Customer With Total Mutism Says Starbucks Worker Mistook His Sign Language for “Gang Signs”

SEATTLE — A Starbucks customer’s recent post on Reddit is going viral after he shared that a store employee mistook his use of American Sign Language (ASL) for “throwing gang signs.” The misunderstanding has sparked a broader discussion online about inclusivity, disability awareness, and communication barriers faced by people who are nonverbal or deaf.

The Incident at Starbucks

The user, posting under the handle @Academic_Answer2933, explained that he lives with total mutism, meaning he is physically unable to speak. While ordering at Starbucks, he used sign language to communicate basic phrases like “Hello,” “Mute,” “Straw?” and “Thank you.”

However, instead of understanding the gesture, a Starbucks employee gruffly told him to stop “throwing signs.” The man said he then overheard another worker quietly explain, “He’s deaf, that’s sign language.”

According to his post, the first employee appeared embarrassed after realizing the mistake, turning away with what he described as an “oops face.”

“I don’t mind being mistaken for someone who’s deaf,” he wrote. “But this was my first time being confused for throwing gang signs!”

What Is Total Mutism?

Total mutism, unlike selective mutism, is a rare condition in which a person is completely unable to speak due to neurological or physiological causes. People with mutism often rely on ASL or assistive communication tools to interact with others.
The Reddit user clarified that he isn’t deaf but uses sign language as his primary means of communication because it allows him to express himself effectively in public settings.

Online Reaction: Empathy and Education

The post quickly gained traction, receiving over 21,000 upvotes and hundreds of supportive comments. Many users shared their own experiences or admitted they had never considered that sign language users aren’t always deaf.

One top commenter wrote:

“That’s interesting — I’ve always thought people using sign language must both be deaf. Mutism hadn’t even entered my mind. Definitely something to keep in mind next time I see an ASL conversation.”

Others criticized the Starbucks worker’s response, urging the company to train staff on disability awareness and communication etiquette. “It’s not about intent,” one user said. “It’s about how quickly people jump to conclusions instead of showing patience.”

Got grumpily told at Starbucks by a worker to stop “throwing signs”.
byu/Academic_Answer2933 inmildlyinfuriating

Disability Advocates Call for Greater Awareness

Experts and advocates say the incident underscores how misunderstandings around invisible disabilities still occur daily, even in customer service settings.
“Many disabilities aren’t visible at first glance,” said a spokesperson for the National Association of the Deaf. “It’s essential for employees in public-facing roles to approach situations with empathy and curiosity rather than assumptions.”

Starbucks has previously promoted inclusivity initiatives, including opening its first “Signing Store” in Washington, D.C., staffed primarily by deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. However, incidents like this show there’s still room for improvement at the local level.

A Moment That Sparked a Teachable Discussion

While the Reddit user said he wasn’t upset, the post has become a teachable moment online, encouraging others to learn more about ASL, mutism, and how to communicate respectfully with nonverbal individuals.

“People don’t need to know everything about every disability,” one commenter noted, “but a little patience goes a long way.”

Would you have recognized that someone using sign language might not be deaf? Join the discussion and explore more community stories at NapervilleLocal.com.