Today, we dive into a show that’s got everyone buzzing: Ginny & Georgia. This Netflix gem isn’t just your typical coming-of-age story; it’s also making strides in representation, particularly for the Deaf community.
What’s Ginny & Georgia About?
The show follows the lives of a 30-something single mom, Georgia, and her teenage daughter, Ginny, as they navigate the ups and downs of life in a new town. It’s packed with humor, drama, and relatable moments that resonate with viewers of all ages. But what sets this series apart is its commitment to diversity and representation.
Deaf Representation in Ginny & Georgia
One of the standout aspects of Ginny & Georgia is its inclusion of Deaf characters and the use of sign language. The show features a new character, played by Deaf actor Chris Kenopic, who brings authenticity to the role. Chris plays the father of Maxine Baker and Marcus Baker, Clint. He is also known for his role in “Willa”, a film released in 2019.
Sara Waisglass (Maxine), Felix Mallard (Marcus), and Jennifer Robertson (Ellen) all learned American Sign Language for the role.
This show also acknowledges the representation of CODAs, or Children of Deaf Adults. Kenopic’s co-stars (Sara Waisglass, Felix Mallard, and Jennifer Robertson) learned ASL from his son through videos. Before going on set, they would review those videos before filming a scene. In interviews about the show, his co-stars spoke on how ASL became embedded in their performance and became a strategy to remember lines from the script.
Deaf representation is lacking in this industry, making this significant for future representation. By casting a Deaf actor, the show provides a platform for authentic storytelling and highlights the importance of representation in media.
The Use of Sign Language
Sign language in Ginny & Georgia isn’t just an afterthought, it’s woven into the fabric of the show. The characters use American Sign Language (ASL) in various scenes, which adds depth to their interactions and showcases the beauty of this visual language. For viewers who may not be familiar with ASL, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn about a rich culture and communication style. The show does a commendable job of integrating sign language seamlessly, making it feel natural and essential to the storyline.
It is also interesting to note that the hearing signing characters on the show often sign more SEE (Signed Exact English) or PSE (Pigeon Signed English) than ASL. This is because typically when they are signing they are SIM-COMing. This linguistically reflects the communication modes of many Deaf/hearing families.
Authenticity and Acknowledgment
One of the things I appreciate most about Ginny & Georgia is its commitment to authenticity. The writers and producers made it a point to include perspectives and experiences of Deaf individuals.
Not only does this educate viewers, but it also fosters understanding and empathy. It’s refreshing to see a show that acknowledges the Deaf community’s unique challenges while celebrating their strengths and resilience.
Community Response
The response from the Deaf community and advocates has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised the series for its representation and for bringing visibility to issues faced by Deaf individuals. It’s heartening to see a platform that encourages conversations about accessibility, inclusivity, and the importance of representation in all forms of media.
Final Thoughts
Ginny & Georgia is more than just a fun binge-watch; it’s a show that’s paving the way for better representation of the Deaf community in mainstream media. By incorporating sign language and featuring Deaf characters authentically, it sets a new standard for inclusivity. So, if you’re looking for a series that’s not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, give Ginny & Georgia a go!
As we continue to champion diverse voices and stories, let’s hope to see more shows follow in the footsteps of Ginny & Georgia. Here’s to celebrating all the unique perspectives that make our world so vibrant!
Happy watching, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on the show in the comments below!
Until next time, ta ta! 😄🤟
