Sound and Fury Review

The documentary Sound and Fury was about an extended family and their decision on whether or not to allow their children to receive cochlear implants. The film followed Peter and his wife Nita, both of whom were born deaf, and their three deaf children. It also follows Peter's brother's family consisting of Peter's brother, Chris, Chris's wife Mari, and their twins, one of which was born deaf. The call on whether or not a cochlear implant would be the best for their children was not an easy one to make. In the end Peter and Nita decided to keep their children completely inside the deaf culture and to decline the implant. Chris and Mari on the other hand, decided to forgo the procedure and could not have been more pleased or grateful with their decision.

While I see Peter and Ninas' side of the issue, I agree with Chris and Maris' side. Peter and Nina, knowing nothing other than the deaf world, thought that if their children were to become hearing children, they would loose touch with their deaf self. They would stop signing and never look at deaf culture again. I see how this could be concerning as the deaf culture is a culture all in its own and should be respected but Chris and Mari were right in saying that by keeping their kids deaf, they would be withholding opportunities from them. By not allowing their daughter to receive the cochlear implant she wanted, I believe that they were restricting her in life. Like I said, I understand that Peter and Nina want their daughter to be a part of deaf culture but why not allow her to be apart of two cultures?

I think part of my opinion stems from my slight experience with deaf people. Although not completely deaf, my mom is deaf in one ear. She was not born deaf, but a complication during surgery caused the surgeon to have to close her right ear. While this is nothing like actually being deaf, my brothers and I experience acute experiences that a deaf person might. People will be talking to my mom on her right side and she won't hear a thing. Sometimes this comes off as rude or as if my mom is just stupid. My mom can't see this, but my brothers and I see it all the time. We also have to sit a certain way at restaurants so that my mom can be on the side of the table she will be able to hear on. Based off this and based off when my mom shares her frustrations of being only half deaf, I would love if my mom was able to receive a cochlear implant. That's why I would be all for cochlear implants for those who are completely deaf.