Notes:
Contrary to what at least one source has claimed -- the combover version of Trump's name sign is indeed used by some people who
support Trump and who do not have a negative connotation of the sign. I point
this out because while it is may be the case that "some" of his supporters don't
use the combover name sign -- in general it has been my experience that the
combover version of President Trump's name (when done without inflection) is
simply "his name sign" (with no added meaning).
I think the myth that the combover version of his name sign is not used by
people who support him has started as an unfortunate result of the video clip
mentioned in this article:
https://www.vulture.com/2020/10/trump-asl-sign-name-deaf-u-netflix.html
The
young man (Rodney) states the negative connotation as if it is a fact instead of
it just being his own opinion or that of his peer group. The format (a slick,
professionally produced video, etc.) gives Rodney's statement more clout than is
perhaps justified by actual, long term (over 4 years) U.S. "Deaf Community"
usage.
Another perspective to consider is the international perspective.
From what I've seen internationally the combover name sign is "just" a name sign
(without negative connotation) and is used by people who are neutral or even
supporters. I sat across from one such supporter while in Singapore giving a
workshop. The person simply used the combover sign because that was "the" sign
for Trump.
This neutral usage can be commonly seen in the H3 World TV newscasts. For
example see the 1:37 mark in this video:
https://youtu.be/KCdR4piIu50?t=94
You can see it again with a different signer at the 5:17 mark of this video:
https://youtu.be/c2yp5tlf5oQ?t=316
Additionally, the website "spreadthesign" (dot com) shows the combover version
without any negativity.
Same goes for handspeak (dot com). Jolanta lists two vesions (both combover
based) and includes "no" indications of negative connotation.
The deeper point here perhaps is that in the Deaf Community it is fairly common
for a name sign to be given that may initially intended as an insult and then
later loses that connotation.
My own name sign is "hair" based (or rather lack of hair based). Yet in its
current usage (as far as I know, heh) it is not used in a pejorative way.
So, let's not spread the semi-myth that the combover sign is not used by Trump
supporters (and/or neutral signers).
The combover sign for at least 4 years has been the (neutral) de facto sign for
Trump on the international scene.
An other example: https://youtu.be/HzVAmphniHk?t=119
(also: https://youtu.be/JO9AggduCSQ?t=219 )
(also: https://youtu.be/HZz06ZIKPB4?t=45 )
At his channel "deafnewspaper," Ken Davis back in 2016 put forth the combover
namesign as "the" sign for Donald Trump. See: https://youtu.be/r1gbl234VbI
Again, there was no appearance of negative connotation.
In her "How to sign Donald Trump" video clip's comments, the author of "Late
Night Signs" states in regard to the combover version "Yes, I'm sure there are
many signs people use instead. However, this is the most appropriate sign for DT
used by the Deaf Community."
See: https://youtu.be/dGfYLJp1NGA
Notes:
An earlier version of TRUMP:
The later / evolved version of the sign for TRUMP makes a very quick smooth
movement and doesn't touch the head.
[Video to be posted here.]
*
Want to help support ASL University? It's easy:
DONATE (Thanks!)
* Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's "Bookstore."
* Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription
Extension of ASLU)
* Also check out Dr. Bill's channel:
www.youtube.com/billvicars
You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars
