(no subject)
I went to a job fair in Allentown today, and as I was filling out an application, a latino couple sat down next to me. It wouldn't have bothered me, except they were speaking hurriedly to each other only in Spanish. What also bothered me is that I found out (that for some time) WFMZ has an all-Spanish news broadcast. I know I've said this many times before, but WE'RE IN FUCKING AMERICA. Yes, we don't have an official language, but when this country was founded, our leaders and common folk spoke English.
When I go to the ATM or call my credit card company about my balance, I shouldn't have to select a language. There shouldn't be any all-Spanish news casts, nor should there be multiple languages printed in instruction manuals, on product labels, or on signs. This is America. You know damn well if any of us went overseas, 90% of the time the signs would be in the major language of that country, with no regard to American English. Why are we so different? Why do we cater to people that disrespect us by not learning our language?
UPDATE: Last night at Taco Bell, I saw a quite humorous (and ironic) advertisement that read "Learn English." Aside from the fact that the phrase itself made me laugh (because I am, as stated earlier, in America), then I started thinking about people that don't know English...how would they read said advertisement unless they knew at least some English? It's like putting up a poster that says "Learn to read."
When I go to the ATM or call my credit card company about my balance, I shouldn't have to select a language. There shouldn't be any all-Spanish news casts, nor should there be multiple languages printed in instruction manuals, on product labels, or on signs. This is America. You know damn well if any of us went overseas, 90% of the time the signs would be in the major language of that country, with no regard to American English. Why are we so different? Why do we cater to people that disrespect us by not learning our language?
UPDATE: Last night at Taco Bell, I saw a quite humorous (and ironic) advertisement that read "Learn English." Aside from the fact that the phrase itself made me laugh (because I am, as stated earlier, in America), then I started thinking about people that don't know English...how would they read said advertisement unless they knew at least some English? It's like putting up a poster that says "Learn to read."