Finally, ASL in Jericho!

There's an e-mail being forwarded all over the internet, Shoshannah Stern is asking everybody to spread the news about her character, Bonnie on 'Jericho' finally being given the opportunity to have a scene only in sign language without voice over or simcom (simultaneous communication). As some of you may remember, I did a vlog on the TV show regarding her deaf character. I mentioned that strong clichés were written in for the deaf character. Shoshannah is fluent in ASL (American Sign Language). She was born and raised in a deaf family. As it turned out, Shoshannah has been encouraging the producers and the writers to add a more realistic version of the character rather than the version we've been given since the beginning of the season. Here's the circulated e-mail from Shoshannah.

Hello, dear family and friends!

This Wednesday, November 29, is a very special episode of Jericho for me. As some of you might know, I am a regular on this show, which airs on CBS at 8 pm Pacific time. There are so many people on the show, however, that there is so much ground to cover. I've been trying for a scene ONLY in sign language (no voice over or simcom) from the beginning. The writers and producers have been amazing and even let me try my hand in writing part of the scene! It will be aired THIS Wednesday. I don't know how much of the scene will actually make it because of time constraints, but I would LOVE if you guys would watch and help me spread the word! This is a big step for everybody within the deaf community and of course for my character, Bonnie. Please, please watch... or at least TIVO it! Feel free to forward this to whoever you think may be interested!

Love,
Shoshannah

I'm holding some high hopes on seeing a better portrayal of a deaf character fluent in ASL this Wednesday on the TV series, 'Jericho'. I hope that I won't be disappointed and that it will spread awareness among the filmmakers and producers in Hollywood. It's time for a change and the time is now.

Remember to watch 'Jericho' this coming Wednesday at 8p.m. ET/PT.