Argument for Subtitles

Subtitles can be pretty frustrating for people; however, they benefit more than just people with a loss of hearing. People with auditory processing delays, neurodivergent, ADHD, and Autisms– All could benefit from them subtitles too. You see, I can rarely make sense of oral discussions quickly in real time, but subtitles help me pick up on missed body language, intent, and seriousness (or lack thereof). I learn best by reading information, no YouTube videos for me.

Yesterday, one of my husband’s sisters held a BBQ dinner and I found myself wishing for subtitles to appear near each person to help me understand. I could barely understand my new, almost brother-in-law’s family.

My family was packed in my sister-in-law's house in two teeny rooms, kitchen/dining area and living room, because it was pouring rain at our Mother's Day cookout. 20 people occupying that small space was brutal for me. It felt as if I couldn’t catch my breath and there was no hope for engaging in civil conversations. The lightning kept striking and the thunder shook me to my core. These too were added distractions from understanding.

I guess the first time I wish there were subtitles was actually in the car ride over to her house. As any mother of teenage boys can tell you, I was already regretting my noise canceling headphones. The fussed and bickered the entire trip over things and slang I couldn’t understand. I used to better at this when I was still teaching high school. Now I long for subtitles and explanations from Urban dictionary to understand my boys. Anyone with me?

Once inside this confined space, there was endless chatter from all in attendance. It was hard to track each side conversation over the loud basketball game playing in the living area. I couldn't understand. I thought, I wish I could turn the subtitles on to aid in my comprehension of what was being said. To see those descriptors like (sorrowful music playing) and (slurring his words). Perhaps even (loud bump near the window) or (sirens wailing in the distance).

Same with my almost new brother-in-law’s mom. When she speaks, I hear the most profoundly raspy voice I have ever heard in my life. Her voice is raspy like someone has smoked at least a pack day or has undergone a tracheotomy. It's nonsense and impossible to discern her words. She also speaks quietly even if trying to speak with someone on the opposite side of the room over all the clatter. For the third time in the first hour, I wish I could turn on subtitles to understand her words; for surely those words have meaning and could serve as a way to strengthen the bonds the new relationships with that side of the family. Needless to say, she asked me to the same question 3 times before I finally gave up trying to understand by nodding with a smile on my face.

Even down to our youngest in attendance. Subtitles may have been nice to hear her internal monologue. If only I read subtitles emphasizing her growing frustration trying to cut her piece of brisket with an old, dull spoon I could have helped earlier. I couldn’t understand.

You see. I miss a lot in conversations, too distracted by my own thoughts or random things around me like the animals. Words spoken aloud slow me down. I have always preferred to read text myself over hearing stories/lectures spoken aloud. You’ll find me with a notepad everywhere I go. If I hear something and take detailed notes, it greatly impacts my ability to make sense of the subject being discussed. Did I mention I’m a speed reader with superb comprehensive skills.

I stop everything to read subtitles and they capture my full attention. That's how sense making works in my head. It drives my husband batty when I have the subtitles on event when the show or movie is spoken in English. It’s too easy to pick up my phone to doom scroll over paying attention to the tv. I’ll have watched 2 or 3 episodes and realized I never processed any of it.

Could you imagine a world with subtitles - stating plainly their desires and intentions in those old little bubbles in kid stories and comic books? Where things like body language and facial expression reading weren't so complex? I imagine I'd find many who’d love my fictional world with subtitles, each choosing the world for a variety of reasons. Most in the ADHD/AuDHD and hard of hearing communities would be among the first to shout a resounding yes.

Not saying subtitles would save the world or make communication perfectly understood in every situation. God knows we’ve all interpreted a text or email incorrectly. I know some of my writing is non-sensical to downright ambiguous. The world would be a greater tool for humanity to endure the strife and struggle we face daily due to misinterpretation or fumbling, not well articulated information.

I love that subtitles can sometimes interact with the watcher understand internal conflict, just like in books. Yes, dialogue is a critical piece of film, but knowing what your main character is thinking has an entirely different benefit. Subtitles could let us know the woman was hiding a sneer as she smiled serenely at her much old betrothed. The main action in books is what is running through the character’s heads and how they are processing emotions/big feelings.

Cut out all the miscommunication and the onslaught of algorithms that try to predict our wants or persuade us into a false sense of security. Say no to apps asking to track you data. Stand up for your right to speak and seek understanding anyway you can. You can pick something different that would benefit you most. I feel technology isn’t too far off in the future to give us subtitles on more movies and TV series soon.

Now that I have babbled on about my love and belief that subtitles are absolutely amazing, what do you think would help you out the most? Just give me subtitles to help me make sense of this world around me. I don't understand.