The 'real' interpreter says it all (and he doesn't know it either)

It is amusing to imagine Zizek actually intending to mock himself and his profession by characterizing the purpose of sign interpretation as being propaganda as opposed to an actually useful tool of communication.

". . . are sign language translators for the deaf really meant for those who cannot hear the spoken word? Are they not much more intended for us – it makes us (who can hear) feel good to see the interpreter, giving us a satisfaction that we are doing the right thing, taking care of the underprivileged and hindered."

How clever of Slavoj to ironically prod at cultural analysis in this way. What a marvelous metaphor (and can't we appreciate his self-reflexive ((self-depricating?)) humor). Vacant gesticulations and meaningless machinations of language that fail to communicate; the ambassador of cultural analysis shouldn't be so hard on himself.

". . . what he confronted us with was the truth about sign language translations for the deaf – it doesn't really matter if there are any deaf people among the public who need the translation; the translator is there to make us, who do not understand sign language, feel good."

Of course; had there been any of these hypothetical deaf people wouldn't they have gotten upset? Thank you Zizi. Finally a man with the courage to expose these minions of global capitalism, these court jesters, these neoliberal stooges. We are on to your 'underprivileged and hindered' tools of oppression and will be rendered docile by their charades no more!

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/16/fake-mandela-memorial-interpreter-schizophrenia-signing#comments