Is it really so bad to know SEE (Sign Exact English?)

[maryfrances]

I'm hearing, and I first was introduced to sign language when I was in middle school, when I saw the alphabet in the back of one of my text books. I'm now 22, and because of the way I learned sign language, words at a time, without any real knowledge of ASL grammar, I've become to comfortable signing the way I speak spoken English. I know its not ASL, but I want to know, is it really that bad to know SEE? I mean there are plenty of hearing people who can't sign anything. I just think I shouldn't get bashed all the time for signing the way I speak spoken English. I don't sit there and sign "to" and spell out "is" like some other hearing people who SEE, but can I get a little credit at least for trying. Or is it, the ASL way or the highway??

I know someone who can't speak but can hear. She likes ASL but likes SEE much better. I understand deaf people's point, but SEE is a better tool for this person. It is not imposing an unnatural language on deaf people; it is coding the English this person hears into a sign system she can use.