The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events in American sports, attracting millions of viewers from around the world. Every year, the game is preceded by a performance of the National Anthem, and in recent years, the anthem has been performed in American Sign Language (ASL) as well as sung.
What is ASL?
ASL is a visual language used by the deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States and Canada. It is a complete language with its own grammar and vocabulary, and it is not simply a visual representation of English.
ASL is a highly expressive language that uses a combination of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. It is a rich and complex language that is capable of expressing the full range of human emotions and experiences.
The History of ASL at the Super Bowl
The first time ASL was used during the Super Bowl National Anthem was in 2007, when Marlee Matlin performed the anthem in both ASL and English. Matlin, who is deaf, is a well-known actress who has won an Academy Award for her role in the movie "Children of a Lesser God."
Since then, several other performers have followed in Matlin's footsteps, including Christine Sun Kim in 2016 and Alexandria Wailes in 2020.
The Importance of ASL at the Super Bowl
The use of ASL during the Super Bowl National Anthem is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows deaf and hard of hearing viewers to fully participate in the event. Without ASL, these viewers would not be able to fully appreciate the performance of the National Anthem.
Secondly, the use of ASL raises awareness of the deaf and hard of hearing community and their language. Many people are unaware of the existence and complexity of ASL, and the use of ASL during a high-profile event like the Super Bowl helps to bring attention to this important issue.
The Challenges of ASL at the Super Bowl
Performing the National Anthem in ASL at the Super Bowl presents several unique challenges. First and foremost, the performer must be able to convey the same level of emotion and intensity as the singer. This requires a great deal of skill and practice, as well as a deep understanding of the nuances of ASL.
In addition, the performer must also be able to deal with the distractions and pressures of performing in front of millions of viewers. This can be a daunting task, even for experienced performers.
The Future of ASL at the Super Bowl
As awareness of the deaf and hard of hearing community and their language continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more and more performances of the National Anthem in ASL at the Super Bowl and other high-profile events. This is a positive development that will help to promote inclusion and diversity in our society.
Overall, the use of ASL at the Super Bowl National Anthem is a powerful symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It allows us to celebrate our shared values and experiences, and it helps to ensure that everyone can fully participate in this important event.