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This is America, please order in English
Since 2005, a Philadelphia based cheese-steak bistro owner has been defending a signpost in his shop that said: "This is America, please order in English." Not surprisingly, he was taken to court on grounds of discrimination, equating it to derogatory signs like "Whites Only". No ruling has been given yet.I wrote a post earlier about how surprising I found it that people barely speak English in a big, cosmopolitan capital city like Madrid. It triggered a debate over whether it's necessary for big cities (where English isn't the first language) to have basic knowledge of English, or not.
I think it is relative. In non-English speaking metropolises, as long as the tourists put in some effort, lack of basic English may not be an important day-to-day communication hindrance, but it is definitely a disadvantage in the larger scope of things. For example: Madrid is bidding to host the 2016 Olympics -- surely the knowledge of English would play an important role there. How is China tackling that issue for next year's games? Anyway, I digress.
What do you do in an English-speaking country when your customers don't speak English? Do you put up a sign like our friend did? Hmmm, I don't think so -- it's quite an insult. The sign reminded me of when the English ruled India and the "No Indians or Dogs" sign was not uncommon. Couldn't they just be offered picture menus where they could point out what they wanted? Or what about bilingual menus?
There is an online poll on the article asking whether people approve this sign post. At this moment, of the 115,732 people who voted, 92% of them approve. Call me overly sensitive but I'm kinda shocked to see the response.
What do you think? Are signs like that acceptable?
| Yes! | |
|---|---|
| No | |
| ˇSí! |
Filed under: Activism, Food and Drink, North America, United States, News
Reader Comments (Page 26 of 30)
Bodie Dec 23rd 2007 7:40PM
First of all for you who say we Americans can't have it both ways, we are in your Country temporarily, and plan to go home. Many of those he refers to are here to stay and should learn the language. Second of all, is how is he going to take an order if you speak to him in a language he doesn't understand. When we go to other Countries no one gives us the rights they expect us to give them. But then again we are there for just a short period of time. If we made it our home we most likely would learn the language. You in other Countries don't have 11 million illegals to deal with. So get real, it cost us Billions of dollars in taxes to deal with all the languages people speak here. And don't forget the safety issue.
Joanne Kezer Dec 23rd 2007 7:44PM
Some years ago, a friend of mine, living in No. California, invited a Belgium family to visit here some time. They spoke Flemish, French and English. Starting on the on the East Coast, traveling by motor home to Calif. They were absolutely amazed that everyone spoke English (with different accents, of course). In Belgium, two languages are spoken--Flemish and French. Signs are in both languages and the National Symphony conducts their rehearsals in the two languages, then performs together (by a bi-lingual conductor, I assume). Europe has many countries, as you know, speaking different languages--and a long history of fighting each other. Maybe things would have been different if they could have spoken a common language in their everyday dealings with each other.
Itsie Dec 23rd 2007 7:41PM
I run a business in a tourist city. If the tourists can learn enough of our language to order, then why can't the ones that live here?
This is a pet peeve of mine. Why do folks want to come here to live and still wish to keep their selves separate. Why not stay where you were born?
cyberlayde Dec 23rd 2007 7:43PM
When my grandparents came to this country they had to learn English. No one accommodated them by speaking Polish. I think this restaurant owner is doing the right thing. If you choose to live in America we should not have to change our language to accommodate you. Other countries maintain their cultures and so should we. If we are to make rules for only Spanish speaking people and not for others then it is unjust and we offend all the other cultures who reside here.
Bob Dec 23rd 2007 7:44PM
I strongly support this man and his sign since I think it is important that we all speak at least one common lauguage to form a base line for communication. I have no objections to people speaking other languages but not if they want to communicate in this country. I do not care to shop in stores where the clerk can hardly speak English (accents no problem). It is obvious that Americans are tired of minorities running this country including those who flee their country to come here and then complain becuase they have to learn English to live here. If someone does not want to speak English then they should go home and feel free to speak their native language as much as they want. In any other country if you want to survive you have to learn their language. Three cheers for this man and if I am ever in his town I will certainly go out of my way to support him with my business in english.
lee Dec 23rd 2007 7:51PM
the order is easier to fill if he understands what your saying...for those that think he should hire people that speak the other laung. that should apply to every place of business even the state leg. city councel, and congress and the senate only one english speaking person until all other's have a seat as well---------
Carol Dec 23rd 2007 7:46PM
Personally, I'm sick and tired of other countries citizens coming here and expecting their language to be written with American tax dollars spent on THEIR behalf because they can't take the time to learn a few words which are important for their food necessities, bathroom, police, ambulance, doctor etc. I have lived in foreign countries when my Father served in the military, and no where, absolutely NO WHERE did these other countries accommodate us in our language barriers. I certainly didn't see cans at grocery stores with printed English, washing instructions on clothing etc. And another peeve of mine is I'm sick to death of having to punch 1 on my phone to continue in English, what country are we anyhow ?? I can't help but wonder if my great grandchildren will be asking that question when they're born. Such as where is America. We Americans need to TAKE out country back. Our politicians are selling us down the road folks and throwing our money to everyone and anyone. Even the darn reality shows have Aussies hosting the shows. It was at first I think, a fad, but the fad is at a ridiculous stage now. I'm sick of it. I have no problem should someone be attempting to speak our language and attempt the best they can, but they knew they were coming here for goodness sakes, so put a little work into it and don't expect the Americans to do all your work for you. Signed, FED UP.
Olivia Dec 23rd 2007 11:34PM
Uhmmm, i think the sign said "whites only"
it didn't say "order in English"
thats why the writer of this said they're so surprised
i'm surprised too !
thats a very derogatory sign
i thought racism PARTIALLY ended years ago...
Bill Dec 23rd 2007 7:45PM
You live in this country...learn the language or LEAVE
CKone Dec 23rd 2007 7:46PM
Does anyone here realize how difficult it can be to learn another language?...how many people on this site have studied a language in High School for 4 years and to this day still can't speak it?...we are so quick to judge..but what if this sign was posted in Italy saying "THis is Italy--please order in Italian"...we "non-Italian" speakers would be so offended....
DANNY Dec 23rd 2007 7:46PM
You have to learn english to be a sales person at the malls in Vietnam ( Ho chi minh city ). There are signs in english and vietnamese -even on menus.
Juan Dec 23rd 2007 7:51PM
I do not agree with these signs that really offend the people who do not adequately speak the English language. There are a lot of Spanish, Russian and other people from different countries who are trying very hard to learn the English language. But signs like these hinder these people to even try to learn speak English. Ive been to Spanish restaurants who have their menu written in both English and Spanish. Why can this person do the same in his place? This is American indeed, but if you believe in free enterprise you sure want to have customers from any other speaking nation to spend their US Dollars in your establishment. Otherwise my US dollars are welcome in any other establishment. Everyone knows how much is going to be paid when the bill is given to them.
Arlene Dec 23rd 2007 8:00PM
Personally, I take no offense with this issue. It seems as if ALL foreigners, here, in the US DEMAND that everybody here, learn HIS or HER language just so THEY can communicate with US. Perhaps this business owner doesn't wish to learn every language, in the world. When I was overseas, I had to learn to ask for things in the native tongue of whatever country I was visiting. I NEVER demanded a salesperson learn MY language so HE could assist ME!! What is the problem, here? Has anyone ever considered this 'offensive' sign poster only knows one language and has grown tired of trying to deal with 71 different languages? This same businessman may have been cursed/threratened/spoken to as though he were an ignorant fool by some of these VISITORS, instead of this visitor trying to order something in the language in which it is written on the menu. You can bet your ass, that if we, as Americans, go overseas to a non-English speaking country, we are expected to accomadate THEM, not them, us. It is MUCH more considerate of visitors to try to work with a language other than his/her own than to expect a businessman to learn every OTHER language in the world
Ronnie Dec 24th 2007 9:22AM
I remember this story from a while back. The man dosen't turn away buisness, he just ask you to order in English. He will take your order in any other language. Furthermore, what about the fancy French or Italian resturaunts where the menu is in French or Italian. If you can't read them, then you don't know what you are ordering, and these are located in the US. I don't think the gentleman is wrong, I think he is just asking his customers to show a little consideration in his establishment.
lori barlow Dec 23rd 2007 7:49PM
It is high time that we demand that english be the national language. If I were in a foreign country that we not change all the signs, bills and school memos into english. If this country is good enough to live in then learn the language. I personally tried of accomdating other nations traditions and beliefs. when my grandparents arrived in this country from Italy,they were made to learn English,the pronounation of thier name was changed to fit into the American way of life and they were Proud and Happy to do it. I am very Proud of my hertige as everyone should be but I am frist and foremost an AMERICAN
TenPin Dec 23rd 2007 7:49PM
It's a business, If you don't like the OWNERS views, Then don't frequent the business. People get into business to make rules for themselves. The either succeed or fail based on how they are viewed by others. If you don't like a businesses views, Don't give them your money and they will go away. Complaining about it in a poll will in no way hurt a business, Just give them free advertising. Whether a business stays or goes is up to you!
bob Dec 23rd 2007 7:51PM
I believe that the United States has accomidated way too many different languages, the cost alone of government forms being duplicated for every illegal to be able to commit fraud on a on the social services agencies, medicare, medicaid, is rediculious. I believe in learning differnt languages if your going to visit or move to another country. I further believe in different national cultures being respected. I DON"T however believe in discrimination or expectation of accomidation when it comes to knowing any other countries language.
Pat Dec 23rd 2007 7:50PM
I LOVE IT!! All businesses should do the same. These d a m n e d illegals refuse to learn English because they don't have to. It really irritates me to go in Lowe's, for instance, and see the signs in two languages. This is America. Speak English, d a m n it!
Jonie Dec 23rd 2007 7:51PM
The writer of this article doesnt get it....He is ..shocked..how stupid..When your in a foreign country we are taught to learn a few words or phrases of the language in that country..A food service provider who has a more or less production line going from an outside window..isnt expected to understand other languages ..hes speaks English..
Stew Cosentino Dec 23rd 2007 7:55PM
Lets see if I can clear some of this up. My family is Sicilian, Cuban and Black. I was born here and servered my country for 18 yrs.
I think what people are trying to say about immagrants is not so much the language but the attitude.
Europeans who came here wanted to be Americans so they learned the language and built up this country.
So Africans and Middle Easterns who were political prisoners came here and became citizens and contributed so much to our excistance.
The asians who came here have given us a wonderful culture and also learned english and became citizens.
So you see the problem is not immagration, the problem is illeagal immagration. The Mexicans who invade our country illeagaly are the problem. The don't love America, they love what America can give them, Welfare for instance. Who do you think pays for this laziness, the American tax payer, you and me.
The want us to catter them. This is still the United States of America. American veterans have given up their lives to make sure we as American are free. So to ask an illeagal Mexican to order in enlish is not much of a problem. If they want to be Americans then they should learn to be Americans.
I was stationed in a lot of countries, I loved the people and I carried a language book around and yes I ordered their language. I was also surprised and happy that the people helped me in the pronouncing the words.
Just remember one important thing, we are free today but tomorrow is another story.