Black, white, green, blue - it doesn't matter. The appropriate interpreter is the one who can best provide equal access for the people who are there to enjoy the concert. i found the issue to be one that may appear insignificant: The interpreter is wearing a dangling bracelet that is distracting. She should not be wearing jewelry that moves. Other than that, she really did a good job shoing the music AND the lyrics. Most interpreters cannot do what she did.
Black, white, green, blue - it doesn't matter. The appropriate interpreter is the one who can best provide equal access for the people who are there to enjoy the concert. i found the issue to be one that may appear insignificant: The interpreter is wearing a dangling bracelet that is distracting. She should not be wearing jewelry that moves. Other than that, she really did a good job shoing the music AND the lyrics. Most interpreters cannot do what she did.
I can't believe this thread stil gets comments. For the record I have not changed my mind, nor do I believe I have said anything racist. I still feel a culturally Black interpreter would have been a more appropriate fit. If not for the simple reason that this song contains the lyrics:
For those claiming that a "white" individual isn't fit for a Black singer's lyrics are totally wrong; close-minded; and ignorant, to name a few. And for those African Americans--on this comment board, and no where else, need to stop playing the victim. Black people are not the only ones who go through "shit" in life. Get over it.
While I agree that the best interpreter isn't necessarily going to match in race, I totally disagree with your statement about blacks playing the "victim." Yes, there is racism on both sides, and both groups need to "get over it." But the point is, the approach to them is not the same, or they shouldn't be. White racism is based on deep rooted irrational fears. Black racism is based on historical facts. They are not going to be overcome the same way, nor are the same thing.
I hope this doesn't sound insensitive. I'm just genuinely curious: why would you need an ASL interpreter at a concert? I understand Deaf people enjoy music because they feel the vibrations and they like dancing to it. But do Deaf people normally pay to go to concerts? Do musicians usually have ASL interpreters at their concerts?
(Again, I don't mean to sound insensitive. I just want to learn more about Deaf culture).
@nolitafaerietale. Yes, deaf people pay for tickets - no special perks. 'Terps are needed because the lyrics and vibe/energy are very important in following a song/show and they are normally paid for by the venue/ampitheatre. It is normal if arrangements are made beforehand. As for the race question - the right terp is usually a fan of the musician, and can deliver the energy/vibe of that musician well. Race is ONE consideration, if any. And, finally, there aren't many black terps out there.
Wow, I'm sorry SoulCity, but you need to crack open a book if you think that the oppression experienced by white people in this country is the same as that of black people. I'm not saying they don't experience oppression, I'm saying it's different. And that difference can come out in an interpretation. The fact is we have very few black interpreters in the country and it's sad to not see them used in situations where they would obviously excel at message equivalence.
I agree it is sad, but in this case, the interpreter is probably local. FYI, Badu had no control over who interprets, nor is it likely she even knew she would have a terp until shortly before the show. There aren't many certified & legally qualified interpreters to begin with. There are even fewer black ones. But, honestly, would say ... an older black interpreter from Cosby days deliver Badu interpretation better than a young hip white interpreter who LOVES Badu? Doubtful.
Yes, she did get paid for it LOL. She also went to school, took certification tests, and had to work very hard for her certification. If she is the official terp for the concert and not some random person standing up in the crowd, then yep. She got paid, and not likely by Badu.
They couldn't find a black interpreter for an Erykah Badu concert? I know there are fewer black ASL interpreters out there, but come on, couldn't find ONE?
Wow, yeah, I do. An interpreter is speaking for the artist, and should try to represent the artist in as many ways possible. Erykah Badu's lyrics come from a place that a white interpreter has probably never experienced, and therefore not able to accurately interpret.
oh please! do you think white people cant feel love? cant hate the system and the government? all white ppl are born rich? every white person had both parents present? white people dont live in a "filthy building"?
white people dont have the need to create a unity? white people dont experience racism? white people never been refugees? white people dont have ancestors and history and culture?
White people do feel love, sometimes do hate the system and government, are often not rich, are sometimes from broken families, and some live in filth. Yes, all true. Also true is that whites do have the need to create unity, they do experience racism, they have been refugees, and obviously have ancestors and culture.
What is different is the historical context of oppression. And that makes a HUGE difference.
there are universal problems ALL OF US have, i hope you know that.
i love Erykah to death, i've loved her since i was 13. im white and from southern Europe. her music helped me grow spiritually. her music is for everyone.
Maybe they couldn't. They gotta choose from a local pool - it's not like they fly them in from other states. Since there are fewer black interpreters, the odds are pretty good they are going to end up with a white one.
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Black, white, green, blue - it doesn't matter. The appropriate interpreter is the one who can best provide equal access for the people who are there to enjoy the concert. i found the issue to be one that may appear insignificant: The interpreter is wearing a dangling bracelet that is distracting. She should not be wearing jewelry that moves. Other than that, she really did a good job shoing the music AND the lyrics. Most interpreters cannot do what she did.
theisign 10 months ago
Black, white, green, blue - it doesn't matter. The appropriate interpreter is the one who can best provide equal access for the people who are there to enjoy the concert. i found the issue to be one that may appear insignificant: The interpreter is wearing a dangling bracelet that is distracting. She should not be wearing jewelry that moves. Other than that, she really did a good job shoing the music AND the lyrics. Most interpreters cannot do what she did.
theisign 10 months ago
I can't believe this thread stil gets comments. For the record I have not changed my mind, nor do I believe I have said anything racist. I still feel a culturally Black interpreter would have been a more appropriate fit. If not for the simple reason that this song contains the lyrics:
"As sure is all and all is one
We all should grow before its done
So I salute you Farrakan, yes
'Cause you are me"
NunoMiguel 1 year ago
@NunoMiguel
Seems to me that if a white person has to interpret that, Farrakan won. Why complain?
MsRebecki 7 months ago
Yes it is Important! This interpeter is not a good match for Badu! She is not matching the affect/feeling.
nokio28 1 year ago
For those claiming that a "white" individual isn't fit for a Black singer's lyrics are totally wrong; close-minded; and ignorant, to name a few. And for those African Americans--on this comment board, and no where else, need to stop playing the victim. Black people are not the only ones who go through "shit" in life. Get over it.
torment90 2 years ago 2
@torment90
While I agree that the best interpreter isn't necessarily going to match in race, I totally disagree with your statement about blacks playing the "victim." Yes, there is racism on both sides, and both groups need to "get over it." But the point is, the approach to them is not the same, or they shouldn't be. White racism is based on deep rooted irrational fears. Black racism is based on historical facts. They are not going to be overcome the same way, nor are the same thing.
MsRebecki 7 months ago
what is the song anyways??
Happyboy577 2 years ago
I hope this doesn't sound insensitive. I'm just genuinely curious: why would you need an ASL interpreter at a concert? I understand Deaf people enjoy music because they feel the vibrations and they like dancing to it. But do Deaf people normally pay to go to concerts? Do musicians usually have ASL interpreters at their concerts?
(Again, I don't mean to sound insensitive. I just want to learn more about Deaf culture).
nolitafaerietale 2 years ago
@nolitafaerietale. Yes, deaf people pay for tickets - no special perks. 'Terps are needed because the lyrics and vibe/energy are very important in following a song/show and they are normally paid for by the venue/ampitheatre. It is normal if arrangements are made beforehand. As for the race question - the right terp is usually a fan of the musician, and can deliver the energy/vibe of that musician well. Race is ONE consideration, if any. And, finally, there aren't many black terps out there.
MsRebecki 7 months ago
Wow, I'm sorry SoulCity, but you need to crack open a book if you think that the oppression experienced by white people in this country is the same as that of black people. I'm not saying they don't experience oppression, I'm saying it's different. And that difference can come out in an interpretation. The fact is we have very few black interpreters in the country and it's sad to not see them used in situations where they would obviously excel at message equivalence.
NunoMiguel 3 years ago
@NunoMiguel
I agree it is sad, but in this case, the interpreter is probably local. FYI, Badu had no control over who interprets, nor is it likely she even knew she would have a terp until shortly before the show. There aren't many certified & legally qualified interpreters to begin with. There are even fewer black ones. But, honestly, would say ... an older black interpreter from Cosby days deliver Badu interpretation better than a young hip white interpreter who LOVES Badu? Doubtful.
MsRebecki 7 months ago
WHO CARES WHAT COLOR SHE IS!
What I want to know is,
THAT LADY GOT PAID FOR THAT?!!
:)
paleheartdiscard 3 years ago
@paleheartdiscard
Yes, she did get paid for it LOL. She also went to school, took certification tests, and had to work very hard for her certification. If she is the official terp for the concert and not some random person standing up in the crowd, then yep. She got paid, and not likely by Badu.
MsRebecki 7 months ago
They couldn't find a black interpreter for an Erykah Badu concert? I know there are fewer black ASL interpreters out there, but come on, couldn't find ONE?
NunoMiguel 3 years ago
You really think it's that important?
ChrisChrisUT 3 years ago 6
Wow, yeah, I do. An interpreter is speaking for the artist, and should try to represent the artist in as many ways possible. Erykah Badu's lyrics come from a place that a white interpreter has probably never experienced, and therefore not able to accurately interpret.
NunoMiguel 3 years ago
oh please! do you think white people cant feel love? cant hate the system and the government? all white ppl are born rich? every white person had both parents present? white people dont live in a "filthy building"?
white people dont have the need to create a unity? white people dont experience racism? white people never been refugees? white people dont have ancestors and history and culture?
SoulCity11000 3 years ago
@SoulCity11000
White people do feel love, sometimes do hate the system and government, are often not rich, are sometimes from broken families, and some live in filth. Yes, all true. Also true is that whites do have the need to create unity, they do experience racism, they have been refugees, and obviously have ancestors and culture.
What is different is the historical context of oppression. And that makes a HUGE difference.
MsRebecki 7 months ago
there are universal problems ALL OF US have, i hope you know that.
i love Erykah to death, i've loved her since i was 13. im white and from southern Europe. her music helped me grow spiritually. her music is for everyone.
SoulCity11000 3 years ago
Hmmm wondering if you would you complain if a black interpreter was signing for a white performer's concert?
signingsis 3 years ago
why dont u take over and be an interpreter and I bet you ll get either fired or REJECTED.
Happyboy577 2 years ago
@NunoMiguel Nothing like a little racism to spark up the comments! Good job asshole!
4n4Lv4p0r 1 year ago
@NunoMiguel
Maybe they couldn't. They gotta choose from a local pool - it's not like they fly them in from other states. Since there are fewer black interpreters, the odds are pretty good they are going to end up with a white one.
MsRebecki 7 months ago