English Only

[Danny Hogan]

Granted I didn't read the article till you mentioned that

you made and then defended your stance of the owners holding racial prejudices before you even read the article...

[Sonny]

France and Canada are two countries that have enforced new strict language laws for people to only use French. I'm sure there are others.

Yet, when the USA tries to do similar things with English - We are rude and intolerant and (sigh) racist.

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.

Please read the definition of racist above. It's clear you haven't read it or don't understand it.

A private business owner not serving someone who doesn't speak English on his own private property does not equate with him believing that he is genetically superior to other races. It's just a simple choice of how he wants to conduct his own business. I don't understand how you can make the giant leap of faith.

[Bluevelvet]

You cited 2 definitions for racism.

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.

_________________

Definition #2 seems more applicable based on ethnicity.

[Zeuslax]

If his parents struggled to speak English, instead of his grand parents. I think he would have a little different take on things. To see your parents struggle and have people smirk or laugh, he would throw that sign right out the window. However, they are coaching the orders. It's a private business, he should be able to do what he wants within reason.I guess business is pretty good......If he was struggling, you better believe you could order a cheesesteak in Mandarin, or Kushi for that matter.

I feel very strongly about this issue. This generation of immigrants is different then previous generations. They are not assimilating the way former ethnic groups have and many don't want to. When my parents came everyone took english classes, the whole family. The native tongue was saved too. Greek is one of the only langues in the US to be passed down on a large scale basis, multiple generations. The polish lost theirs within a generation and the Italians and Germans after one. These groups assimilated very quickly!

[Sonny]

You cited 2 definitions for racism.

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.

_________________

Definition #2 seems more applicable based on ethnicity.

And if someone of a different ethnicity spoke English in his store as requested this wouldn't be an issue, correct?

[JosueSays]

2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.

As you yourself have quoted, there is more than just one definition for racism.[/quote]

[StrykerFSU]

If I'm not mistaken, both Pat's and Geno's operate on what I best term the "Soup Nazi" approach to ordering. Those guys will send you to the back of the line for stammering, "uhhh, I want the cheesesteak with some mushroom...uhh" "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" It's all part of the the cheesesteak experience.

[Beta]

Perhaps the cheesesteak place believes that guests in their establishment should follow their standards. Kinda like how some households dont wear shoes inside, more/less

[Tim Whitehead]

Sonny, can you please provide me a link to this new Canadian law that says people may only use French....?

[sohotrightnow]

Sonny, can you please provide me a link to this new Canadian law that says people may only use French....?

He will have a hard time doing so, considering there is no such law.

[Tim Whitehead]

That's what I'm thinking. I will, however, be interested to see what he comes up with...

[Sonny]

Sonny, can you please provide me a link to this new Canadian law that says people may only use French....?

Hasn't Ottawa enacted laws against English signs, govt. documents, and education methods in favor of French only? Didn't they almost secede from Canada over some of these language issues last year (or the year prior)?

[Sonny]

2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.

As you yourself have quoted, there is more than just one definition for racism.

And you don't seem to be using either definition.

[Gregg Pathiakis]

Sonny, can you please provide me a link to this new Canadian law that says people may only use French....?

Hasn't Ottawa enacted laws against English signs, govt. documents, and education methods in favor of French only? Didn't they almost secede from Canada over some of these language issues last year (or the year prior)?

I don't know the extent of the law, but you are correct, there is one province of Canada (probably Ottawa like you mentioned) that has laws concerning language.

[Brent Burns]

Sonny, can you please provide me a link to this new Canadian law that says people may only use French....?

Hasn't Ottawa enacted laws against English signs, govt. documents, and education methods in favor of French only? Didn't they almost secede from Canada over some of these language issues last year (or the year prior)?

I don't know the extent of the law, but you are correct, there is one province of Canada (probably Ottawa like you mentioned) that has laws concerning language.

Would it be Quebec?