). As a result, a significant portion of the dialogue in the film was conducted in ASL. Throughout the filming process, Krasinski regularly checked in with Millicent to ensure that the portrayal of deafness was as accurate and authentic as possible. The film's camera and audio work were influenced by Millicent's life. When the camera is focused on her character, you will notice a distinct change in sound. Instead of completely disappearing, the sound becomes very muffled. This decision was based on a conversation between Krasinski and Millicent's mother. While Millicent is deaf, she does not live in complete silence. This subtle change in sound helps to emphasize that deafness is not just about the absence of sound but about adapting to and experiencing the world in a different way. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the needs of those with disabilities and celebrating their unique perspectives. Krasinski's decision to use muffled sound further reinforces this message, as it emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting Millicent's disability. Perhaps the most beautiful part of the inclusivity of American Sign Language and deaf culture in the film is the way that it is portrayed as a strength. Living with a disability is not easy and of course, comes with challenges, but this does not mean that there is no value, strength, and beauty to be found within a disability. Ever since the fall, people with disabilities of any kind have had to fight to be included and valued as an asset rather than seen as a disadvantage. But, in

the lives of the Abbott family, the fact that their daughter is deaf becomes their greatest advantage in this apocalyptic world. Their prior experience with sign language gave them the ability to communicate in a world where life depends on silence. Millie's deafness plays a huge role in the family's survival. What most of the world may consider a weakness, is the greatest strength that this family has, other than their love for each other. The Abbotts had already learned sign language when their daughter was born, so they were already familiar with the language and how to use it effectively. This prior knowledge becomes invaluable in a world filled with silence and chaos. Without the ability to hear, the Abbotts have developed a heightened sense of sight and touch, which enables them to navigate the post- apocalyptic world with ease. They can notice subtle movements and sounds that others might miss, giving them an advantage in situations of danger. This heightened sensitivity allows them to anticipate potential threats and act accordingly, saving their lives on multiple occasions. Furthermore, their ability to communicate through sign language allows them to connect with others who share the same disability. As they encounter other deaf survivors, they immediately form a bond, knowing that they share a common language and experience. This sense of community and connection further strengthens their survival, as they can share resources, information, and support with each other. In addition to their survival skills, Millie's deafness also contributes to the family's emotional well-being. It provides them with a sense of purpose and unity, as they navigate the challenges of this new world together. The Abbotts view their daughter's deafness as a blessing, rather than a hindrance, and they take pride in her ability to overcome obstacles and thrive in the face of adversity. The film portrays the beauty of inclusivity by showcasing the strength of American Sign Language and deaf culture. It reminds us that disabilities should not be seen as weaknesses, but rather as unique qualities that can

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version