Fake sign language interpreter at Mandela's memorial

[TuTu4U]

I think both were tasteless and showed a lack of respect. I made sure DD knew to never take a selfie under such circumstances. Thankfully, she thought it was disrespectful as well, so we're good on that one. And no, this is not political.

I also used this as a learning tool for my children. Very disrespectful.

As for the sign language. Wow. There's really not much you can say. Security must have been very lax. What if he would have been signing obscene things or even worse, instructions for terrorists?

 

[EMom]

I also used this as a learning tool for my children. Very disrespectful.

As for the sign language. Wow. There's really not much you can say. Security must have been very lax. What if he would have been signing obscene things or even worse, instructions for terrorists?

This is why I said it was fodder for SNL. Can't you just see the actor making all sorts of "signs" that make you go as he portrays the fake interpreter?

Truly, if my DD14 had gone to a funeral/memorial and taken/been included in selfies of this nature, I would have lectured her on just how wrong it was and then taken her phone away for a while. And that's a 14 y.o.

If SNL doesn't run with this, they are missing an opportunity. It's as someone WORKED to give them material.

 

[Nennie]

I agree that SNL needs to run with this!!!!

 

[Disneyluvr]

I missed it. any links to these "selfies"

 

[Liberty Belle]

Meh. I have no problem with the photo taking. I don't know that Mrs. Obama did either. Her facial expression means nothing. She could have been thinking about anything. And on NO planet is the "selfie" worse than the what the interpreter did. Not even remotely.

Exactly. And in some cultures, a funeral is a celebration. I went to one, which happened to be African American, and there was a lot of happiness more than sorrow.

 

[Robinrs]

I missed it. any links to these "selfies"

Yes, it's called www.EVERYWHERE

 

[FireDancer]

There is never a good time for a selfie, ever. Not at a funeral, a party, or in the privacy of your own room. Hand the camera to someone, use one with a timer, or just don't take the picture. I have yet to see one that didn't just look ridiculous.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

Exactly. And in some cultures, a funeral is a celebration. I went to one, which happened to be African American, and there was a lot of happiness more than sorrow.

And according to the photographer who actually took the picture of the picture-takers, Michelle Obama wasn't scowling over the selfies and around the memorial, attendees were dancing and singing and celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela. http://peoplem.ag/rFP4D

 

[DisneyNutMary]

I don't know sign language, but during the time I was watching coverage, I could have sworn the "interpreter" made the same motion three times while Obama was speaking. Even for a non understander of sign language, it seemed off. It seemed like he was not in sync with the speech, or was signing a different speech. So I was not surprised to hear about this today.

 

[NicoleWinchester]

This goes to show that the secret of life is all in acting like you belong. Someone must have instilled a great sense of self-confidence in this dude.

 

[SLP958]

I agree that SNL needs to run with this!!!!

Yes they do!

As for the selfie, Nelson Mandela was 95 and lived an awesome life. His memorial should be a celebration. He was know for being accepting. He would probably be glad people were happy at his service.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

This goes to show that the secret of life is all in acting like you belong. Someone must have instilled a great sense of self-confidence in this dude.

I predict he'll "show up" in all sorts of interesting places (think 9/11 backpack kid or Katrina beer looter).

 

[disneyjunkie]

Exactly. And in some cultures, a funeral is a celebration. I went to one, which happened to be African American, and there was a lot of happiness more than sorrow.

And according to the photographer who actually took the picture of the picture-takers, Michelle Obama wasn't scowling over the selfies and around the memorial, attendees were dancing and singing and celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela. http://peoplem.ag/rFP4D

LIKE

They are celebrating his life, not mourning his death.

 

[phorsenuf]

Yes they do!

As for the selfie, Nelson Mandela was 95 and lived an awesome life. His memorial should be a celebration. He was know for being accepting. He would probably be glad people were happy at his service.

Yep. I bet he would have been quite pleased to see everyone getting along so well and not being all uptight and stuffy. That is NOT what he was all about!


I'll have to ask my son his thoughts on the whole sign language thing. He just got his degree in that.

 

[ellone]

I agree that SNL needs to run with this!!!!

I'm hoping The Daily Show and/or The Colbert Report do something with it tonight.

 

[NicoleWinchester]

I predict he'll "show up" in all sorts of interesting places (think 9/11 backpack kid or Katrina beer looter).

He'd be great on the red carpet.

 

[moon]

Meh. I have no problem with the photo taking. I don't know that Mrs. Obama did either. Her facial expression means nothing. She could have been thinking about anything. And on NO planet is the "selfie" worse than the what the interpreter did. Not even remotely.

Yeah, on what planet is a selfie worst than mocking the deaf who wanted to see and understand what was going on? Please...

 

[TuTu4U]

Yes they do!

As for the selfie, Nelson Mandela was 95 and lived an awesome life. His memorial should be a celebration. He was know for being accepting. He would probably be glad people were happy at his service.

While I agree with you here, I think dancing and clapping and chanting songs of praise (like most of the locals) was a happy way to memorialize Mandela.

Sitting back and taking a picture of YOURSELF? Not so much.

 

[phorsenuf]

I couldn't find the whole video from when SNL did the skit with the sign language interpreter after Sandy, but here's some snippets.


http://www.today.com/video/today/49692866#49692866

 

[Diznygrl]

Wow, what boggles my mind is the fact that he seemed to think he would get away with it. Did he not know that this event would be broadcast ALL OVER THE WORLD?

It shouldn't be funny, but it is. Watching him make those repetitive nonsense motions made me laugh. I could have done a better job interpreting just from what I've learned by watching Signing Time on Netflix.