THE POWER OF VULNERABILITY: Suggested ASL Sign for VULNERABILITY

While cleaning out my Google Docs file, I came across these gems - one of Brene Brown's TEDtalk video on the "Power of Vulnerability" as well as the student-made video suggesting a change to the sign for 'vulnerability' as discussed during Social Justice Leadership Retreats at the University of Minnesota.



First, the original video by Ms. Brown. Captions are available, toggle the CC button on the bottom of the screen.

Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability (TEDTalk video)



After viewing the TEDtalk video by Brene Brown, the Deaf participants of Social Justice Leadership Retreat brainstormed on how to improve on the sign for 'vulnerability' to better reflect the message being shared in Ms. Brown's video.

When one thinks 'vulnerability' the first sign that comes to mind is the one that could be translated as 'weak' or 'fragile'. While used commonly, this sign does not reflect the suggested new meaning of vulnerability as presented by Ms. Brown.

In the video below, two Deaf students discuss comparing the old sign and presenting a possible new sign. Captions are available too.




What are your thoughts?