I came up with an idea for a walk around and wanted to get some feedback on whether it seems derogatory towards the deaf or not because I do not want to make light of anyones disability.

What I thought is that I would go on and on about how I've been learning sign language and finally ask if they want to see what I've learned so far. Then when they say yes I pull out some flashcards which show assorted signs (for sale, help wanted, stop, speed limit, beware of dog, etc.).

I was thinking I could use this at fund raiser events and nursing homes. The cards would be easy to carry in my pocket.

Thoughts?

I think it's great. It's not derogatory, it is a play on words. Just a clown getting it wrong again.

What Coco said. Go for it, I don't see anything anti-P.C. in there and it sounds chuckle-worthy.
I mean, it would be slightly uncouth to do it in a room full of deaf people, but I don't sense that's what you're doing so have a ball.

Yeah that sounds pretty good. Just be sure to stick to real signs. See if you can make at least one side of a dialouge with them too. That would be really funny and provide sample opprotunity for more puns.

hehe... if you ever do a show with two clowns you could get the other clown to use signs in a forigin language, and then have communicaton failure despite the fact that it is obvious what the signs are saying.

I think deaf people would find it funny; it's not demeaning or anything. I would take the approach that you're trying to learn sign language but it isn't going very well, no one understands you, you tried to practice on the street and all the cars stopped, etc.;)

I'm too wiped out to make any witty comment but I did want to say that I also think it is a good idea. I may just have to ...... "remember" the idea sometime down the line.

Go to bed, Fitzwilly ... you've had a busy weekend ... Clown Forum will be here tomorrow.

Good idea Nettie. I clock out at 1:00a and then it is right home and to bed.

Good idea Nettie. I clock out at 1:00a and then it is right home and to bed.

For the next two days........

BTW, Blossom, It is a great idea for a walk around that could almost be stretched into a group skit. Do it!

Yup ... I think it is a good idea too. Sorry ... I forgot to mention that earlier.

Great Idea and good follow up posts, this could be made into a a great skit.

Oh my... I can just imagine some of the clowns in our ministry running with this!! I'm definintely gonna have to share if you don't mind. Sounds like a great idea!!

Thank you for all the feedback everyone. I'll definitely use it now. I'd love to hear how some of you decide to use it in skits if you do. Thanks again!

that sounds really cute, i'm loving this forum

Hi Blossom;

I've worked as a volunteer clown , with people of all ages including developementally disabled,blind and deaf, etc. I've found that people with disabilities prefer to be treated in more of a mainstream manner. All of your movements should be exaggerated.For example: ( I assume you have stickers) You see a person looking at you, Jump up and down and point to them, when you have their attention , start waving wildly and approach them, then point to you name tag afew times then point to them and they should tell you their name and start shaking hands in a extreme manner, then point to your stickers and point to them and then shake your head yes or no and they will respond. After you've mimed it for a while you'll become more comfortable with it and see that it is really effective and add it to your reportoire with all people.
Then a slapstick skit with another clown ( as simple as one clown pretending to kick the other and then the other clown chases you around the room, etc. Then some comedy magic tricks. This is my perspective only, we all have a different style and must only do what we feel comfortable with.

MrDukintux