Media personality and global advocate for Deaf Rights and Inclusion, Uyanda Mbuli has recently slammed actress and content creator, Farieda Metsileng better known as Pharoahfi for using sign language as a joke tactic.
Pharoahfi who hosts the People Need Comedy (PNC) podcast alongside Mpho Popps, Tsitsi Chiumnya plays a role of a sign language news interpreter in a their comedic news report segment where she purposefully signs incorrectly. This prompted Uyanda to address the matter on her Instagram page, where she declared that sign language cannot be used for content and gimmicks.
“For the undying love of God, we cannot continue to allow the SASL [SA Sign Language] deaf community to endure humiliation so others can chase flimsy relevance. Enough is enough. We will not allow a historically marginalised community to become anyone’s punchline.
“Let’s be clear: Farieda — the deaf community is not your gimmick. We are not here to validate your precarious comedy career. We are not your content. We are not your joke. South African Sign Language is a legally recognised language. It carries dignity, history and identity,” she penned.
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Instagram users also weighed in on the matter.
One user said: “I’m a hard hearing person and I’m a cochlear implant girl, Learning sign language. People must know sign language is a legitimate language, nothing to joke about.”
Another one said: “Thank you for supporting our deaf community, she should know what sign language is, and not take sign language as a joke and make fun of deaf people.”
The uBettina Wethu former actress, took to her Instagram page to share a snippet of PNC skit.
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Instagram users quickly filled the comment section of the post, where they raised their concerns about her use of sign language.
One user said: “I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding a recent joke you made about sign language. Sign language is not a joke. It is a vital means of communication and a rich part of Deaf culture. Making fun of it is not only disrespectful, but also deeply hurtful to the Deaf community and to those of us who live with and support loved ones who rely on sign language every day. Joking about someone’s language or culture contributes to stigma and ignorance.
“As a society, we must learn to respect one another’s differences and promote inclusivity, not mock it. I strongly believe an apology is owed to the Deaf community, and I hope this can be a learning opportunity for all of us to be more aware and sensitive in our words and actions. Thank you for the time to read this . I trust that you will do the right thing moving forward.”
Another one said: “The video could’ve done without the mockery of sign language.”
While another one said: “This isn’t it. My parents are deaf, and this is just disrespectful. Find new content—mocking a community isn’t funny.”
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