he new drama from CBS, The Stand, is drawing some criticism now for its casting. It is being criticized right now because an actor who can hear was cast to play a deaf character. The show is based on a dystopian novel by Stephen King with the same name, and it has a character who cannot hear. That is unacceptable now to activists who demand representation for all people.

Actor Henry Zaga was cast to play the character Nick Andros who in the book was deaf. In fact, he was the lone survivor of a virus that affected most of the human race. Activists are upset with the idea of a person who can hear playing a deaf character for a TV show. That’s why prominent members of the deaf community have started circulating a letter expressing their outrage.

“Enough is enough!” the letter began. “We, the undersigned, are all professional union and non-union members and are taking a stand in the release of the miniseries, The Stand.”

The letter continued, “The selection of the hearing actor to portray Nick Andros in The Stand is not acceptable. The character, Nick Andros, is Deaf and signs. Not one Deaf professional actor was called in to audition for the role. The decision was made without respect to and for Deaf professionals, union and non-union alike. There was no acknowledgment given to the psyche of a Deaf character; being Deaf is more than just not hearing.”

The letter adds that the misrepresentation and unequal opportunities for people cannot hear have been ongoing for decades, and so it should end. The letter then warned that those who signed the letter will not watch or endorse the show.

Leftists on social media have also been criticizing the show. “There’s absolutely no excuse for not hiring a Deaf actor to play a Deaf character,” one person tweeted.

“Deaf actors should play Deaf roles. Representation matters. Equality matters. Equity matters. Inclusion matters. Enough is enough,” another tweeted.

“Deaf actors should play Deaf roles. Representation matters. Equality matters. Equity matters. Inclusion matters. Enough is enough,” another tweeted.