Award-winning South African musician Makhadzi recently found herself at the centre of controversy with the deaf community following a video she posted on social media. The video, which showed her incorporating some sign language into a dance routine, was met with significant backlash, particularly from members of the Deaf community.
Criticism from the Deaf Community
In the video, Makhadzi dances alongside another performer as they prepare to film one of her upcoming music videos. As part of the routine, she makes some gestures that resemble sign language, which leads to criticism from various quarters. While some viewers take it lightly, others from the Deaf community feel offended by how the sign language is used.
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One prominent Instagram account, @sign_language_official_za, reposted the video, expressing disappointment with the musician’s actions. Their caption read:
“Using sign language to mock deaf people is unacceptable. Makhadzi, it’s time to learn about Deaf culture and promote positivity and inclusivity. Let’s unite, not divide.”
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Official Response from Deaf Community Advocates
The reaction didn’t stop at social media posts. Briefly News, a South African media outlet, received a formal statement from a Deaf community advocacy group condemning the singer’s actions. The statement expressed concern that Makhadzi’s video could perpetuate harmful stereotypes and widen the divide between hearing and Deaf individuals.
“Makhadzi’s actions perpetuate negative stereotypes and ridicule the Deaf community, undermining efforts to bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf individuals. Sign language is a vital part of Deaf culture and identity, not a subject for mockery.”
The statement highlighted the importance of treating sign language with the respect it deserves and recognizing its role in the identity and culture of the Deaf community.
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A Divided Response from the Public
While many users on social media echoed the criticism, calling for Makhadzi to issue an apology, others came to her defence. Some argued that the video was lighthearted and that the backlash was unwarranted. According to these supporters, Makhadzi’s intent wasn’t to offend, and the gestures were meant for fun.
One social media user commented:
“A majority of South Africa can’t speak sign language, and that’s not because of ignorance but due to a lack of exposure. This video is playful and should be taken as such. Like all of us, Makhadzi would love to learn proper signs if given the chance. We need to stop taking everything so seriously.”
Another user raised a point about the fairness of the criticism:
“But she’s just playing? So, if she was speaking broken English, would she need to be sued too? People can’t be silly anymore?”