[NOTE - THIS VIDEO IS CLOSED CAPTION FOR THE SIGNING-IMPAIRED.] Some additional thoughts regarding Ryan's videos... I've captioned this video because I want my message to be absolutely clear to Ryan Moriarty and, based on my professional assessment of his signing "skills," I can tell that without the captioning, Ryan would not be able to understand anything that I am signing. What are my qualifications for making that assessment of Ryan's signing abilities? Well, I am a Deaf certified, full time ASL teacher with several years experience teaching university and high school students. My intent is not to be rude or mean to Ryan, but rather to attempt to help him (and others) to see that his videos are not "sensitive to the Deaf culture" nor is Ryan helping his viewers to "get their foot in the door" with ASL and with the Deaf. My comments, however, will be very direct and to the point. In short, I'll be blunt. The truth is likely this - Ryan probably thought it would be cool to make some YouTube videos. Many people want to be seen, so they make videos. So why not do something a little different? He was "self-teaching" himself signs a while back and so made some videos on that. I'm sure he never expected a couple of them to become popular. Of course, once videos get enough views, YouTube extends an invitation to become a "partner." This means you can make money on your videos. So now, Ryan's videos are fancier - using graphics, a backdrop, lights, etc. He is promoting himself, not just on YouTube, but also on facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, etc. It's all about the money isn't it Ryan? I've noticed you've recently deleted (or at least I can't find them now) your old, original signing videos. It would appear that your goal is now to present yourself as professionally as possible. You've even added links to online signing dictionaries, and removed links to your old videos, as if doing all that gives credibility to your material. You claim to be sensitive to Deaf culture. That you are minoring in Deaf Studies. Well, I've looked at the curriculum for the University of Montevallo. They do not offer a minor in "Deaf Studies" (or a major either). They do have an "Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" but that is not nearly the same thing as "Deaf Studies." That minor only offers one ASL class and one Deaf Culture class. The University of Montevallo does not even offer ASL classes other than that one class. So, I fail to see how taking one ASL class is going to give you the knowledge, experience, and "awareness" you need to be an "ambassador" between the Deaf and hearing worlds. Again, it all boils down to money. You saw dollar signs and you jumped at the chance. And now, thousands of people have learned signs WRONG because of you. That must make you quite proud. If it seems like I'm not happy with Ryan, then yes, you're right. I run into people like Ryan all the time - they take advantage of the Deaf - their culture, their language - for their own personal profit and/or ego. If you have read this far - I thank you for your time. I would ask that everyone take the time to go to Ryan's channel - "Sign Langauage 101," vote "thumbs down" on his videos, and leave a comment asking Ryan to stop profiting from the Deaf, to show some REAL so-called sensitivity and respect towards our culture and our language. Thanks again.

• published: 15 Oct 2013
• views: 276