False Signs

[304 words] “Need be bear monster.” With hurricane Irma bearing down on Florida in September of 2017, officials in Manatee County held a press conference aimed at warning residents of the impending danger. Being “in a pinch” to have a sign language interpreter at the news conference, officials brought in a member of the county marine rescue team who, it was reported, had an understanding of sign language. It turned out that he didn’t understand much at all. As Robin DiSabatino of the Board of County Commissioners in Manatee County urged residents in low areas to seek higher ground, she made the statement, “We just need you to be safe.” But those who understand sign language saw, “Need be bear monster.” Viewers who knew sign language were able to identify and expose the false signs (The Weather Channel, September 18, 2017). While the messages received at the news conference seemed…