Deaf Applause
[ASL Version]
[English Version]
I wake up this morning to find this post on DeafRead by Jack Barr, discussing the origins of the Deaf applause… where you wave your hands in the air instead of clapping.
At first, I was laughing at what Jack was saying, because I recognized his story as a slightly different version of a famous Deaf culture joke – the story of two deaf persons showing up at a lecture castigating American Sign Language, and they sign finish! finish! at the speaker, and the audience misunderstands it as Deaf applause.
Then I realized that there’s a possibility that he was actually being serious, and truly held AG Bell’s supporters responsible for the creation of the Deaf applause. That’s when I started to laugh harder.
You have to got be kidding me! Oralists responsible for the spread of the handwave? Why would they do that? The entire point of Oralism is to assimiliate the d/Deaf into the hearing world. They don’t want any Deaf person to stand out, because they think being Deaf is something to be ashamed of. And needless to say, waving your hands instead of clapping your hands makes you stand out!
Furthermore, for those who know Deaf history, like I do… the Deaf President Now protest is widely hailed as where the Deaf applause originated. I did some research to verify what I thought, and sure enough – I found this link on the Gallaudet University website.
To summarize, hearing people did not invent the Deaf handwave. It actually began in France, and emigrated here to the United States. A few years later, it exploded onto the scene during the Deaf President Now! protest in 1988.
So what are we going to blame AG Bell for next? The establishment of Gallaudet University? 
55 Comments
Comments are closed.
Mishkazena said,
February 22, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Yeah, when I saw Jack’s Eye, I knew immediately the information presented was erroneous.
As a participant of DPN, I was there when we first used the handwaving during the rallies and saw how it quickly spread around among the Deaf people like wildfire. Later I heard the history of the handwaving in France.
Thank you for setting the record straight, so we can continue to celebrate the Deaf invention of handwaving.
Karen Mayes said,
February 22, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Puzzled, I went to DVTV and viewed Jack Barr’s vlog and viewed the video comments, especially Amy’s.
And clicked on your link.
I learned something new today… about handwave. I always thought that deaf people got it from the baseball stadium, you know, people throwing up arms and standing up and sitting down, round the stadium? That is what I naively thought.
Thanks for this historical tidbit.
Misha said,
February 22, 2009 at 3:56 pm
*thumbs up*
That’s what I thought when I viewed Jack’s vlog that made me go “WTF?” moment when he’s serious that is originated at AGBell’s presentation. I knew that had nothing to do with that. So I snooped around and found the origin of hand wave back to France.
I couldn’t fathom to why would some being mind bend on AGBell to find something wrong and start to make the noises.
At DVTV, kraut’s and The Rougue’s comments aren’t make any sense. Noise level?!? OH PLEASE!!!!!!! That is full of crap. That has nothing to do with noise level. *rolls her eyes* They need to do some serious researches before making the vlogs/blogs to make sure they’re backed up.
Misha
Misha said,
February 22, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Karen,
At baseball games, that is wave that had nothing to do with deaf. The fans would start the wave to rally the players during the crucial game. You poor naive lady, LOL!
Misha
Amy Cohen Efron said,
February 22, 2009 at 4:13 pm
When someone brought my attention to watch Jack Barr’s vlog. I was stunned how he could use this ‘joke’ become a truth, and I knew it is a myth!
It is too incredulous to see some people are going too far to find something to make one organization look bad (half-truths, myths, urban legends, and such) and not realizing that they are giving this organization way too much attention.
All of the time spent on vlogs can be better used for something truthful, factual and persuasive to the general public.
Sad… just sad.
Glad you made a blog/vlog here!
Amy Cohen Efron
karen said,
February 22, 2009 at 4:37 pm
The Deaf may have invented the handwave sign but how come it was not used in America til 1980’s? I feel more natural with the clapping sign so I will continue using it.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 22, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Karen, if you read the link I provided, it explains why.
White Ghost said,
February 22, 2009 at 4:43 pm
HA-HA-HA!!!! I’m laughing out of the burst!
Jack Barr made a huge fabrication!
Bummy Beinstein (Spelling?) and Laurent Clerc are in the parallel story that brought into USA with all the famous deaf history. Of course, I was there to learn many stories. Amy Cohen Efron is right along.
There is a big *IF*. *IF* Laurent Clerc did not bring the deaf education into USA, Abraham Lincoln would not sign to form Gallaudet University. (The original name was: Columbia Institute for the Deaf and Dumb) There is a CIDD (the other one, the “D” that fell off) on the Tower Clock in the Gallaudet campus. Bummy Beinstein would not go to France to learn about the handwaves. Please tell me what you think? Your thoughts?
Jack is really inglorious! I’ve never watched his vlog at all. Boo-Hoo…..
When the hearing audience clap, I’ll have to pay a respect to them, then, I’ll clap.
When the deaf audience handwave, I’ll have to pay a respect to them, I’ll handwave. Psst, of course, a huge pride.
Karen Mayes said,
February 22, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Yup, Misha, that is how much I know about the deaf history–not much. I always learn something new, even in my age of over 40 years old ;o)
Karen Mayes said,
February 22, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Like, White Ghost, in deaf audience, I handwave. In hearing audience, I clap.
karen said,
February 22, 2009 at 5:08 pm
deaf pundit, you let white ghost post personal negative remarks about jack barr at your blogsite.
Long live Clapping.
Misha said,
February 22, 2009 at 5:13 pm
What negative, karen? I fail to see any.
You should need to do some serious research on the origination of hands waving. Jack needs to lay off the pipe and stop blaming/targeting others. He obviously hasn’t research anything to back up his story. Obviously his story about AGBell is a real hoax. Everyone should know better than that. Hmm?
WAD said,
February 22, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Yikes! Deaf Pundit is correct. Jack’s story is a hoax.
Everyone needs to be very careful sharing information including me. We are accountable for our actions and decisions. If I shared false information, then I would make an effort to correct it and apologize for my error.
Look what happened to Apple’s stock when a false rumor was spreading like wildfire about Steve Job having a severe heart attack. SEC launched an serious investigation immediately. Funny? Not!
Don G. said,
February 22, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Let’s go easy on Jack. I agree the story is not correct and probably comes from the old joke (which I’d forgotten about until Jeannette reminded us here).
Jack may have thought the joke was a true story or it may have been told to him as true. I don’t know.
At the worst, it’s harmless since I don’t think we are going to give up handwaves for clapping any time soon.
karen said,
February 22, 2009 at 6:46 pm
in response to Misha’s “what negative ” comment, white horse could have said nicer words about Jack. also I notice you “elites” posted your comments here rather than at Jacks site… why? … I did not say I believe Jacks story… I questioned it too but the real issue was the sign itself, Clapping or Handwave. As you can see Jack defiantly supported clapping, so thats why I went along with him. As far as signs, I can see a gap between younger and older generations.
Amy Cohen Efron said,
February 22, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Karen,
Define “elites”…. what do you mean by that and what are you implying at?
I don’t mind Jack’s opinion about clapping. It is fine with me. His vlog’s point is to blame AG Bell for causing the hand wave, because of their oppressive approach to two deaf participants. That story is false, and it is Jack’s responsibility to make sure to back up his opinion with facts.
Deaf Pundit is within her rights to create her vlog/blog on her own blogsite, and there are several comments on Jack’s site, and several video comments under Jack’s vlog at DVTV.
So, back to the question, Karen – what do you mean by elites?
Amy Cohen Efron
karen said,
February 22, 2009 at 8:37 pm
yes most of us are aware of the false story but what got me fired up was the clapping part and nothing else in his vlog mattered to me. I am sure others felt the same way.
Now your “elites” question, I need not respond. you are playing naive… smile
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 22, 2009 at 8:39 pm
karen,
So you’re okay with Jack spreading false information?
Amy Cohen Efron said,
February 22, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Karen, if you need not response to the elite question, then …
refrain from calling us elites. Name calling gets you nowhere… labels divide us more and more.
We are interested in truth… Jack’s vlog made it sound very serious that he is telling the truth, which is really a myth. Thankfully, many of us didn’t believe it.
White Ghost said,
February 22, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Karen –
I am not here to discuss Jack’s personal issue. I am not interested in his personal life. To be honest with you, I am getting annoyed with Jack for doing what? Blame, blame, blame on AG Bell.
I want to see Jack to show us the substantial evidence on Handwaving issue from AG Bell but he did not show it.
Galluadet has provided many wonderful deaf history. They have preserved all the deaf history in the storage at Gallaudet. Now this internet as well.
Karen, why would you think that we are elites? I don’t understand what you meant the word, “elites.”
Mishkazena said,
February 22, 2009 at 9:05 pm
karen, this is all about presenting the correct information. Period
karen said,
February 22, 2009 at 9:09 pm
no but it did not bother me either. I hope whoever watched the vlog, read the comments on your site. Once again I am sooo glad he brought it to our attention. Sometimes at deaf gatherings some deafies acted like should we wave or clap?
debann said,
February 22, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Thank you, Deaf Pundit for posting this to make it right.
Karen M.
What? Are you over 40? No way! You don’t look 40 at all! You have a baby face and look so much younger than your age! This year, I will be 44.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 22, 2009 at 9:21 pm
You’re not okay with it, but it didn’t bother you? Those two statements contradict each other.
I’m certainly not okay with what Jack did. There are a lot of deaf people out there who take him seriously. He is a role model for some, and Jack has a responsibility to give out the right information.
If *I* gave out the wrong information, I would bet a million dollars that it would bother others, including you, karen.
karen said,
February 22, 2009 at 9:22 pm
once again, I agree with you guys about the false info but I was more interested in the sign itself period.
I dont want to pursue it any more, so I want to thank you all for your interesting comments.
Mishkazena said,
February 22, 2009 at 9:38 pm
karen it is ok if some Deaf people want to clap, rather than the hand wave.
karen said,
February 22, 2009 at 9:53 pm
deaf pundit, yes u are right about the contradictory statements and Jack giving out false info. Knowing Jack, I dont think others took the story seriously either. Maybe he will improve himself next time. I was so focused on the clapping/handwave part, I blocked everything else he said.
PR said,
February 22, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Now, the joke about handwaving and AGBell…
For some deaf people, the joke itself is offensive since it mocks the intellect of Deaf people. It’s as bad as blonde jokes, sex jokes, or even hard of hearing jokes.
This joke is not funny to him and he wishes to change it. Please respect his point of view.
Thanks,
PR
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 22, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Well if that was his viewpoint, then why didn’t he say so in the vlog?
I don’t buy what you’re saying. Sorry.
White Ghost said,
February 22, 2009 at 11:51 pm
If it’s the contradictory statement that made by Jack, so, what’s the point of saying that I have the evidence and would provide it in the vlog. However, he has not made an announcement and telling us that he “found” the AG Bell and its history on the handwaving issue.
Make sense?
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 22, 2009 at 11:54 pm
No, the contradictory statement were made by karen, which she acknowledged and backed off from.
Thinking said,
February 22, 2009 at 11:56 pm
white ghost,
Can you clarify your mention of CIDD on the Tower Clock? (Columbia Institute for the Deaf and Dumb)
Is “CIDD” still there? The last letter “d” fell off? When? How?
Faerie said,
February 22, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Thank you for posting your info! I was also looking for information to refute Jack’s post, because that is just silly. You beat me to it, though!
I do agree that it is a bad joke though and should not be told.
White Ghost said,
February 23, 2009 at 12:09 am
DP–
I understand what your’e saying. I applied and amended what you were saying at 9:21 PM.
Realized that you were referring it to Karen’s.
Oh well…..I guess it’s all flip-flop…..*shakes head*
nanette Secor said,
February 23, 2009 at 1:04 am
I know that Jack really forget his asl conflict too late so already spread asl is technique can’t back
time. no sense.
keep up deaf flying.
Candy said,
February 23, 2009 at 1:13 am
Well, I thought this whole thing was funny. Sometimes people don’t bother to check facts. Once they hear something they are against, like for example AGBell then they lost all sense of truth. Didn’t we see that joke not too long ago? Was it about a year ago from JohnABC?
I don’t think clapping and hand-waving has anything to do generational thing right now, maybe back in the beginning it did. Many elderly people do it now, it is easier on their hands.
We should do what we feel like..clapping or waving, it don’t matter.
Let’s bury this deep resentment towards AGBell, see how it has not gotten us anywhere but this.
Karen Mayes said,
February 23, 2009 at 7:16 am
Deb Ann, ha, I will turn 44 in late May…
In real life, I look late 30’s or early 40’s… my giveaway of age is quickly increasing changing color of hair… from brown to salt/pepper now.
Thanks… you look young also… I would never guess you as a grandmom ;o)
deafmommy said,
February 23, 2009 at 8:55 am
Hi,
I think we are coming down too hard on Jack. It is all “hearsay” evidence, we really don’t know how hand clapping came into picture. Stories like that often circulate around in the deaf community. Remember the deaf hitchhiker and the coda police, is there any way we can prove it is a true story? I doubt it, It can be an urban legend or not. Once the story starts from hearsay, it is not fair for us to ask for evidence or proof as it is entirely impossible. In Jack’s vlog, there were two people telling different stories as to how hand clapping started so which one should I believe. And then you said that DPN started the handclapping and others said that Bummy is the one who re-introduced the hand clapping. Who should I believe, me ask you.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 23, 2009 at 9:29 am
deafmommy,
How would you react if a hearing person did what Jack did, but against NAD or other deaf organizations?
And I did not say that it started at DPN. I said I thought it originated during DPN, but I wanted to verify my facts first. Then I discovered it really began in France and Bummy was the one who brought it to the United States, and it took hold during DPN.
karen said,
February 23, 2009 at 10:43 am
I re-checked Jack’s blog site and only about 5 out of 30 messages mentioned the misinformed story and the rest expressed preference for clapping. So let’s abolish using the handwave.
Mishkazena said,
February 23, 2009 at 11:34 am
Deaf Mommy, I’ve always believe in the importance of verifying facts before I publish them in my blog. It’s a good policy for everybody, regardless of their audiological and cultural status. We should encourage accurate documentation from everybody in the Deaf Community. If reporting of wrong information is accepted we will lose credibility. As you can see, more than 50% of the viewers weren’t aware that he reported incorrectly.
karen, the issue is presenting facts accurately, not about people’s preference toward hand-clapping or hand-waving. If people want to do hand clapping, it is their prerogative. Others will continue to do the hand waving, if they desire.
David Ennis said,
February 23, 2009 at 12:14 pm
In fact, the origin of “waving hands” was not created from AGB or any audist-related organization. During the Deaf President Now protest in 1988, protesters began to use “waving hands” instead of clappings. The “waving hands” suddenly became famous by exposing it in many national and international media news. In France, Deaf people unexpectedly felt surprised, celebrated, and laughed when they watched the Deaf Protest Now news. French Deaf people felt proud because Gally protesters used “clapping” in French Sign Language !!! “Waving hands” was originally created by French Deaf people, not AGB.
karen said,
February 23, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Mishkazena, Jack’s message was just to encourage us to do the clapping instead from now on. What would u have said if he had NOT explained the origin of the handwave.
“the issue is presenting facts accurately, not about people’s preference toward hand-clapping or hand-waving…”
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 23, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I don’t speak for MZ, but for me personally if Jack just said I prefer clapping over handwaving, I would’ve just shrugged and ignored his post. I don’t care if people prefer clapping or handwaving.
Why should I or for that matter, anyone else, care about Jack or others’ preferences for clapping over handwaving?
White Ghost said,
February 23, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Karen,
If Jack thinks he proves the audience that tells us that there are more clapping than the handwaving. I want to emphasize that many deaf people have not learned about the deaf history. He think he wins over that…..
I wanted to point out is that Jack has not provided the scenarios about the AG Bell’s deaf history in his vlog. I want him to dig up the AG Bell’s history. He did not doing his homework.
If Jack prefers me to clap over the handwave in his vlog, I will ignore his plea. *Shrug* ‘Cause I want to preserve the deaf history.
Mishkazena said,
February 23, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Nothing. I don’t care if some people want to hand wave and if others prefer to hand clap.
smokey said,
February 23, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Didn’t I read somewhere that fingerspelling was invented in Spain by a hearing monk, I guess we have to stop fingerspelling because it was invented by a hearing man. I think we have to go around naked as clothes was designed by a hearing. We should stop driving cars as it was invented by a hearing person. What’s next, buy food from Deaf farmers only?
Karen Mayes said,
February 23, 2009 at 4:43 pm
karen…
“Elites” ?
I don’t think there are any elites. From what I see, we all are equal and have respect for others’ opinions.
You feel more comfortable with clapping. You know what, I feel comfortable with clapping also (I grew up clapping, so…) In the Deaf audience, I’d do the handwave, sure.
As long as I want to give anyone credit visibly.
White Ghost said,
February 23, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Thinking –
It was on the top of the Tower Clock. It has been ages. When it first adopted, it is still there, even today. The last “D” that fell off due to the wind and gets old.
IMO, Gallaudet needs to be refurbished in order to preserve and honor the very first name of the school since Abraham Lincoln signed to adopt the deaf school.
deafmommy said,
February 23, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Hi,
The story occurred at AGB convention, the AGB organization is not to be blamed, I think the story got twisted over the years like a “telephone game”. It could have happened at the convention somehow or maybe it didn’t but I found it very interesting that the story points at how it happened at the AGB convention. How did you determine that it is not a true story? How do you know? It may have been true. Someone definitely needs to investigate into this. It could have been something small and it got bigger as a snowball. I wouldn’t think anyone would completely invent a story like this. Do you think someone is lying about this story?
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 23, 2009 at 5:45 pm
deafmommy,
Deaf Roger created that story as a joke. He vlogged that joke a year ago or so.
So yes, people are lying if they say that the joke is the truth.
deafmommy said,
February 23, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Oh then I didn’t know about DeafRoger and his joke. I probably had missed that one and I’m sure a few others did. Do you have a link to his vlog, that will really help others know that it was just a joke, not a real thing.
Why wasn’t it brought up earlier when you vlogged about it. But thanks for letting me know about it.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 23, 2009 at 8:53 pm
http://deafroger.blogspot.com/2007/12/truth-about-deaf-applause.html
Jeff Greer said,
February 24, 2009 at 5:19 am
Hi there…
I really appreciate that you brought this issue to the discussion and take it seriously. I was not pleased when someone posts the invalid information. I simply want to encourage everyone to collect the facts before sharing. Just like, I mentioned in my recent video clip on http://www.navybeagle.blogspot.com about how vloggers and bloggers should do and they are responsibility to share with the Deaf community accurately.
If someone realizes that, s/he did not do the postings properly and eventually, tells that video was just simply a joke. Then, my thoughts would not be same and lose the respect. The invalid information to share is unacceptable.
All I need to do is to hope for not seeing the similar mistake from now on.
Thanks for you time to post your concerns and thoughts in perspective.
-Jeff
Stanelle said,
February 25, 2009 at 3:11 pm
All this discussion has added to my education!! I will have to tell the class of hearing students in interpreting that I will be speaking to next month about this talk on how “the Deaf Wave” originated!! better still, I will send those students here,..along with my hearing son and his friends at KSU,..and let them read what is said. Nothing wrong with that!!