Two cents: vast majority of problems with DeafU speak less to the show itself than to the fact that d/Deaf people are so marginalized and starved for mainstream representation that we have to pin all our hopes and needs on this one (or any single) series.

1. Should Deaf people be cast in/enjoy seeing themselves in soapy, sex-centric, reality TV? Sure.
2. Would we even need to have this discussion if Deaf people were routinely authentically represented (esp. including BIPOC and LGBT intersections) outside the fetish zone? Nope.

And while we're here, re: Deaf "elitism." I'm putting it in quotes not because the issue doesn't exist, but because I'm not sure it's the right word for the phenomenon. It *is* toxic and very harmful. Lord knows as post-lingually deafened I've been a recipient of its hate. But...

It is also reactionary, coming from a place of deep hurt as a result of marginalization and stigma. It's totally misdirected, of course, because the people who "aren't deaf enough" are victims of that same ableism, which deprives deaf people of language access.

So yes, it's a harmful and oppressive set of behaviors. We should discuss them and those perpetrating them should be checked. But in order to truly fix it, we've got to hit the root cause, too: systemic ableism and language deprivation.

Also, all props to the students in this show. College is such a hard time, and they have guts to put it all out there and speak openly about the issues affecting our community from inside and out. *high-five"