Recently, social media has been flooded with videos mocking the Deaf and disabled communities, causing widespread outrage. Two such incidents highlight the insensitivity and ignorance prevalent among some public figures. The first involves an influencer, Rohan Cariappa, who mocked a Sign Language interpreter, while the second involves retired cricketers, including Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh, who mocked people with disabilities (PwDs).
Incident 1: Influencer Mocks Sign Language
Rohan Cariappa, an influencer with around 130,000 followers on Instagram, usually known for his political satire and mimicry, recently crossed a line. In a video that has since gone viral, Cariappa is seen standing next to a politician, mimicking a Sign Language interpreter with obscene hand gestures. The video, labeled ‘Deaf Interpreter,’ has sparked a significant backlash from the Deaf community and their allies.
Impact on the Deaf Community
Such mockery can have severe implications:
- Loss of Confidence: Deaf individuals might feel targeted and lose confidence in using Sign Language publicly.
- Cultural Disrespect: Just as disrespecting any spoken language can cause outrage, mocking Sign Language is equally offensive and unacceptable.
- Misunderstanding and Misinformation: The incorrect portrayal of Deaf interpreters can lead to further misunderstandings about the role and importance of accurate interpretation.
Public Reaction
The video received mixed reactions:
- Positive Feedback: Some praised the video for its humor, showing a lack of awareness and sensitivity.
- Calls for Deletion: Others urged Cariappa to delete the video and respect the Deaf community, citing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act.
Incident 2: Cricketers Mock PwDs
The second incident occurred during the World Championship of Legends, a Twenty20 cricket tournament featuring retired international cricketers. After India won the final against Pakistan, a video posted by Harbhajan Singh went viral. It showed Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, and Gurkeerat Mann mimicking a limp, which many interpreted as mocking people with disabilities.
Reaction from the Disability Community
The video drew sharp criticism from various quarters:
- Public Outrage: PwDs and their advocates were furious, deeming the video disrespectful and hurtful.
- Immediate Apology: Harbhajan Singh, upon realizing the backlash, deleted the video and issued an apology, explaining that their actions were misunderstood and meant to express soreness from playing cricket.
Consequences and Demands
The incident led to formal complaints and demands for accountability:
- Formal Complaint: Arman Ali, executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), filed a complaint against the cricketers and Sandhya Devanathan, vice president of Meta India, for allowing the video to be posted.
- Call for Strict Punishment: Ali emphasized that mere apologies were insufficient, demanding strict actions to set a precedent and prevent future mockery.
Both incidents reflect a broader issue of insensitivity towards the Deaf and disabled communities. It highlights the need for greater awareness and respect for all forms of communication and individuals’ experiences. Public figures must recognize their influence and avoid actions that perpetuate disrespect and discrimination. The backlash and formal complaints are steps towards holding them accountable and fostering a more inclusive and respectful society.