Explaining Accessibility: Best Response Tweets to Elon Musk on X

Inclusive ASL
on February 11, 2024
at 11:46 pm

Elon Musk recently responded to an accessible media video featuring Disney’s Karey Burke discussing the significance of LGBTQIA and minority characters being included in their narratives. The video clip showcased a picture-in-picture sign language interpreter alongside captions. Musk questioned, “What’s the point of sign language in a video if you have subtitles? Am I missing something?”

In this article, Inclusive Communication Services (ICS) is highlighting response tweets answering Elon Musk’s question.

The original tweet/X Elon Musk was responding to with his question. This tweet/X is from Ashley St. Clair posted Feb 6 with the text “ Throwback to when Disney’s Karey Burke said, “as the mother of one transgender child and one pansexual child,” she wants “many, many, many LGBTQIA characters in our stories”and wants 50% of characters to be LGBTQIA and minorities.” Below the text is a screenshot of a video with a dark blue background. In the upper righthand corner are the words “ Walt Disney, Reimagine Tomorrow.” The snapshot features a large window of the video’s main speaker, Karey Burke with a smaller window to the right side of an ASL interpreter. Below the windows are captions. The video was originally posted by Christopher F. Rufo. Under the post by Ashely St. Clair, Elon Musk’s question is pictured, “What’s the point of sign language in a video if you have subtitles? Am I missing something?”

Deafness exists on a spectrum.

No two Deaf individuals are identical in their accommodation preferences. A person who is hard-of-hearing and primarily speaks English may prefer subtitles over sign language. An individual who was born Deaf and primarily uses American Sign Language (ASL) may prefer sign language translation over subtitles. Deafness exists on a spectrum. Making sure everyone can receive and understand information means including multiple accessibility assets.

A tweet/X by @LBMenefee. The tweet itself reads: "I'm Deaf. There are no two Deaf individuals alike. Some prefer CC and others prefer ASL interpreters. Some are visually impaired. Some ASL interpreters are not clear or make mistakes. The same goes for CC. Oftentimes the CC is incorrect or misspells something. We always need both as back-up to each other." — A tweet/X by @LBMenefee. The tweet itself reads: “I’m Deaf. There are no two Deaf individuals alike. Some prefer CC and others prefer ASL interpreters. Some are visually impaired. Some ASL interpreters are not clear or make mistakes. The same goes for CC. Oftentimes the CC is incorrect or misspells something. We always need both as back-up to each other.”

English and American Sign Language (ASL) aren’t the same languages.

ASL is NOT visual English. American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that has unique linguistic properties of spoken languages, including distinct grammar and colloquialisms, despite being expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing.

A tweet/X by @Hear_No_Evil. The tweet reads: “Modality vs Language. Many assume that sign language is just another modality for spoken/written language. It isn’t. It’s another language.”

Sign language conveys the nuances of communication.

While subtitles are an excellent communication tool, they don’t provide the same experience as sign language interpretation. Imagine watching your favorite comedian on mute, only relying on the subtitles. The experience lacks context in which important information is communicated, including, tone, intonation, and emotion.

A tweet/X by @dannygong. The tweet explains the importance of a Sign Language Interpreter, even when subtitles are available on a video. The post articulates this idea by comparing it to understanding the meaning behind music without hearing it, appreciating films or TV without watching them, and communicating through a phone call versus reading texts. The emphasis is placed on the 'experience' being different and the notion that while subtitles are useful, they cannot replace the nuances conveyed by tone of voice. Danny argues that Sign Language Interpretation can visually and in 3D communication style provide this tone of voice, thus enhancing comprehension. — A tweet/X by @dannygong. The tweet explains the importance of a Sign Language Interpreter, even when subtitles are available on a video. The post articulates this idea by comparing it to understanding the meaning behind music without hearing it, appreciating films or TV without watching them, and communicating through a phone call versus reading texts. The emphasis is placed on the ‘experience’ being different and the notion that while subtitles are useful, they cannot replace the nuances conveyed by tone of voice. Danny argues that Sign Language Interpretation can visually and in 3D communication style provide this tone of voice, thus enhancing comprehension.

Misconceptions about accessibility are still common in 2024.

Despite the eagerness of the Deaf community to educate, many response tweets continued to dismiss and devalue accessibility efforts. Some claimed that Disney’s inclusion of accessibility assets was merely a form of virtue signaling. For those without disabilities, understanding the importance of accessibility accommodations can be challenging.

On a more positive note, some tweets expressed gratitude to the Deaf community for providing clarifications. One tweet reflected, “First reacted unknowingly laughing but removed my comment after reading insightful explanations. Learned something today.”

A tweet/X by @WizDragonXbox. The tweet reads: Thumbs up! Improved accessibility is welcome! I hope for the option to add subtitles, sign language whenever needed. WIth technology constantly getting better and better, accessibility should be easier.”

Helping shape the future of accessible media.

Are you interested in enhancing the accessibility of your video content now that you understand their fundamental importance? Inclusive Communication Services (ICS) is here to assist you! Discover our comprehensive suite of Accessible Media Services (AMS), including:

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Explaining Accessibility: Best Response Tweets to Elon Musk on X

Deafness exists on a spectrum.

English and American Sign Language (ASL) aren’t the same languages.

Sign language conveys the nuances of communication.

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