I've always wanted to write a book relating my experiences growing up as a deaf child in Chicago. Contrary to what people might think, it wasn't all about hearing aids and speech classes or frustrations.
Marlee MatlinRead
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and in spite of what most people might have expected from a young girl growing up deaf, life for me was like one long episode of The Brady Bunch. Despite whatever barriers were in my way, I imagined myself as Marcia Brady skating down the street saying “hi” to everyone, whether they knew me or not.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on overcoming challenges and embracing a positive outlook on life.
Marlee Matlin reminisces about her childhood growing up deaf in the suburbs of Chicago, highlighting her ability to rise above expectations and challenges. By comparing her life to an idyllic television show, she emphasizes her optimistic perspective and how she engaged with the world around her, regardless of barriers. This represents her resilience and imaginative spirit, showcasing that one can maintain a joyful outlook despite difficulties.
Themes
DeafOptimismOvercomingChallengesImagination
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about overcoming adversity, one might quote this to illustrate personal resilience.
More from Marlee Matlin
All quotes →I'm a proud person who happens to be deaf. I don't want to change it. I don't want to wake up and suddenly say, 'Oh my God, I can hear.' That's not my dream. It's not my dream. I've been raised deaf. I'm used to the way I am. I don't want to change it. Why would I ever want to change? Because I'm used to this, I'm happy.
Marlee MatlinRead
It was ability that mattered, not disability, which is a word I'm not crazy about using.
Marlee MatlinRead
The only thing I can't do is hear. I can drive, I have a life with four kids, I work on TV, I do movies, so the deafness question, is it that they want to know because, what? Not sure.
Marlee MatlinRead
When I was 11, I knew that I wanted to write a kid's book and tell the world what it was like being deaf.
Marlee MatlinRead
I like to say that the greatest handicap of deafness does not lie in the ear, it lies in the mind. I hope that through my example, such as my role on 'The West Wing,' I can help change attitudes on deafness and prove we can really do everything... except hear.
Marlee MatlinRead
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