English Only

[cjwilhelmi]

Just read this article from Yahoo.com

Philly officials cite eatery for English-only sign

PHILADELPHIA - An English-only ordering policy at one of the city’s most famous cheesesteak joints has drawn an official discrimination complaint, but the owner said Monday he won’t back down.

The city’s Commission on Human Relations alleges that the policy at Geno’s Steaks discourages customers of certain backgrounds from eating there, said Rachel Lawton, acting executive director.

Geno’s owner Joseph Vento posted two small signs at his shop in South Philadelphia proclaiming: “This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING ’PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH.”’

Didn't they just pass something in congress saying that the official language is now English?

[sohotrightnow]

Didn't they just pass something in congress saying that the official language is now English?

No. It is considered our national language and a "unifying" language, but it is not the official language of the United States and does not require "English only" to be spoken in the United States.

[Sonny]

How can they cite what language is spoken at a private business on private property?

[sohotrightnow]

Well, if the commission is part of the City Charter, they absolutely have a right to cite them for discrimination.

[JosueSays]

Incredible to believe how things like that still happen even today. Shows people how racism, unfortunately, is far from dead...

[DanGenck]

Americans are just as bad about speaking English in other countries, so I find it humorous that we get on people so much who do not speak English here. Go to a nice restaurant in France (or any other country) sometime and you can hear the American in the room as they attempt to order "Le Hamburger", etc.

[Timbalaned]

This might be a start of a thread jack, but I wanted to ask a question. What language do you think all those guys are talking to each other at the world cup. Like i am sure they speak their native language to each other on the teams, but when they are talking to the ref or yelling at someone from another team, what language do they use? and i guess more of a problem would be like when these guys come from all over the world but play on a club team in europe, what language do they use? Pretty much, what is the international soccer language?

[TexOle]

When I complain about calls during other leagues I find it best to use a language the ref does not understand. Also being polite helps when you say it helps. You can say some things that are naughty and get away with it. My favorite language to use is hickbonics.

[sohotrightnow]

Well, most Europeans can speak more than one language, so in some cases, they may be able to speak the language of their club team. For example, a national player for England may play in the Italin Serie-A and be fluent in Italian or have working knowledge of the language.

[Sonny]

Incredible to believe how things like that still happen even today. Shows people how racism, unfortunately, is far from dead...

Because a private business owner wants people to use English in his store does not make him racist. Please tell me how it's racist based on this definition.

rac·ism
n.

1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.

[shrekjr]

Because I private business owner wants people to use English in his store does not make him racist.

I'm with Sonny on this one.

[JosueSays]

Well, things aren't so simple as a business owner only wanting English to be spoken at a restaurant. The sign itself speaks volume about the racism i'm talking about: "this is AMERICA." Yes, it is America, and Mexico is also America and so is Canada. This country is The United States of America. Key word there being OF. I know America is used freely but the fact remains that, in the United States, numerous languages are spoken and a store owner should understand that English speakers are not the only ones that exist in this country (which is why there is no OFFICIAL LANGUAGE). Chances are that people may enter his restaurant that can not speak English but they shouldn't be turned down just because they can't speak the language.

And how is it racist? By the obvious fact that the store owner discriminates those who do not speak English, who are not "American," by not allowing them to eat at his restaurant (since this store owner is inferring that "Americans" speak English (or should), then logically all non-English speakers are not rightful "American"). So by that definition, how is it NOT racism?

[cjwilhelmi]

Well, things aren't so simple as a business owner only wanting English to be spoken at a restaurant. The sign itself speaks volume about the racism i'm talking about: "this is AMERICA." Yes, it is America, and Mexico is also America and so is Canada. This country is The United States of America. Key word there being OF. I know America is used freely but the fact remains that, in the United States, numerous languages are spoken and a store owner should understand that English speakers are not the only ones that exist in this country (which is why there is no OFFICIAL LANGUAGE). Chances are that people may enter his restaurant that can not speak English but they shouldn't be turned down just because they can't speak the language.

And how is it racist? By the obvious fact that the store owner discriminates those who do not speak English, who are not "American," by not allowing them to eat at his restaurant (since this store owner is inferring that "Americans" speak English (or should), then logically all non-English speakers are not rightful "American"). So by that definition, how is it NOT racism?

If you read the article it also says that they had one couple who could not speak english and the person taking orders helped them order in english. I do not see that as being racist.

I really dont have a problem with them requiring them to speak english. Just like "no shirt, no shoes, no service" I presonally find that racist because I'm a hill billy.

[JosueSays]

If they're just going to help anyone who doesn't know how to speak English, then why put that sign up in the first place!? Not to mention the stupidity of having that sign in ENGLISH (if someone doesn't speak English, that sign is obviously not going to let them know that they can't order in their respective language) makes me believe that the restaurant owner deserves to have it taken down.

Granted I didn't read the article till you mentioned that, but the sign seemed straight forward enough to where I wouldnt have to (I didnt really care about the details). IF he's not even going to enforce the sign, then why is this even news? Everything I said only applies if he is actually going to turn down costumers, so i guess it isn't racist till he does so. And when/if he does, everything I said above still applies.

[laxative]

I don't think it is so much a case of racism as it is a case of intolerance, though I wouldn't be surprised if the owner was racist.

I have travelled extensively, actually lived abroad in China and find this whole thing ridiculous. In every country I've travelled to the local population was very excited to hear me try and speak their language but were also very interested in trying to learn from me and my native language(English). When I would have problems expressing myself in Spanish or Chinese, 99.9% of the time they were very patient and happy to help. Never once did I hear someone say, "This is China! Speak f@$&*%# Chinese!"--Then again I haven't been to France, I hear they're pretty bad about these things.