Latest Posts by brxxkenwings - Page 4

He seems very ‘Sun’-impressed with Jack’s attempt to hang out with him. And yes, Jack is wearing two hats.

(I’m sorry, the sketch concept has been haunting me for a while)

Yeah...this is gonna be fun for Sun and Earth to deal with. 😅

i loved this ep so much you have no idea , also took a shot at drawing moon and that cool turtle neck sweater (I heart turtle neck moon)

“IM NOT NO BITCHH-“ - Moon 2024

Write more Deaf characters!

[Large Text: Write more Deaf characters!]

When answering questions about deaf and hard of hearing characters, I have noticed they are overwhelmingly about:

A character who is deaf in one ear or hard of hearing because of an accident

A character who was born deaf and knows sign language, but seems to have 0 connection to the broader Deaf community

This is not the experience of most d/Deaf people! So, here's your primer to Deaf community and culture, and writing a Deaf character, because they are sorely underrepresented.

(Disclaimer: this post was written using viewpoints I, a singular Deaf person in the United States, have encountered. I tried to make this as general as possible to encompass many Deaf views, but it is possible that I have misconstrued something. Do not take this guide as the be-all and end-all of your knowledge on Deaf culture. Keep reading and researching the Deaf community, and explore viewpoints from many different Deaf people of all backgrounds.)

Why do you write Deaf with capital D?

[Large Text: Why do you write Deaf with capital D?]

The term "deaf" with the lowercase d means not being able to hear. The term "Deaf" with an uppercase D refers to the cultural identity formed by deaf people. This identity is difficult to explain but it includes knowing sign language and engaging with other Deaf people.

There are varying opinions within the Deaf community on who is allowed to call themselves culturally Deaf. Some Deaf believe that only those who were born into the Deaf community (whose family is Deaf, who attended a Deaf school, and/or who have sign language as a first language) are allowed to consider themselves culturally Deaf. On the 'flip' side, some Deaf believe that anyone with hearing loss can claim the label. And of course, you can find someone Deaf with any opinion in between.

This is all intracommunity nuance. If your character is born deaf and learns sign language at a young age or as a first language, they are likely culturally Deaf.

Sign Language Use

[Large Text: Sign Language Use]

Sign languages are the language of Deaf communities. (Note that there are many sign languages in different regions, and they are not related in the same way spoken languages are!)

Most sign languages did not originate alongside spoken language, either, so they usually have different grammar than the spoken language in a region. This means that someone whose first language is sign may have difficulty learning even the written version of the spoken language due to the different grammar and translation. For native signers, the spoken language of their area is their second language.

Sign languages are fully developed languages, with grammar and structure. Sign language is not "less" than spoken language, and encouraging sign language does not discourage speech. (Even if it did, that's not a bad thing! Sign languages are still a valid and rich communication form!) Sign languages have slang and expressions/idioms too.

Sign languages typically have a "manual alphabet" otherwise known as "fingerspelling". This is a way to represent words that don't have a sign. Fluent signers very rarely fingerspell; normally fingerspelling is for proper nouns which don't have a name sign.

Name signs are the last big point I want to cover about sign language. A name sign is a way to refer to someone so you don't have to spell their name every time. It's usually related to someone's attributes, like dimples or a specific way of moving. Sign names can only be given by Deaf people who are fluent in sign language.

Deaf Education

[Large Text: Deaf Education]

For a long time, deaf people were considered unable to learn, just because they couldn't hear. And since 1880, for about 100 years and even still today, the prevailing tradition in deaf education was/is oralism--a teaching method based on speech that rejects sign language.

Historically speaking, if deaf children were to receive an education, they would be sent to a Deaf residential school. These still exist, although there are also many Deaf schools that are typical day schools, just for d/Deaf/hoh students.

Deaf children may also attend "mainstream" schools; they might have sign language interpreters and other accessibility accommodations, or they may be forced to rely on lipreading and context, or placed in special education where their needs often still are not met.

Oralism still has lasting effects today. Deaf people have received, and still do receive, worse education than hearing people.

One common problem is language deprivation. Many deaf children grow up without access to sign language. About 90% of deaf people are born to hearing parents; even if hearing parents do send their deaf kids to a Deaf school, they may not learn sign language themselves, so the child must rely on what they can gather of spoken language at home. Sign language is even discouraged by some audiologists and speech professionals, because it "might interfere with speech". But by depriving deaf children of sign language, more often than not, they are being deprived of all language.

People who are born deaf do not learn spoken language naturally, even when provided with aids like hearing aids and cochlear implants. Many deaf kids who learn speech learn it through extensive speech therapy, and often have a "deaf accent" from copying mouth shapes but not being able to hear or process what sounds they are making, which may also include having an atypically pitched voice (e.g., very high-pitched). Lip-reading is inaccurate and the best lip-readers can only follow about 30% of a conversation, and that's by intently watching with no breaks.

It is possible to learn a language at any age. But it is easiest to pick up a new language when one is young. Children who do not learn a first language by around age 5--the age at which they would start school--have more difficulty learning any language, and may have frequent outbursts or trouble expressing emotions as a result of communication difficulties.

Another problem, especially within the Deaf community, is literacy. Spoken languages are often unrelated to the signed language of the same region. Learning to read and write, as a Deaf child, is like learning a whole new separate language, with different grammar and structure than their native language. This is why captions are not a perfect accessibility tool--it is, for many Deaf people, being offered an alternative in their second language, if they have learned to read and write at all.

Deaf Culture Norms

[Large Text: Deaf Culture Norms]

To hearing people, Deaf conversation can seem very blunt and to the point. This isn't to say Deaf people are inexpressive--quite the opposite: sign languages often use facial expressions as part of the grammar, and there is a lot of expression that can be incorporated into a sign--but there isn't a lot of "talking around" things. You can see part of this culture in name signs, which are usually based off a trait of the person. It's not offensive--it's just how they're recognized!

Another conception is of Deaf people being over expressive, but again, that is just part of sign language grammar. Face and body movements take the place of tone of voice, as well as other grammatical clarifications.

Deaf people talk a lot! It's very hard to end a conversation, because there will always be something else to say or a new person to meet. Hugging and other physical touch are really common greetings.

Tapping people on the shoulder to get their attention is fine. Other ways include flicking the lights or rattling a surface (for vibrations). Eye contact while signing is also important to make known that you are listening. Groups of Deaf people will sit in a circle so everyone can see everyone else. It's rude to talk in a Deaf space. If you are lost in the conversation, you'd ask if you can write or type instead.

Deaf Space also refers to design concepts that are more accessible to deaf people. This includes good lighting, minimal signing-height visual obstacles (e.g., low waist-height shelves), visual indicators instead of bells, open spaces so people can sit in a circle to talk, and automatic doors and wide hallways/passages so it is easier to continue a conversation while walking.

It's also very rude to comment on a Deaf person's voice. Do not mention you're surprised they can speak. Do not call their accent "cute" or "weird" or anything like that. Do not ask them to speak. Do not say their voice sounds really good ("for a deaf person") or that you wouldn't be able to tell they are deaf.

Deaf Views on Deafness

[Large Text: Deaf Views on Deafness]

The Deaf community is incredibly proud of their Deafness. You'll often hear the phrases "hearing loss = deaf gain" or "failing a hearing test" as "passing the deaf test". Continuing the Deaf community and culture is highly valued, and learning sign language is encouraged for everyone.

Many people in the Deaf community dislike cochlear implants as their success is incredibly variable and they require invasive surgery and therapies from a young age. Another big argument against CI is that they are often presented as the only or the first option to hearing parents, who misunderstand CI as a "cure" and then do not give their child access to sign language.

Deaf people also reject any sort of cure for deafness, especially genetic therapies. Many Deaf people do not think of their Deafness as a disability.

(Deaf people will often point out the advantages of Deaf culture and sign language, such as being able to talk over long distances, through windows, and even underwater.)

Most hard of hearing and some deaf people have hearing aids, although it is really an individual choice whether or not to wear them. Many d/Deaf/hoh people are overwhelmed and startled very easily by noise (since they're not used to that much auditory input) and get tinnitus from auditory overstimulation. They may also struggle with auditory processing--locating sounds, interpreting sounds, recognizing and interpreting speech, and other issues.

The Deaf community doesn't have any general complaints about hearing aids, just many prefer not to wear them. Do know that they are an imperfect aid; they just amplify sound, which doesn't improve processing or understanding, and it doesn't make people hearing. Not everyone even benefits from hearing aids--their specific hearing levels may make hearing aids a bad choice of aid.

A big point you'll hear in Deaf spaces is Deaf Can (and Deaf Power). Hearing people have historically treated deafness as a sign of incapability, but Deaf people can do everything hearing people can--except hear.

Myth Busting

[Large Text: Myth Busting]

Myth #1: All Deaf people are completely deaf. This is very far from the truth! Most deaf people have some degree of residual hearing, although this may require very loud sounds and/or at very specific pitches. Plus, there are many culturally Deaf people who are not deaf/hoh at all--CODAs, hearing children born to Deaf parents, are part of the Deaf community.

Myth #2: (Non-speaking) Deaf people do not make noise. Also very far from the truth! First off, Deaf people laugh. Many Deaf people also vocalize without knowing or intending, especially when excited. We can get very loud!

Myth #3: (Speaking) Deaf people talk loudly. While this can be true, often d/Deaf people talk more quietly than expected. This is because with severe to profound levels of deafness, no speaking volume is really going to be audible, so they will often rely on feeling vibrations in their throat to know if they're making noise. Vibrations are detectable at lower volumes than hearing people like to listen to.

Myth #4: Deaf people can't drive. I actually have no idea where this one came from but it's false. Deaf people can absolutely drive, and tend to have a lower rate of accidents and violations than hearing drivers. There is a common trend of treating d/Deaf people like they can't do things unrelated to hearing, but deafness on its own only affects hearing.

Deaf Struggles in the Hearing World

[Large Text: Deaf Struggles in the Hearing World]

A huge problem is just basic accessibility. Many places do not have captions or visual indicators, or rely on hearing (like drive-throughs). Movie open caption screenings are often at awkward times, and caption glasses are hard to find or access and awkward to wear.

Deaf people are also at increased risk of police violence. Police often treat signing as aggression, rather than attempts to communicate. When they yell, talk quickly, or shine a flashlight in Deaf people's faces, it's even harder to understand what is going on. Deaf people are also not often provided with a qualified interpreter and may not understand what is going on or why they were arrested.

Deaf people, specifically those who are mainly kept in the hearing world, have higher rates of drug use and addiction.

Hearing people also treat Deaf people as incapable or lesser. Gallaudet University had only hearing presidents until 1988 after the Deaf President Now protests; then-chair of the board at GU said in a statement that received heavy backlash from the students, "deaf people cannot function in the hearing world".

When writing your Deaf character:

[Large Text: When writing your Deaf Character:]

Were they born to hearing parents or to Deaf parents? (90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents.) Is anyone else in the family d/Deaf?

At what age was their deafness noticed? (It can be at birth, or it can take several years, even for children born deaf.) Is their hearing loss progressive? Is their hearing loss significantly different in each ear?

Were they eligible for cochlear implants? Did they get CI? Did they get hearing aids? (Consider cost as a factor: CI requires the surgery as well as intensive speech therapy; hearing aids are also expensive and can need replacement and refitting.) How well do the aids work for them? Do they have them in one or both ears?

What advice did their family receive from audiologists and speech therapists about sign language and communication, and did their family listen? Did they learn sign language? At what age? Did their parents and family learn sign language? Are they language-deprived? Did they go through speech therapy? What is their speech like? Do they like using their voice?

Did or do they attend Deaf school? Is it residential or day school? If it's residential, did they understand what was happening when they were dropped off? Does the school use sign language or rely on oralism? (Consider time period; most schools now use sign language, but from 1880-about 1980 the predominant method was oralism.)

If they don't attend a Deaf school, what accommodations are they receiving in mainstream setting? Are they in special education? Are they in a Deaf program at a mainstream school? Do they have an interpreter? How much do they understand what is going on in class?

How involved are they in Deaf community and culture? Are their friends and family involved and supportive of the Deaf community? Do they treat deafness like something to cure? Do their friends and family frequently ignore or "forget" that they are deaf?

In general, consider their scenario, what ableism they've faced, and what their Deaf identity is.

Happy writing, and please continue to send in your questions!

Mod Rock

AWWWWW!!

how i imagine Moon's first grilled cheese experience went-

fascinated by the pull, see how far it can streeeeetch

Introduce characters

Here are some ways to introduce characters in a story

The Action Introduction, Show the character in the midst of an exciting or significant action. This immediately captures the reader's attention and gives them an impression of the character's personality. For example, "With a swift swing of her sword, Maya cleaved through the enemy ranks, her determined gaze never wavering."

The Dialogue Introduction, Introduce the character through a captivating conversation or monologue that reveals their thoughts, beliefs, or conflicts. This allows readers to get a glimpse into the character's personality and motivations. For example, "As the rain poured down, James leaned against the lamppost and muttered, 'Life's just a series of missed opportunities, isn't it?'"

The Physical Description Introduction, Describe the character's appearance in a vivid and memorable way. Focus on unique features or attributes that make them stand out. For example, "Her emerald-green eyes shimmered like pools of liquid wisdom, and her silver-streaked hair cascaded down her back like a flowing river."

The Entrance Introduction, Have the character make a grand entrance that immediately grabs attention. This could involve a dramatic arrival or an unexpected appearance that disrupts the scene. For example, "The doors swung open, and in walked a tall figure cloaked in darkness, their presence filling the room with an air of mystery and intrigue."

The Symbolic Introduction, Use symbolic elements or objects to introduce the character. This can be a powerful way to convey their personality or role in the story. For example, "As the sun set behind the mountains, a solitary figure emerged from the shadows, their footsteps leaving behind a trail of delicate rose petals."

The Flashback Introduction, Begin with a flashback or memory that provides insight into the character's past and sets the stage for their introduction in the present. This can create intrigue and a sense of anticipation. For example, "Sarah closed her eyes and let her mind drift back to that fateful day in her childhood, the day that shaped her into the strong, resilient woman she had become."

The Contrast Introduction, Introduce the character by highlighting a sharp contrast between their external appearance or behavior and their inner thoughts or emotions. This can create intrigue and pique the reader's curiosity. For example, "Despite his rugged exterior and tattooed arms, Jake possessed a gentle touch and a heart that yearned for love and acceptance."

Dialogue Thing #11

"What are you-"

"Shh. I'm listening to the music of your heart."

"...And?"

"It says you're GAY!"

"..."

"..."

"...Get out of my room."

Happy pride month yall

“You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become a villain”

Okay, I got another idea!

In preparation for seeing Inside Out 2 tomorrow (NO SPOILERS PLEASE EVEN IF IT'S BAD), I watched the first movie and came up with ideas as to what the SAMS cast would be if they were emotions.

For starters, I think Sun would definitely be disgust because he is the sass master. Master of Sass. Sassy Sun (Okay, I'll stop now.) Either that or fear for... obvious reasons.

I would say Moon would be anger, but that would be a disservice to his efforts to change. I'll say Nexus is though, since...yeah.

I think Lunar would be joy, but only because he's usually upbeat, even when he's not okay.

And Earth would be sadness because she helps people work through hard feelings. Though, it's not hard to picture her as Joy.

Okay, thanks for listening to my nonsensical rant. If the Time Police asks, I was never here.

OH-

OH DAMN

OH MY GOD

HE’S WEARING THE GAY TURTLE NECK AND KINDA IT’S HOT /hj

This man better get with Solar-

(Reed and Davis, I’m so sorry)

Psychological support methods for Sun:

Dazzle and Jack: I can be your listening therapist

Foxy and Puppet: I brought an apology and an anime to watch together

Eclipse: Get off your ass, we're going to resurrect your dead buddy.

No, I am mad at you and your starry eyes and new name will not make this any more endearing -

But hey! New villain duo. Can't wait to see what problems these two are gonna cause together...

It's Early (Where I Am) But Hear Me Out...

If the Sun and Moon Show cast had code names, they would be as follows (or at least, my head cannons):

Sun: Cat Daddy

Moon: Aroace in Space

Earth: Captain Planet

Lunar: Overpowered Jumping Bean

Solar: Sad Mechanic

Jack: Jack be Lethal

Eclipse: The Better Afton

I'm not sure about Eclipse's name. I might go edit it later.

That is all.

Well, it's official. My hunch was correct:

The Daycare Attendant is the absolute FAVORITE!!

With DJ Music Man in 2nd and Glamrock Freddy in 3rd. Sorry I didn't include the caution bots or Ruin characters, there weren't enough slots.

However, I could do a poll for Ruin in the future.

Anyway, thank you guys for participating!!

I know this has probably already been done, but I have a hunch, so...

Which One Is Your Favorite?

Okay. Today's News. *Taps stack of papers on desk so hard I crumple them*

I loved the little glimpse into the past on The Sun and Moon Show today, and they were both very innocent in their own respects.

"Time to open up a hole in space!"

Moon... I wanted to say, "Don't do impulsive things because you can," but that would make me a hypocrite.

Anyhow, in other news, someone better come and check on Sun right now because the weak stitching holding his sanity together is about to pop. (I can see Puppet's on their way...)

Okay, bye. *Runs out of the news station before I get arrested for trespassing*

I know this has probably already been done, but I have a hunch, so...

Which One Is Your Favorite?

WE'VE HIT THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

I AM SAD

AND SO IS SUN

Oh lawd they comin

(With Monty being drop dead gorgeous)

In Today's News:

Is it just me, or is Sun becoming more of a parent to Dazzle and Jack?

I'd say Lunar is, too, but he's more like a depressed older brother.

Anyway, that is all. Just wanted to touch on this sweet little part of an overall dark story arc.

GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY, I WAS RIGHT!!

Oh, no... I was right!!

*Breaks Down Door* I Have A Prediction...

It's about the Sun and Moon Show which I'm definitely not obsessed with.

Based on what I've seen about the show, huge secrets that drastically affect the story either come out right before the thing happens, or while the thing is happening, or after it happens.

So, as far as what Moon's planning to do with the equal exchange thing, I thought of three possibilities:

1. Someone finds out and confronts him, and he and that family member have a huge falling out.

2. Someone finds out during the thing, and in their effort to stop Moon, something goes terribly wrong.

3. Moon brings Solar back and Moon makes an excuse for it. However, he is wracked with guilt over his actions, or Solar realizes what he did and confronts him about it, and then everyone finds out.

I think today's episode is most indicative of the first option, since Eclipse has the evidence of Moon's... current situation, and Earth is worried about him.

Anyway, that is all. I understand that this post is way too long, and I apologize. I really like these shows.

WE INTERRUPT THE FLOW OF TIME FOR THIS BULLETIN:

Dazzle and Jack are the best friend duo.

I love them so much.

And Sun is so sweet to Dazzle, which is great, because of...things.

That is All. Gotta go before the Time Police find me.

*Breaks Down Door* I Have A Prediction...

It's about the Sun and Moon Show which I'm definitely not obsessed with.

Based on what I've seen about the show, huge secrets that drastically affect the story either come out right before the thing happens, or while the thing is happening, or after it happens.

So, as far as what Moon's planning to do with the equal exchange thing, I thought of three possibilities:

1. Someone finds out and confronts him, and he and that family member have a huge falling out.

2. Someone finds out during the thing, and in their effort to stop Moon, something goes terribly wrong.

3. Moon brings Solar back and Moon makes an excuse for it. However, he is wracked with guilt over his actions, or Solar realizes what he did and confronts him about it, and then everyone finds out.

I think today's episode is most indicative of the first option, since Eclipse has the evidence of Moon's... current situation, and Earth is worried about him.

Anyway, that is all. I understand that this post is way too long, and I apologize. I really like these shows.

Dialogue Thing #10

"Don't worry, guys, I have an ace up my sleeve!!"

"...Well?"

"It's me."

"..."

"I am the ace up my sleeve."

"..."

"..." : D

"We're screwed."

DANG IT, MOON!!

Look, we all love you, but if you continue to lie like this, the truth will eventually come out in a VERY bad way...

At LEAST be honest with Sun...

(I am way too invested in this show. Am I gonna stop watching? Absolutely not.)

*Laughs Nervously* Oh, dear...

Sun...? Earth...? Lunar...? You should probably check on your brother.... He's...not okay...

(Seriously, though, someone needs to talk to him aside from Monty; I'm worried he'll do something he'll regret...)

Based on Today's episode of the Lunar and Earth Show

*Sun and Lunar took Dazzle to the store again*

Lunar: Uh, where'd Dazzle go?

Sun: What the- crap. How do we keep losing them, they're -

Exasperated Employee over Loudspeaker: Would the parent of a...large deer child please report to checkout? Thank you.

Sun: ...

Lunar: ...

Lunar: Well, it's official.

Sun: Lunar-

Lunar: They said it, not me.

New Headcannon:

On a day when Sun can't clean anything to make himself feel better, Earth casually mentions the game A Little to the Left.

Two days pass. Sun is finally found hiding in the gift shop, playing the game. It takes two people to pull him away from it, and he finally lets go when Moon shouts,

"YOUR CATS MISS YOU!!"

(Please note that this is a joke and not my actual interpretation of this character. But I do think Sun would love the game ❤️)

BREAKING NEWS:

I am very worried for Moon's state of mind and Lunar's immediate safety.

(I have become too invested in these shows...maybe.)

Dialogue Thing #9

"WHAT'S THAT, DEPRESSION!? I CAN'T HEAR YOU, MY MUSIC'S TOO LOUD!!"

"Dude, it is three in the morning..."

"I CAN'T HEAR YOU, EITHER!!"

I don't know if this will make any sense, but:

Do you know that trope where a recently adopted introvert is dragged into their extroverted friend's house or room, and it's like,

"Oh. So this is how they live."

And bonus if their family shows up and embarrasses them, or the introvert sees something that reveals something about their friend that they didn't expect-

Okay, I'll shut up now.